Realistic STA-180

Almost nothing survives on the Realistic STA-180. A contemporary model, the STA-120B, was documented (HiFI-Stereo, 1972, p.60). The STA-180 does not appear in any of the period equipment directories, magazine reviews, or technical records consulted for this archive. No specifications, production years, original price, or performance data have been preserved in the sources available to us. Even the product type can't be confirmed. It could be a stereo receiver, an integrated amplifier, or a tuner, and it is listed only under the broad category of audio components.

The STA-180 presumably belonged to Realistic's STA series, which covered a wide range of receivers and amplifiers sold through Radio Shack stores throughout the 1970s. The STA-120B, which was documented, was listed with 0.3% harmonic distortion at rated output, FM sensitivity of 1.8 µV for 30 dB quieting, a capture ratio of 1.3 dB, and Butterworth and crystal filters in the IF stage (HiFI-Stereo, 1972, p.60). Whether the STA-180 shared any design elements, features, or performance characteristics with the STA-120B is not recorded.

If you own a Realistic STA-180 or have documentation for one - an owner's manual, a review, an advertisement, or a service sheet - the Archive would welcome your contribution.