Anyone know who manufactured the higher end turntables for Ralistic (Radio Shack)in the late 1970s......models Lab-300, Lab-400 and Lab-500.<P>------------------<BR>

I use one daily and often wondered who made it for Radio Slag.<P>I bought a Lab 500 in the early 80s when RS discontinued them. I think they had a hard time selling $257 turntables in such a low-end store so they dumped what they had left over for $150 each.<BR>The original headshell had a non-removable Shure M95HE cartridge, the turntable is quartz lock direct drive. Only 2 speeds though darn it.<P>Here's pictures of one with a replacement headshell: <A HREF="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5850939055" TARGET=_blank>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5850939055</A> <BR>(not my completed auction)<P>Ken D<P>------------------<BR>

Tonearm assembly reminds me of a Technics design.<P>------------------<BR>Jim <BR>------------------------

Teac<P>------------------<BR>Nothing Works Beter Then Antique Radio| |You Cant Top And Old Radio<BR> <P> <A HREF="http://www.Radio-Years.tk/" TARGET=_blank>Radio-Years</A>

Matt, they wouldn't be THAT cheap would they?<P>------------------<BR>Jim <BR>------------------------

Much of Radio Shack's audio was not that low end, some of it was pretty nice, they were snubbed by us audio snobs back in the late 70's....I was buying Acoustic Research, Dynaco & Sony. My Lab-400 was found for $8.00 last year and I like it more then my Dual turntable. Best of all, one can buy vintage Realistic items for low money when folks seem to be spending high prices on other vintage brands, Marantz, Pioneer, etc. The better Realistic models look high end when compared to some of the new audio on the market today.<P>------------------<BR>

Jim , i have a few dozen Realistic phonos and all the motors say Tech on em , but more chances out of none i am wrong but i have a good shot at being right lol<P>------------------<BR>Nothing Works Beter Then Antique Radio...Well maybe two..or three.<BR> <P> <A HREF="http://www.Radio-Years.tk/" TARGET=_blank>Radio-Years</A>

Years ago,in the 1960s, I bought a Realistic transcription turntable. 12" cast Al, machined & balanced with a large synchronous motor. Later I had the chance to look at a Rek-O-Cut unit and found them almost identical. Still have & use it.<P>------------------<BR>