Radio
Shack sold a number of interesting mini-amplifiers from 1969-1980. A
few were exceptional and many were quite decent. The SA-101 was the last in the line of their better performing mini-amplifiers. When introduced in 1975, its '"clean, modern style" cosmetics were a departure from the "classic silver era" look that was trending at the time. Its successor in the Realistic line, introduced in 1980, returned to classic cosmetics but could not match the performance of the SA-101, which boasted higher power and a more usable tone control.
THIS
OFFERING IS FOR THE REALISTIC SA-101 AMPLIFIER WITH A PAIR OF SOLO-103 SPEAKERS.
The
SOLO-103 are classic mid-60"s single driver speakers with a uniquely
appealing sound. Not much low end but with the detailed presentation,
good balance and superior imaging that make single driver speakers so
appealing. Foster Electronics made the four inch drivers ( 10F3, F-103
and FE-103) that perform remarkably well with low power amps. Made In
Japan. Combining the sonic appeal with attractive retro styling, the
Solo-103 remains one of the great bargains in the world of low-budget
audio. They sold for $ 16 per speaker when introduced in 1967 but they
have always delivered a quality listening experience, winning them a
devoted following and considerable acclaim for 50+ years.
The SA-101 amplifier
performed well with many of the entry level speakers
that Radio Shack and others offered. It is a fun amplifier to use with a number of small single driver speakers
including Realistic Solo-1, Minimus 8 , Solo-103 and JVC Executive Series. It even offers reasonably good performance with small 2-ways like the Realistic Minimus 5 and Minimus 25 and 26. A nice value in a very compact 3.5" x 9.25" x 7" package wrapped in walnut gained vinyl veneer.