('79-'80) 60 WPC   $550 (pristine)

In mint cosmetic condition, fully bench serviced, fully tested and fully operational, this Onkyo TX-4500MKii is the upgraded and "prettier" version of the very popular and earlier TX-4500.  Absolutely all the inputs/outputs, switches, knobs and lamps are working perfectly.  Units like these are near impossible to find in such amazing condition!

This was the first stereo receiver with quartz-synchronization for the FM band.  Even though its predecessor, TX-4500 was a successful Onkyo upper middle class receiver, Onkyo decided to redesign the 4500 so the MKii version was definitely "optimized". 

Upgraded components packed into almost the exact same chassis as the 4500 resulted in an additional 10 watts more than the first version.  The MKii is rated at a very conservative (and honest) 55 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 65 watts per channel in 4 ohms (with a max of around 70 watts per channel when pushed). 

And, for the display scale, they continued the use of the popular, real thick glass. With its already desirable industrial design, this was an added expression of timeless elegance. 
The 4500MKii is a heavy receiver at about 36 lbs and, at about 23" wide, it's about 2" wider than the competition in its class.   It has reliable and solid high power; enough to drive 3 pairs of most speakers.  

The trademark look of this series, the rosewood veneer on metal along with the four hex bolts holding the front glass, gives it a "top shelf" appeal.  Onkyo was so pleased with the overall success of the TX-4500MKii that, out of the hundreds of products they designed all that time,  it was the featured receiver on the print sheets for their 70th Anniversary.

Basic specs:
Power output: minimum 60 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 15Hz to 30kHz
THD: 0.1%
Signal to noise ratio: 65dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 23"W x 6.5"H x 16.9"D
Weight: 36 lbs

About Onkyo...
The word Onkyo translates as "sound harmony".  Starting out in 1946, Osaka Denki ONKYO K.K. is established and begins manufacturing phonograph pickups. The CP-1000 turntable was the first product to bear the ONKYO brand.  They also manufactured integrated stereo systems throughout the years but they majored in turntables, early amps, preamps, stereo receivers and also the cassette tape format beginning in 1981 with the TA-W800, the world's first high-speed dubbing, double-cassette tape deck with a wide variety of tape-editing functions.
They hit their high mark in the late 70's with the TX-xxxx series of stereo receivers, tuners and amps.  Onkyo kept pace with, and in some ways exceeded, the strong competition from Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz, Optonica, etc.  The stereo wars of the 70's yielded so many great products and Onkyo is right there with the best of them.
Today, Onkyo is still a global brand and their Integra series is well respected.

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('75-'77)  20 WPC  $900

In pristine cosmetic condition, fully bench serviced, fully tested and fully operational, this beautiful Marantz 2220B stereo receiver was obtained locally from the estate of the original owner.  This was the replacement for the earlier Marantz 2220.
This receiver comes with the factory walnut-veneer-on-metal case.  However, as shown in some of the photos, one of our hand-built, solid walnut covers is available as an option at an extra cost of $250.  

Servicing included a complete disassembly (see photos). All pots and switches were accessed for a chemical treatment of deoxit gold along with carefully checking all solder traces and wiring .   The old vellum paper backing (behind the lamps) was also replaced with fresh new vellum.  That's important because upgrading the lamps to LEDs must include new vellum.  Now, those all new "frosted white" fuse lamps that were installed will look much smoother.  Final testing assured that every function is now in perfect working order.  Although this receiver is not recapped, it has absolutely no issues.
NOTE:  We offer professional restoration and recapping services for vintage Marantz equipment.  If interested, give us a call or stop by for more information.

From the "best" era of Marantz during the 70's, the 2220B has that very recognizable and popular design: heavy silver aluminum faceplate with blackout dial and (thanks to the installation of new vellum along with a new type of "frosted" LEDs), the beautiful blue glow of the dial and meter are simply stunning.  Of course the gyro tuning wheel is instantly recognized as one of the best known features about Marantz.   Selling for about $300 in 1974, these receivers are known for having long and productive lives when well taken care of...just like this one!

Of the two similar (but different) Marantz models (2220 vs 2220B) the 2220B sold like hotcakes and is generally more popular as it has a well deserved reputation of being able to put out close to double it's rated watts.  This power difference over the 2220 is most likely due to the direct coupled outputs on the "B" versus the capacitively coupled outputs on the other.  Cosmetically, besides the faceplate, the major difference is the 2220B has a slider control for balance instead of a knob.

Essentially, the 2220B punches out more than its very conservative rating of 20 watts per channel.  For those who realize that, in some cases (depending on your REAL needs), you just don't need a ton of power, preferably when driving high quality efficient speakers....especially if the amp section is as good as this one is.  Because this receiver is relatively easy to service, everything about this Marantz 2220B, inside and out,  was put together with simplicity in design and function.

Basic specs:
Power: 20 watts per channel into 8 ohms 
Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz
THD: 0.9%
Dimensions: 18.25"W x 7"H x 15.25"D (including case)
Weight : 35 lbs. (including optional cover)

recapped, restored  ('75-'77)  SOLD 
*27 WPC @ 8 ohms / 38 WPC @ 4 ohms    (includes WC-22 case)

In absolutely excellent cosmetic condition, fully serviced and fully tested, this beautiful Marantz 2220B stereo receiver was the replacement for the earlier Marantz 2220.   

Professionally bench serviced in May 2026:
Services performed:
Replace all electrolytic capacitors on P400 phono board 
Replace all electrolytic capacitors on P800 power supply
Additional services:
Cleaned and lubricated all controls
Installed dial and meter lamps with frosted cool white LEDs
Replaced vellum diffuser material for clean "blue" glow across faceplate dial
(All service test data and performance sheets along with the old parts are included.)

*NOTE: It should be mentioned that, although the Marantz 2220B was rated at 22 watts per channel, after the recap & restoration, this unit puts out a minimum of 27 WPC into 8 ohms and a punchy 38 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

This timeless and classic Marantz 2220B stereo receiver features the excellent sonic quality expected from Marantz during the mid 70's. This period of time was generally referred to as the "Golden Age of HiFi".  As shown in the photos, the Marantz factory WC-22 walnut case is included.  There's no disputing that this case completely enhances the overall appeal of this wonderful Marantz 2220B receiver.

Experienced technicians love the Marantz 2220B. It's a service-friendly receiver because of excellent access to each PCB.  Interestingly, Marantz rarely (if ever) included the 4 ohm power output in their specs.  In the final analysis, driving 4 ohm speakers can be a challenge to some amplifier designs.  Generally, most of us are very familiar with 8 ohm speakers simply because the vast majority of speaker designs were 8 ohms.  Most of the time, the amplifier needs some "extra strength" when driving 4 ohms.  Fortunately, as a matter of convenience, our Marantz tech will usually try to include the 4 ohm output in his final data write-ups.  (By the way, he primarily works on Marantz gear.  He has 30+ years as an audio engineer and that included working directly for Marantz/Superscope in Chatsworth CA.)

From the "best" era of Marantz during the 70's, the 2220B has that very recognizable and popular design: heavy silver aluminum faceplate with blackout dial and the beautiful blue glow of the dial and meter.  Of course the gyro tuning wheel is instantly recognized as one of the best known features about Marantz.   Selling for about $300 in 1974, these receivers are known for having long and productive lives when well taken care of.
Obviously, with the recap, restoration and intensive bench testing, this 2220B will perform as new (even better) for many years to come.

Of the two similar (but different) Marantz models (2220 vs 2220B) the 2220B sold like hotcakes and is generally more popular as it has a well deserved reputation of being able to put out close to double it's rated watts.  This power difference over the 2220 is most likely due to the direct coupled outputs on the "B" versus the capacitively coupled outputs on the other.  Cosmetically, besides the faceplate, the major difference is the 2220B has a slider control for balance instead of a knob.

Basic specs:
Power: 27 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 38 WPC into 4 ohms
Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz
THD: 0.9%
Dimensions: 18.25"W x 7"H x 15.25"D (including case)
Weight : 35 lbs. (including case)

('71-'76)  45 WPC  $1600 (cover is *optional)

This Marantz 2245 is 100% completely functional and cosmetically superior.  As per our intensive bench servicing, testing  and cleaning, all inputs & outputs are fully functional. Additionally, bias and offset have been adjusted.  All new lamps have been installed.

*NOTE: As shown in the photos, this beauty also has one of our optional hand-built, solid walnut covers that completely transforms the look of the 2245.   Covers are priced from $250 depending on choice of wood.

Although entirely argumentative, the 22XX series from Marantz are widely acclaimed as the "best" of all.  They used the best available parts when building the earlier series. This was a similar philosophy towards the design of the late 70's Concept units from Pacific Stereo. Essentially, Marantz had the foresight during the design process to engineer and build their units to last a very long time (provided the units were regularly serviced and kept in good shape over the years.  

The Marantz 2245 receiver was produced from 1971 to around 1976 and put out a conservative 45 watts per channel into 8 ohms.  It has that great look a the mid-70's Marantz receivers with its brushed aluminum face plate, blue tuning dial and the famous Marantz "Gyro-Touch" flywheel tuner.  

Because the 2245 originally sold for around $449, that was considered a premium price when compared to (for example) the Pioneer SX-828 or Kenwood KR-5150. 

The 2245 represented the mid-level model, and the little brother to the 2270. Still, the 2245 touted more guts, better features, and a better tuner section than the entry-level 2230.  It wasn't just advertising when they said the Marantz also sounded "better", offering a slightly warmer sonic presentation along with decidedly more elegant cosmetics that many enthusiasts favorably compared to those of McIntosh.  That somewhat warm and friendly tonal balance remains as probably the most important reason that Marantz receivers still rank above the other solid-state units from the same period.

The 2245 was made prior to the Marantz receivers' design change in the late 70's and did not have the hex-shaped bolts that secured the faceplate; instead it had screws.

Besides the usual bass/treble controls, it also has a mid-tone adjustment which is nice. It also has a low and high filter along with loudness and muting.

An interesting side note is that the 2245 is pretty much identical to the 2270 except for a few less features, smaller power transformer while the filter caps are identical on both. Some have claimed the sonic differences of the 2245 compared to the 2270 are so close that the biggest differences would (obviously) be the choice of speakers since the power output of the 2270 was greater than the 2245.

Basic specs:
Power output: 45 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
THD: 0.3%
Damping factor: 45
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 18"W x 6.5"H x 14"D (including wood case)
Weight: 40 lbs (including wood cover)

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('73-'74)  30 WPC    $950

One of the best of the early 70's receivers, this Marantz 2230 was obtained
locally from the original owner.    After our intensive bench services, what was already pretty good about the 2230 is now beyond great!  The actual power output is about 33 watts per channel into 8 ohms RMS both channels driven, 20 - 20,000 Hz, with no more than 0.05% THD.
Additional services included all new cool blue LEDs, all inputs, outputs, switches and controls are perfectly functional.
*NOTE: As shown in one of the photos, our optional solid walnut covers are available for an additional $250.  

Like all the Marantz receivers from their best era (early-to mid 70's)  the 2230 has that expected warm sound and is surprisingly powerful beyond it's rated 30 watts per channel.  Most Marantz lovers would agree that they peaked in the 70's, particularly with their line of 2200 series receivers. Even today, the 2200 series receivers are immensely popular with audiophiles and audio collectors.  Along with their power amplifiers, preamplifiers and tuners, Marantz is practically the definition of 70's home entertainment. They won't tell you this on their website, but, unfortunately, by the time the early 80's came along, most Marantz products were a mere shadow of their predecessors.

There is much discussion online about the 2230 but here's what Marantz had to say about it in 1973:
"Best in its class. With impressive specifications and Marantz-exclusive features, the Model 2230 offers more value and performance than any other receiver in its class. We've known that for years. But just recently, one of the nation's most respected independent consumer testing organizations verified it.   In not one, but two separate categories: ~features and performance. It delivers 60 Watts continuous power, both channels driven, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with total harmonic and inter-modulation distortion well under 0.5%.
~Stepped, three-zone tone controls for BASS, MID, TREBLE.
~Provisions for tape decks, phones, record changers and 4-channel adaptors. Ultra low-distortion FET, RF and IF circuitry. Massive heat sinks; automatic protection for internal circuitry and associated speakers, plus the famous Marantz gold-anodized front panel. Looking for a moderately priced receiver? The Marantz 2230 out-does them all." 

Specs:
Power output: 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 15Hz to 50kHz
THD: 0.05%
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 17.5"W x 5.5"H x 14"D
Weight: 28.6 lbs

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(1973) 35 WPC  $525

Fully bench serviced, fully tested and in absolutely pristine cosmetic condition, this classic Pioneer SX-737 is a great looking receiver and was a midrange offering during the early to mid-70's.  
It features the famous "Pioneer blue" lighting on the FM dial glass and meters.  While it was considered an upper-mid level unit it really is built with the same excellent quality as Pioneer's higher end receivers from that era. 

The 737 is rated at a very conservative 35 watts per channel at 8 ohms and about 45 watts per channel at 4 ohms.  Until the legendary Pioneer SX-1010 came out in '76, the SX-737 was third to the TOTL from Pioneer.
It has the historic and beautiful look of mid 70's Pioneer receivers.  In their own way, this series of Pioneer receivers was as distinctive in its cosmetic design as were the later SX-50xx models that came later on in the late 70's.

The SX-737 has those typical features anyone would need in an analog stereo receiver including inputs for a turntable, AUX, two tape and two pairs of speakers.  One interesting note is that there is a convenient mic input on the front panel.

Many sets of experienced ears (including ours) have described the SX-737 as having a very warm and rich sound.  It's real worth is in it's warmth, detail, low distortion, low noise and large dynamic range.   The capacitor coupled amp section allows the unit to perform perfectly under heavy loads and is known for it's warm "tube-like" sound.

Back in the day, Stereo Review and Audio magazine did "shootouts" comparing performance specs and price between the likes of Yamaha, Onkyo, Kenwood, Sansui, Marantz and Technics.  They reached the same conclusion: the Pioneer SX-737 sounded as good as the costlier units and much better than the similarly priced ones. 

Basic specs:
Power output: 35 WPC into 8 ohms
Frequency response: 15Hz to 40kHz
THD: 0.5%
Speaker load impedance: 4 ohms minimum
Dimensions: 19.7"W x 6.3"H x 16"
Weight: 30 lbs

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('78-'79) 40 WPC @ 8 ohms  $400 

In pristine cosmetic condition, fully serviced and fully tested, this Kenwood KR-4070 comes with a custom rosewood veneer case along with the original factory box & packing materials.

The KR-4070 was one of Kenwood's most popular receivers for a few reasons.  It was designed with a strong tuner section and excellent phono stage. 

After our intensive bench services, what was already pretty good about the KR-4070 is now beyond great!  The actual power output is about 44 watts per channel into 4 ohms and about 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms min. RMS both channels driven, 20 - 20,000 Hz, with no more than 0,05% THD.

The overall sound is sweet and transparent with many numerous great reviews on the web.  Built to compete with comparable mid-sized Pioneer, Sansui, Yamaha, etc and, according to sales figures, outsold them all. 

Features:
~Direct-coupled pure complementary amplifier circuit,
~Quietest phono section in its class: 83 dB S/N, 
~3-gang tuning capacitor and FET front end for high FM sensitivity (2.0 µV ) with low distortion, PLL in FM Multiplex for improved stereo separation, 
~Large signal strength and FM center-tune meter and FM Auto Muting. 
~Wide band power with the same low distortion amplifier and high performance FM tuner you expect from Kenwood 
~Easily capable of driving two pairs of speakers
 In other words, a lot of great stuff in a beautiful vintage receiver.

About Kenwood (Trio)...

Established in 1946 as the Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd. in Komagane City, Japan, in 1960 the company was renamed Trio Corporation. In 1963 the first overseas office was founded in Los Angeles.

In the early 1960s, Trio's products were rebranded by the Lafayette Radio Co with a focus on CB radio.

An importer of Japanese-made electronics Radio Shack (Realistic, Tandy Corp) was A&A Trading Co., and a bilingual Japanese-speaking manager from there established a company that would be the exclusive importer of Trio products.

The name Kenwood was invented by Kasuga as being the combination of "Ken", a name common to Japan and North America that had been tested and proven acceptable to American consumers in the name of Kenmore appliance (Sears) \, and "Wood", referring to the durable substance as well as suggesting a relation to Hollywood.  The brand recognition of Kenwood eventually surpassed that of Trio's, and in 1986 Trio bought Kenwood and renamed itself Kenwood.  Eventually, Kenwood merged with JVC in 2008 as JVC/Kenwood.

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('77-'78)  75 WPC  SOLD

In excellent cosmetic condition, fully bench *serviced and tested, this Realistic STA-2000 receiver was introduced by Radio Shack in early 1977 as its "most powerful receiver" to date.  It was their flagship model and much hoopla surrounded its release.  All of the most popular HiFi magazines at the time were eager to test the STA-2000 and Radio Shack didn't even have to run ads to get them to do it.

During this part of the vintage era (the late 70's), Radio Shack had finally become well known for its high quality electronic designs that easily rivaled names like Pioneer, Sansui and the rest of the biggest names in HiFi. 
See the "About Radio Shack" section below.

*Servicing included: 
~new output transistors
~bias / DC offset adjusted
~all pots & switches chemically treated (deoxit gold and/or faderlube)
~all inputs / outputs tested and functioning perfectly
~replace all lamps with new cool white LEDs

At first glance, the Realistic STA-2000 announces itself as a receiver to be reckoned with. It sports that late 70's "clean look" and yet retains its own distinction and individuality. When you try to pick up this 48 pound receiver, it tests your muscle and hints at its own. And indeed the amplifier section, with its conservatively rated 75 watts per channel output capability, is a solid contender in the middle heavyweight class.  In real world bench tests, it averages between 81-83 actual watts per channel into 8 ohms. 
NOTE: Although not verified, several HiFi magazines ran serious bench tests on the STA-200 with estimates ranging from 120-140 WPC into 4 ohms.  We still believe it.

Add to this a well-chosen array of highly functional controls and very competent FM and preamp sections, and the result is quite an attractive package.  Upon its release in 1977, the STA-2000's price was an incredibly low $499 (especially when compared to those same class yet higher priced "big guys" like Pioneer, Kenwood, Sansui, etc) 

The beautiful and thoughtful cosmetic design of the entire unit with the focus on the light gold-tinted faceplate that has features not usually seen in its class:
Massive knurled metal knobs / heavy weighted tuning flywheel / slanted dial glass / heavy-duty push buttons / solid switches / left & right power peak power meter / a third meter that does double-duty as both a signal strength and tuning for the FM.  The case features real walnut veneer side panels. 

However, the essence of the STA-2000 is not its convenience and styling; its heart, rather, lies squarely in its circuitry.With noise figures rivaling those of many high end separate components, the preamp section clearly shows its capability. The phono stage in particular is especially good.If any part of the STA-2000 approaches overachiever status, it is the power amplifier.

First to consider is its massive linear E-I Core transformer that provides the stable voltage required for the heavy-duty power amp section.  Then there are the two identical power amp modules (15000uf) that use a differential amplifier input stage and are direct-coupled from input to speaker outputs.  A separate module contains a five-transistor plus relay protection circuit. Three forms of circuit protection insure against overdrive, thermal and speaker problems, including "dead shorting" of speakers!It meets its specs for power and distortion (0.25%) with a good deal to spare!  It draws attention to itself only by the ample power held in reserve for reproducing peaks. Its damping factor is more than sufficient to keep even those low efficiency speakers in check at low frequencies.

Basic specs:
Power Output: 75 WPC @ 8 ohms (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Rated THD: 0.25 per cent.
Frequency Response: 15 Hz to 20 kHz.
Dimensions: 19.25"W x 6.25"H x 16.5"D
Weight: 48 lbs

About Radio Shack / Realistic / Tandy Corp...
Because the Realistic STA-2000/2000D (and the later STA-2080) were such a radical design for Radio Shack, there have been a lot of rumors about who actually made these units.  Uninformed chatter claims it was Foster that made them.  Nope, that's wrong.  The parent company of Radio Shack was Tandy Corp.  They were either called Tandy Electronics (TEC) or just plain old Tandy.  They had their own manufacturing facilities in both Japan and Korea.  They built a lot of their own stuff in their own factories. Tandy was a higher quality manufacturer than Foster.

Richard Schram (originally from Pacific Stereo and then on to become the founder of Parasound back in the day) had extensive experience dealing with Japanese audio engineers throughout his time at Pacific Stereo.
He decided he wanted Tandy to manufacture their high end Concept receiver lineup, stating he thought they did a better job than Foster.  Despite all the confusion about who made the STA-2000 & 2000D. The answer is Tandy.  Period.  Plus the ONLY difference between the two models is one button that was changed out for Dolby FM.  Otherwise, they are identical.

The end: back story...
At its zenith, Radio Shack had over 7500 stores across the country.  Hobbyists involved with any type of electronics could hustle on down to the local "Shack" and get what they needed right then and there.  It was awesome!  Their annual catalogs were a major plus; literally thousands of items were listed with photos, description and prices.  With its "you have questions, we have answers" mantra, the company was famous for having a store on nearly every corner.

1921: Founded by brothers Theodore and Milton Deutschmann in Boston as a supplier for amateur (ham) radio operators and ship radio officers.The Name: "Radio Shack" was the technical term for the small, wooden structure housing radio equipment on a ship.

1963: Almost bankrupt, the company was purchased by Charles Tandy of Tandy Corporation, transforming it into a high-growth retail electronics chain by targeting do-it-yourselfers and hobbyists.

'70s/'80s Peak: It was a "mythical place" for electronic components, CB radios, and, in 1977, one of the first mass-produced personal computers, the TRS-80.

Loss of Core Identity: As consumer demand shifted from building/fixing electronics to buying finished products, RadioShack shifted toward consumer electronics, losing its specialty niche. 

Competition: It was outmatched by big-box retailers like Best Buy and online sellers like Amazon, losing its reputation for having unique parts in stock.

Strategic Missteps: Too many stores too close together and a failure to transition effectively to a digital-first model led to over 11 consecutive quarterly losses.

Bankruptcy: Following numerous attempts to rebrand, including pushing cell phones and trying to be known as "The Shack," the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2015, and again in 2017.

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