Sherwood RX-4109B (2009–2014)
At 19.5 lbs, it sits on the shelf solid and serious, built to drive a house full of sound.
Overview
The Sherwood RX-4109B is a latecomer to the vintage hi-fi timeline. It was produced from 2009 to 2014 and sold through Radio Shack as a counterpoint to the flood of budget receivers in the entry-level market. It was marketed as an in-house designed product, not a rebranded OEM box, with discrete circuitry and a clear sonic target. The full price was $99.99 (often discounted). It aimed to punch above that price, especially for people building whole-house audio systems or pairing it with legacy components.
The RX-4109B fits a vintage context because it relies on wired connectivity, analog controls and has no streaming features. It was built with 21st-century manufacturing precision but follows classic receiver architecture. Owners report it was already nearing end-of-life by 2010, making it one of the last standalone receivers Sherwood pushed into the Radio Shack pipeline before the shift to digital streaming took full hold.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Sherwood |
| Model | RX-4109B |
| Type | AM/FM stereo receiver |
| Production Years | 2009–2014 |
| Power Output | 2 x 100 W (stereo mode, 8 Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.04 % (8 Ω, 100 W, 20 Hz–20 kHz) |
| Intermodulation Distortion | 0.02 % (60 Hz : 7 kHz = 4 : 1 SMPTE, 8 Ω, 100 W) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 95 dB |
| Frequency Response | 20 – 44000 Hz |
| AM Band Range | 520 – 1710 kHz |
| FM Band Range | 87.5 – 108 MHz |
| Supported Radio Bands | AM, FM |
| Radio Data System (RDS) | Yes |
| RDS Features | CT, PS, PTY, RT, TP |
| Tuner Steps | 10 kHz (FM) |
| Memory Presets | 30 |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Dimensions | 17 3/8" W × 5 7/16" H × 14 9/16" D |
| Weight | 19.5 lbs (8850 g) |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Special Feature | Sleep Timer |
| Compatible Devices | Speaker |
| Connector Type | RCA |
| Audio Encoding | Stereo |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Audio Output Type | Headphones, Speakers |
| Format | WAV |
| Wireless Technology | IR |
| Control Method | Remote |
| Inputs | Five audio inputs including tuner |
| Phono Inputs (RCA) | 1 |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 |
| Input Sensitivity | 200 mV |
| Input Impedance | 47000 Ω |
| Output Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Speaker Impedance Rating | Rated for 8 ohm and above. When using speaker systems A and B simultaneously, 16 ohm speakers must be used. |
| Speaker Selector | A+B |
| Bluetooth | No |
| AirPlay | No |
| PC in (D-Sub) | No |
| AC Input Frequency | 50 Hz |
| AC Input Voltage | 230 V |
| Optical Drive Included | No |
| Card Reader Integrated | No |
| 3D | No |
| Remote Control Operation Range | About 7 meters (23 feet), up to 30 degrees off-axis |
Key Features
Discrete Amplifier Stage System (Monoblock-Equivalent Design)
Sherwood didn't cut corners on the output stage. The RX-4109B uses a discrete amplifier design structured to mimic monoblock operation per channel, which minimizes crosstalk and feedback between left and right. That architecture is rare at this price point. It contributes to a cleaner stereo image and better dynamic control, especially with demanding speaker loads. The 100-watt-per-channel rating into 8 ohms comes with low distortion figures: just 0.04% THD and 0.02% IMD at full power. That suggests a stable, high-current design that can handle real-world transients without strain.
Built-In Phono Preamp with Dedicated RCA Input
Many modern receivers drop the phono stage to save cost. The RX-4109B includes a built-in MM (moving magnet) phono preamp with a dedicated RCA input. That made it a rare plug-and-play option for turntable owners in the 2010s, with no external phono stage needed. Input sensitivity is rated at 200 mV, standard for line-level sources, while the phono input handles the lower 2.5 mV signal with RIAA equalization. The exact phono gain isn't specified in the documentation.
Fluorescent Display Showing Active Input Source
The front panel has a fluorescent display that only shows the active input source. There's no frequency readout, no track info, no clutter. Add the brushed aluminum finish and large rotary knobs, and the look is functional rather than flashy, aimed at users who prefer tactile, distraction-free operation.
Dedicated Headphone Preamp Separate from Speaker Output
The headphone output isn't just a tap from the speaker line. It has its own preamp stage, so volume control and signal integrity are optimized for headphone listening. Users report a warm, vintage-like tone through headphones, though some note a slight hiss with highly efficient models. The dedicated circuitry avoids loading down the main amplifier.
Remote Control with Memory Preset Input (No Direct Tuning)
The included IR remote requires two batteries and works within about 7 meters and a 30-degree arc. Its function is limited: users can only input memory presets, not directly enter frequencies or control volume. That suggests Sherwood expected the unit to be used with pre-saved stations and physical knob adjustments.
FM/AM Tuner with RDS and 30 Memory Presets
The tuner section covers both AM (520-1710 kHz) and FM (87.5-108 MHz) bands with RDS functionality, including clock time (CT), program service (PS), program type (PTY), radio text (RT), and traffic program (TP) decoding. The FM tuner steps in 10 kHz increments and stores up to 30 presets. An indoor wire antenna with F connector is included for FM, along with an AM loop antenna. Both are basic but functional for urban and suburban reception.
Speaker Selector with A+B Switching and Impedance Requirements
The receiver supports two pairs of speakers via A/B selector buttons. The manual is explicit: when running both sets at once, the speakers must be 16 ohms. Running lower-impedance loads, especially below 8 ohms, can cause severe damage to the amplifier stage. That is a real limitation for multi-room setups using common 4-ohm bookshelf speakers.
CD, Tape, Aux, and Phono Inputs with Tape Monitor Loop
Inputs include CD, Tape In/Out, Aux In/Out, and Phono, all via RCA connectors. The tape monitor loop lets users switch between live input and tape playback. With five total audio inputs (including tuner), the RX-4109B has ample connectivity for analog sources, though it lacks digital inputs like optical or coaxial.
Historical Context
The Sherwood RX-4109B emerged during a transitional period for home audio, when streaming was rising but physical media and broadcast radio still held ground. Sold exclusively through Radio Shack, it was positioned as a higher-tier alternative to the budget receivers dominating the entry-level market. It shared design language and market positioning with the RX-4105, though the exact relationship between the models isn't documented. By 2010, reviewers noted it was nearing discontinuation, making it one of the final iterations of Sherwood's standalone receiver line before the brand shifted focus.
Collectibility & Value
Original pricing ranged from a full $99.99 to sale prices like $79.99 in 2007 and $59.99 on Black Friday 2008. It carried a two-year warranty. No current market prices are documented. User reports describe a key failure mode: the unit randomly turns itself off after a few seconds. Other issues include failure to lock station presets and getting stuck in a specific mode. According to the manuals, a simple power cycle often resolves temporary glitches. The most serious risk is impedance mismatch - running speakers below 8 ohms can permanently damage the amplifier. It's not a sought-after collector's item, but it holds value for users seeking a no-frills, high-power analog receiver with phono support and solid build.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ SHERWOOD RX-4109 Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $135 Latest $70 │ │ Median $69 Trend — │ │ Low $34 Volume ~8/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $200 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ $114 ┤ . . │ │ │ .. . . . . .. │ │ │. . . . . . . ... .. . ... .. . .. .│ │ │ . . .. . .. . . . . ... . . │ │ $0 ┤ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │▂ ▂ ▂ ▄▂▄▂▂ ▂▂ ▂▂▄ ▂ ▄ ▆ ▂ ▄▂▄ ▄▂ ▂▂█▄█▂ ▂▂ ▂▂▂▆▂ ▂│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-01 2026-04 2026-08│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $42–$100 (median $69, based on 54 completed sales, past 12 months)
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