The Ergonomics of a Thrift Store Stereo

When you shop for a stereo receiver in a thrift store with a good electronics section, you need to look beyond the brand name and performance specs.  You need to look at the practicality of operating the system.  It's not enough the vintage stereo works properly.  After you've determined that a thrift store receiver works, you need to  determine whether you can work the receiver.  It is rare to find a dirt cheap thrift store receiver that actually has manuals and a remote control.  You've got to be able to operate your new old stereo receiver with the buttons and knobs on the front panel alone.

That is why I like my Technics SU-V76 amplifier and Technics ST-S76 AM/FM radio tuner.  They have intuitive controls and are easy to operate using only the buttons and knobs on the front panels.   Some receivers have no buttons and some receivers have lots of teeny-tiny buttons for obscure functions with cryptic labeling.  In contrast, my Technics units are pretty straight forward.  There are no manuals and I doubt that these units ever had a remote control.  But, at only $20 for the pair, this Technics combo has proven to be a winning combination.

If you do pick up an old stereo that needs a remote control.  Don't lose hope.  You may still be able to control it with a universal remote.  All you need is the manufacturer's code for each device and then you can program it into a remote control.  This Sony universal remote was highly rated on Amazon.com and can control stereo equipment.