Description
Offered for your consideration is a vintage Realistic Cat. No. 30-1972 SA-100 Solid State Stereo Amplifier, manufactured in Japan. The SA-100 is an integrated stereo amplifier rated at 10 watts per channel. This compact unit is housed in a sturdy plywood case covered in attractive real walnut veneer. Replaced by the practically identical SA-100B and C, which would soldier-on into the mid-1970’s, the SA-100 was 1969-only which makes it fairly uncommon. So, please see my large photos, the above 1969 Radio Shack catalog excerpt image, and read the remaining description to decide if this neat little Realistic amp should be yours. This Realistic SA-100 amplifier is in clean, very good condition. The walnut veneer case is in nice shape with a few small nicks, dings, and chips, but no dents or true scratches. And the aluminum faceplate is also free of dings and scratches, aside from some nicks on the tone control knob, but has some light oxidation as pictured. Also, the lettering at the slider controls shows wear—some of it can no longer be seen—and there’s also oxidation on the anodized back panel. However, overall, this little amp presents quite nicely. When it came into my possession, two of the speaker terminals’ slot head screws were missing. Those screws are tedious crap, so I replaced them with period-correct binding posts of the correct screw thread size. Note that both of the positive terminals are in the center, as opposed to being staggered, indicated by the factory-stamped + markings on the back plate. Also, the power-on bulb was burned out, so I replaced it with a fresh bayonet-type lamp. The unit was tested as working before I replaced the terminals and light. Once inside for the lamp swap, I took the opportunity to apply DeoxIT to all three potentiometers, working them to-and-fro repeatedly. This resulted in increased volume at the center point reference and near elimination of static at lowest audible volume. Also, the balance control works as it should, but the tone control doesn’t seem to do much. I tested this SA-100 amp with my iPod connected to the tuner inputs, using some Canton Plus S compact speakers, and was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds. Nothing seemed amiss with the midrange and highs, but the bass was less than what those quality German speakers are capable of. I have no doubt that larger, more efficient speakers would bring up the low-end with this amp. And, the terminals I installed are working nicely, but have a small diameter hole if going with bare speaker wire ends. They can take banana plugs as well. Plus, the controls are all working smoothly and the power-on diode glows bright red now. I didn’t test the phono inputs because I don’t have a turntable at present, and can’t really see anyone wanting this amp for playing albums. Lastly, the right channel volume output might be a touch less than the left, but it was hard to tell. I was too busy being amazed at how nicely it was working after sitting unused for decades; a testament to Japanese build quality of the period! In conclusion, the SA-100 is a terrific solution for small spaces such as bedroom, den, workshop, etc. where 50 or 100 watts per channel simply isn’t ever utilized. I think some lucky buyer will be very pleased with it for such a role! As pictured and described, this Realistic SA-100 compact stereo amplifier is offered at a competitive price. Terms of Sale: I encourage interested parties to ask any questions they may about this listing before committing to purchase as there are no cancellations, returns, refunds, or claims considered. Payment is due at checkout by PayPal or other accepted methods. U.S. mailing addresses will pay $13.95 for very carefully packed shipping via U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS with tracking and delivery confirmation. International purchases accepted only from those who are able to pay with PayPal including shipping by U.S. Postal Service Global Priority Air Mail. Thanks for looking!
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