Realistic STA-52 (1977–1978)

Name: Realistic STA-52
Brand: Realistic

Entry-level AM/FM stereo receiver with simulated quadraphonic sound, sold through Radio Shack.

Overview

The Realistic STA-52, catalog number 31-2072, is an AM/FM stereo receiver made for Radio Shack from 1977 to 1978. It was sold as a budget entry-level component. It puts out 12 watts per channel into 8Ω. It has a magnetic phono input, separate bass and treble controls, and speaker A/B switching with an "A Rev" mode that reverses the audio channels. Radio Shack catalogs listed it in 1977 (page 4) and 1978 (page 12). In 1979 the STA-52B replaced it, with 16 watts per channel but no Quatravox circuitry.

Specifications

Model	Realistic STA-52, Catalog No. 31-2072
Manufacturer	Realistic (Radio Shack)
Year Introduced	1977
Production Years	1977–1978
Type	AM/FM Stereo Receiver
Power Output	12 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.2%
Frequency Response	15 Hz – 30 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio	60 dB (MM), 65 dB (line)
Input Sensitivity	2.5 mV (MM), 150 mV (line), 280 mV (DIN)
Outputs	Tape (RCA and DIN), 2 x Speaker terminals
Speaker Outputs	Supports two sets of speakers with A/B switching and "A Rev" mode
Inputs	PHONO (magnetic), AUX, TAPE (DIN and standard)
Tuner Bands	AM (BC), FM
Tuning Method	Superheterodyne with dual LED tuning meter
Headphone Jack	1/4" (6.3mm)
AC Outlet	Unswitched, 100 watts max
Power Supply	120V AC, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	180 watts
Dimensions (W×H×D)	17.375 × 5.1875 × 11.25 inches (441 × 132 × 286 mm)
Weight	15.75 lb (7.151 kg)
Case Material	Wooden case
Front Panel Design	Silver with black dial face and gold lettering
Country of Manufacture	South Korea (custom manufactured for Radio Shack)

Design

The STA-52 has Quatravox/Quadraphonic Voice circuitry, which simulates a four-channel sound experience from stereo sources. The front panel has a dual LED tuning meter, a silver finish and a black dial face with gold lettering. The case is a bookshelf-style wooden one. On the back and front you also get a 1/4" headphone jack and an unswitched 100-watt AC outlet for powering other components.

Context

Radio Shack positioned the STA-52 as the entry-level receiver in the Realistic line. The 1977 and 1978 catalogs listed it as a budget offering for buyers who wanted solid performance at an affordable price. In 1979 the STA-52B replaced it. That model increased power output to 16 watts per channel and dropped the Quatravox circuitry.

Market

The original price was $199.95. Prices now vary widely. Units turn up at thrift stores for $10-$60, and professionally restored models sell for up to $320. Common problems are tuner trouble (often diode-related), failing power supply components, noisy pots and switches, and blown dial lamps. The receiver is straightforward to service. Typical repairs are recapping, cleaning the controls, and replacing dial lamps - sometimes upgraded to LEDs.