How to Buy a Thrift Store Stereo

Saving Money with Used Stereo Equipment

The world of stereo systems has changed dramatically. In the seventies, eighties, and nineties, the purchase of a component stereo system was almost a rite of passage. But, today, media is far more likely to be played from an MP3 player, smartphone, tablet, or computer than a traditional stereo. That means many perfectly good stereos and receivers make their way to thrift stores. If you have an abundance of CD's, vinyl albums, and cassettes, you may find some wonderful stereo systems at your local thrift store for very affordable prices.

Potential Savings. How much can you save by buying a used system from a thrift store? Complete mini-stereo systems can typically be found for less than $40. Component systems typically run $30 to $50 for the receiver and $8 to $15 for each additional component. Nice speakers can be had for $50 or less per pair. At one of my local Goodwill shops really nice complete working systems are sometimes displayed for about $100. Prices can vary widely around country. New component systems would typically cost $120 and up for a receiver and about $100 for each additional component on the low end. The sky is the limit on the high end. If you can put together a working system from thrift store components, you can expect to save at least $200. If you buy a used bookshelf system, you can expect to save $30 to $100 over the new price of a similar system.

A Vintage Panasonic Receiver

Bookshelf Systems. I have actually had better luck with bookshelf stereo systems than component systems. My best buy was an XR-MG9 Aiwa bookshelf stereo for $35. With 50 Watt speakers, it had plenty of power for an apartment and it delivered great sound. I donated it prior to a cross-country move and now have a $25 Magnavox MAS85/17 bookshelf system with a three CD changer and cassette deck. It's a great little system for an apartment or bedroom, but it has no provision for auxiliary inputs like a turntable, computer, or MP3 player. I also have a $12 JVC mini-stereo with an unreliable CD player that I use as a radio on my desk at work. If the cleaning staff walks off with it, I won't be out any real money.

Miida 3140 - Thrift Store Stereo

Component Systems. I haven't had much luck with component systems. Thrift stores have plenty of stereo components to choose from, but I failed to thoroughly test the components that I bought. I bought two 1970s vintage receivers. One was a Miida 3140 for $40 and the other was a Fisher 295 for $13. The Miida sounded great in the thrift store and was powering some wonderful Fisher and Bose speakers. However, when I got home, I found that one stereo channel was intermittent. Sometimes the left channel would cut out and I would have to nudge the receiver. The Fisher was super cheap, but seemed to power a speaker at the shop. However, it has some knobs missing and delivers extremely faint and distorted sound. That's what you get for $13. However, there were plenty of stereo receivers of more recent vintage that cost around $50. Tape decks can be had for as little as $7. Multi-CD changes are generally less than $30. The key is to test any purchase adequately and assume any vintage system is potentially fragile.


Testing. If you see a stereo system that you like at a thrift store, you need to try your best to test it before you buy. Many thrift stores don't allow any returns. Fortunately, most electronic sections have power strips built into the fixtures. If you find something you like, plug it in and try it out. Get a CD and a cassette from the music section. If you can find some speakers, hook them up. Nudge the system to see if it keeps working. You might be well advised to bring some earphones or ear buds and an mini-earphone to full-sized stereo earphone adapter plug. You might bring a mini-earphone adapter to RCA Y-Adapter and an MP3 player to see if a stereo receiver can take an auxiliary input and deliver sound. Most thrift store stereos don't come with remote controls. Make sure that you can use all the features manually without a remote. If you test a system and it works in the store, you can walk out with a wonderful bargain!

Repairs. Stereos should be repaired by qualified technicians. Stereo receivers contain capacitors that can carry a powerful electric charge even when the system is unplugged. In short, amateur repairs can kill you. That being said, there are plenty of books and online forums about stereo and electronic repairs. Audiokarma.org is one of the best stereo and vintage stereo forums. Just be warned, be trained, and be careful when attempting repairs. If you don't know what you are doing, find a stereo repair shop or just buy another inexpensive component. Shopping won't kill you.
There are some great stereo buys in the thrift stores today. It can be a lot of fun and very rewarding to successfully hunt them down and bring them home!

[Copyright L Spain.  Originally published August 13, 2013, on Yahoo Voices! ]