Vintage Console Stereo - An Idea that could rise again!

I recently came across this old console stereo system in a thrift store.  I didn't have room for it in our new place and I didn't have the inclination to start a new project.

However, I wish I would have.  I think a console stereo would solve a lot of problems.

Don't like to see unsightly stereo cables?  The console stereo solves the problem.

Don't want a living room dominated by electronics?  Problem solved.  A console stereo looks like the rest of your furniture.

Of course, you would either have to invest heavily to restore the old components or gut the console and replace everything with new stereo components.  It's a tough call.  No one really wants to throw out history.  However, you also want to be cool about fire safety!

This particular example has solid state electronics with an AM/FM stereo and a record player.  With vinyl being in, if this thing worked, that would be really cool.

The price of this model was only $10.91.  That's a good deal for the cabinet alone.  But, without a garage, a major restoration might not be easy!  I don't know much about the history of this stereo.  Garrard was once a famous British maker of turntables.  The Symphonic brand is currently owned by Funai electronics.

Believe it or not, there are companies out there that specialize in the restoration and resale of old console stereos.   You can visit this one here:  Audio Archeology.