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*US* BUYERS IGNORE MESSAGE ABOVE SAYING THERE IS TARIFFS FOR THE BUYER THAT IS NOT TRUE! I PREPAY ALL US BUYER TARIFFS NO TARIFFS FOR YOU TO PAY, YOU PAY IS ONLY AT CHECKOUT NO HIDDEN FEES* Elevate your audio experience with the vintage Realistic LAB-300 R-8000 turntable record player, a testament to classic design and functionality. Finished in a rich brown hue, this turntable seamlessly integrates into any home audio setup, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for vinyl enthusiasts and collectors alike.The LAB-300 model boasts a robust build and a user-friendly interface, making it a standout piece in the realm of home audio components. Whether it's for spinning your cherished vinyl records or simply as a decorative piece that exudes a retro vibe, this turntable is a timeless addition to your audio collection.
Condition is unknown, so US$298 is on the high side for a LAB-300 unless it’s been serviced, has a fresh belt/stylus, and includes the dust cover and original cartridge setup. Typical real-world asking/sold prices I’ve seen cluster much lower, with working examples often around US$50-US$130 and nicer complete units occasionally pushing higher, so this one reads ambitious rather than a bargain.
That said, it’s a well-made CEC-built vintage automatic table, and the LAB-300 has a good reputation for solid build and easy living with records when it’s healthy. If the listing is truly clean, fully functional, and original-owner with intact accessories, the premium is more understandable; otherwise, budget for belt, cartridge, and possible service before paying up.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Realistic emerged as the house brand of Radio Shack, founded in Boston in 1921 by two brothers to serve ham radio enthusiasts and ship radio operators. The company entered the high-fidelity market in 1947 with the nation's first audio showroom for comparing amplifiers, speakers, and turntables. In 1954, Harman Kardon proposed private-label gear under the name "Realist," but a lawsuit from the Realist Camera Company prompted a swift rebrand to Realistic, which Radio Shack used until 2000 after Tandy Corporation's acquisition.
Realistic spanned a broad array of consumer audio categories, including amplifiers like the "Little Jewel" series, speakers manufactured initially by Tandy in Texas and later by Japan's Sun, turntables, reel-to-reel and 8-track tape recorders, plus CB radios and accessories. The lineup emphasized accessible hi-fi components, often sourced from reputable OEMs, alongside entry-level hobbyist gear that filled Radio Shack catalogs and stores.
Positioned as a mid-tier, budget-friendly option, Realistic earned a devoted following among 1970s audiophiles for reliable performance at mass-market prices, though it never rivaled high-end marques like Dynaco or McIntosh, which Radio Shack also stocked. Today, it holds strong vintage-collector appeal for its nostalgic role in democratizing hi-fi, with survivors prized for modifiable circuits and sturdy builds despite the brand's discontinuation.
See all Realistic listings on RADAR.
