Retro Stereo Systems?

[jimbutsu]

Do be careful with the modern retro-look stuff if you're wanting to play LPs on it - a lot of those systems can be rough on records and wear down the grooves pretty fast.

[palitoy]

The best place to find retro stereo equipment around here is flea markets.

[nvmbrsdoom5]

Well, not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for, but this is styled more like a typical stereo we'd have in the 80s, albeit with the new stuff they've added on there (i.e. CD player, iPod hook up, etc.) But it does play vinyl records and cassettes.

https://www.fingerhut.com/product/PF969.uts

But yeah, finding ones like this that only play records, cassettes and radio that are modernly being manufactured are pretty rare.

[VintageJoe70]

I remember having an all-in-one table top stereo back in the 80's that had the turntable, cassette, and a TV!...It was just a little 4 or 5 inch b&w tv, but it was still my first tv as a kid...No CD, as they weren't available at that time...I still have my 90's Kenwood multi component rack system though...

[cjefferys]

From my experience this stuff is kinda regional. In Toronto it seems hard to find anything good for cheap - too much demand. When I go to Florida each vintage store seems like a treasure trove.

Oh yeah, you'll almost never find any good deals on vintage in TO, damn hipsters! (probably goes the same for most big cities) But if you search around in Bumblefudge, Idaho you'll never know what deals you may find.

[Mikey]

Is Want Ad Press magazine still around ?

Used to always see used electronic stuff in there.

Would also trust it way more than Craigslist

[Brazoo]

From my experience this stuff is kinda regional. In Toronto it seems hard to find anything good for cheap - too much demand. When I go to Florida each vintage store seems like a treasure trove.

[Nostalgiabuff]

check your listings for estate sales. that is often the best place to find things like that

[Brazoo]

I don't use ebay and the antique/resale stores in my area think antiques equals glass ware. Yes, vintage would be ideal but not always an option for everyone.

Have you tried vintage stores or pawn shops? That might be a good place to check out. Or you might even just want to ask people at yard/garage sales - some people might have great stuff they don't think anyone wants anymore.

[Werewolf]

Why not just buy an 80's vintage stereo system?

I don't use ebay and the antique/resale stores in my area think antiques equals glass ware. Yes, vintage would be ideal but not always an option for everyone.

[EmergencyIan]

Why not just buy an 80's vintage stereo system? It will be better built and likely last you much longer than something newly made that looks vintage. Why spend your hard earned money on something that's overpriced and poorly made?

Just my two cents. I could be full of it as I'm no expert in this area.

- Ian

[Nostalgiabuff]

i picked up a sound design console with stereo, 8 track and turntable at an estate sale 3-4 years ago for $5.00, no lie. Had to do a little repair but then it sounded great. I put it aside for my oldest daughter when she graduates from college

[Mikey]

Back in the day I had a Kmart special "Sound Design" one that had everything combined in one unit --- even an 8 Track Tape recorder ...

Played like a champ for years

If you can find one probably wouldn't cost too much used

[TomStrong]

I bought a pre amp for a vintage Technics turntable and new needle and man! My home theatre blasts out some vinyl tunes. I think I paid $20 on eBay for the pre amp. I let’s you play an old phono output on a stereo setup. Totally worth it. I’ve got one of those retro things and it just doesn’t sound good at all.

[Nostalgiabuff]

I actually prefer vintage systems. over the summer I got a beautiful Magnavox console system circa mid to late sixties, at an estate sale for $50.00. had to have the turntable repaired which was a little pricey as not many places work on them anymore. but all worth it to me. looks and sounds awesome. no tape deck in mine but I don't have any interest in cassettes. threw all mine in the garbage years ago. I got it for the turntable. I do see systems that are cassette players at sales and thrift shops all the time though. I guess it's a matter of whether the players still work or not. I still have my Pioneer rack system that I bought around 1990 but the cassette player doesn't work anymore, probably from lack of use. I think, like with VCR's, the components dry out if not used regularly