Realistic STA-780 (1985–1987)
A synthesized AM/FM stereo receiver from Radio Shack's mid-1980s lineup. It has digital tuning and a budget price.
Overview
The Realistic STA-780 is a synthesized AM/FM stereo receiver. Radio Shack sold it under the Realistic brand from 1985 to 1987. It was built for entry-level hi-fi systems, and the 1986 Radio Shack catalog called it "the perfect choice for your first system." It pairs a digital synthesizer tuner with a musical amplifier section. The sound is clean and balanced, suited to casual listening in a living room. The tuner is microprocessor-controlled, with a search mode and phase-locked loop circuitry for stable station reception.
Specifications
| Tuning range | FM, MW |
| Power output | 48 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo) |
| Frequency response | 20–30,000 Hz |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.04% |
| Signal to noise ratio | 72 dB |
| Speaker load impedance | 40–160 |
| Output | 140mV line |
| Dimensions | 420 x 120 x 270mm (17" x 5.5" x 12.5") |
| Weight | 18 lbs |
| Original price | USD $349.95 (1986) |
Design
The STA-780 tuner is a digital synthesizer with microprocessor-controlled precision tuning and a station search mode. It uses phase-locked loop (PLL) circuitry to lock frequencies accurately and keep them stable on both FM and AM bands.
Market
A current Reverb listing shows a used STA-780 at $149.99, labeled "New Price." That suggests some residual market presence. Forum posts asking for service manuals indicate that repair and maintenance support may be needed to keep one running long term.
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