Realistic STA-95 User manual

OWNER S MANUA
PLEASE READ BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT
STA-95
•
reo receiver
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STATE a
CATALOG NO.31-2082
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CUSTOM MANUFACTUREO FO~ RAOIO SHACK ~ A olvislON OF TANDY CO~PORATION
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parts and l.ilxu. SIIiI/lly IlrlflH y011 'Ildu'1 "lip II', /l11l()1 III purchase
date to any l~d(ll() SIIII( I~ './(111 1, Wdllllllly 1i1l1 '.llIilIIIV('I transporta-
tion costs, N(lI d(II"1 II ((lVI' /I illljllllllill ·.lIlllil( I(lel to misuse or
accidental Udil1dl\(I,
This warranty f\IV("1 YOII "1'(1( 1/11l"fjillll'j"l~ II"" YOII Illtly aiso have other
rights which v.uy flOll1 '.\"lfll(1 ~I"II
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For your own protection, WU 111'(10 you to record the Serial
Number of this unit in tho ~pIlCU provided. You'll find the
Serial Number on the back pnnol of the unit.
~al Number -I I
Speakers Components P.A. Products Radios
, 11Iitt ~,,:.~ ,
Recorders Phonographs
REALISTIC AUDIO PRODUCTS are the proud result of Radio
Shack engineering, research, development, and over 50 years of
experience in electronics. Laboratories and mejor testing facilities are
maintained in Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Boston, Columbus Ohio,
Burlington Iowa, Toronto and Tokyo. In every sense a national
brand, the Realistic label is worn with equal distinction by our highly
original Communications and Citizens Band (two way radio)
products, and numerous other items, includinq: tape, headphones,
antennas, intercoms and tubes.
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THE BRAND WITH OVER 1,000,000 CUSTOMERS
In choosing this fine Realistic product you have demonstrated a
rather acute awareness of getting the most for your money:", With
Realistic this is not an idle boast
The line was born in Boston, long famous for Yankee inqenuitv=
and thrift Its original intent was to bridge a gap between $100
equipment and $25 equipment where, at the time, there was a real
void in hi-ti merchandise.
Early products were a $39.95 FM tuner, a $29.95 preamp/amplifier,
a $19.95 speaker, Soon we found ourselves a unique niche as
manufacturing retailers.
C1Cacity and ability grew simultaneously. Our Realistic Electrostet-
3 R electrostatic tweeter was called a best buy by .the country's
leading product-review magazine. Our 10TRF radio out-performed
practically anything then available. And dealers from all over the
world began requesting a Reaslistic franchise ..
Recent firsts include: the first medium-cost DC/AC communica-
tions receiver totally engineered in solid state-the Realistic DX-
150A; the first properly designed microprocessor-controlled UHF/
VHF Scanner-Radio; the Realistic Mach One loudspeaker, making
theater-type sound affordable; the first lifetime-guaranteed vac-
uum tube; and the Realistic STA-2000 stereo receiver, which com-
bines massive power, modern styling and a host of new ideas-at a
cost fully $100-$200 below its value under traditional marketing
practices.
But of course/-Realistic marketing practices are NOT traditional.
First: the line is restricted in distribution. Second: we do not have
sales representatives and other normal trade costs, nor do we waste
money and tools on frequent model changes to attract new dealers-a
new model is a NEW model, a current model is one that gets a steady
stream of improvements at no cost to you and without a lot of wild
(and expensive) claims of novelty. ,,(..
2

INTRODUCTION
Your new STA-95 is a highly versatile AM/FM Stereo Receiver which
delivers enough power to drive almost any speaker system. The
"honest" 46 watts per channel over the entire audio bandwidth will
drivo both "main" and "remote" speakers. And it has the perform-
ance an(l convenience features that distinguish a truly great receiver.
• A sp
njoy s the FM de-emphasis circuits to let you
ts by using a Dolby N R decoder.
•
use linear IC's which assure minimum
mbined with high gain.
• FM Multiplex circuit Is a Phase Lock Loop IC (PLL-IC) which
provides rock-stable storeo separation even with temperatur
changes.
• A linear IC is used in the Phono Preamp to obtain wide dynamic
range and low distortion.
• Tape Dubbing switch allows two-way tape dubbing without
troublesome rear panel connection changes.
• Full Tape Monitor control.
• The wideband tuner provides maximum AM fidelity.
• Front panel jacks let you listen to any source or make tape record-
ings without troublesome rear panel connections.
• Built-in automatic thermal and overload protection.
At Radio Shack we also believe a receiver should look as good as it
sounds. The STA-95 comes with a beautiful genuine walnut veneer
case-and it doesn't cost you a penny extra.
*"Dolby" is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
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:Terminal: 2511V
:'Radiated: 250 I1V 1m
(for 20 dB S+N/N)
:35
i
dB
RC 1eaExcellent
.:120 VAC,'60 Hz
:(22.Q/240 VAC, 50 Hz for
.Eu~()pea 1.arid Australian
models. as indicated on rear
of unit)'
Beforebp'erating your STA~95 for the .~irs.t.time, please
read this manualcarefully. It will tell you how to connect
your receiver and' how to get, the' most enjoymentfro,m
your system. ., ~
S PJ;jql F,:,ICATIONS
AIVIPLI FI,ER
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Audio butputPolllferat no more than
0.3% FetalHarmonic Distortion
into 8 ohniMftom 20-20,000 Hz
j, ,,'~ ;L''ii,:'i),i'i.tr:, . ',, ,,, '
Input SensitiytJ:y1,T
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Phono, ?t;:~;;;'l;\
Phono Overiload
Aux c., .. 1 "'",
pe I ,,'Jih;
rsquencv Responser{at, 1 waft)
1M Distortiont-:
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio', ' .
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Sensitivity, for 3(i)#dissYN
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Capture Ratio
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Total Harmonic Distortion
Mono ,.' ,
Stereo
Image Rejection
Selectivity
Separation at 1000 Hz
: 45 watts per channel, ,.11111"
mum RMS power, both
; channels driven
: 2.5mV
:: 150mV
: 160 mV
: 160 mV
: 30~ 20,000 Hz ±1 dB
:0.1% (at 30 watts)
:,65 .~B(r;>hono)
>HOodB(AllX) .
i·'· ..,. _1· ,
: 1
: 211V(IHfh
: 5 dBf
: 2 dB
: 65 dB
:0.3%
:0.5%
: 50 dB
: 50dB
:40dB
AM TUNER
Sensitivity
Irnaqe Rejection
RF Interference Rejection
POWER R'EQUIREI\iIENTS
):
NOTE:
3

II
CONTRo,L FUNCTIONS
PHONES
Is a lever-type switch. Normally you'd leave it in the center or
SOU RCE position. If you want to make two recordings at one time-
th is switch wi II perm it that. Use position 1 ~ 2 to dub from TAP
IN 1 to TAPE OUT 2. Use position 2 ~ 1 to dub from TAPE IN 2 t
TAPE OUT 1.
POWER BASS
Turns the Receiver on when pushed in-off when pushed a second
time. Controls low froquencles. At the center position, it does not affect
the sound. Turn clockwise to boost bass response, counterclockwise
to de-emphasize the low frequencies.
TREBLE
Accepts any pair of low-impedance stereo headphones. The jack is
always "live". Controls high frequencies. At the center position, it does not affect
the sound. Turn clockwise to boost treble response, counterclock-
wise to de-emphasize the high frequencies.
You'll notice that both tone controls are "stepped" for convenient
reference (you can always return to a previous setting by referring to
the numbered step-positions).
SPEAKERS
OUT - Turns all speakers off for private headphone listening.
A - Connects main speakers only.
A REV - Reverses the left/right sound output from the "A" (or
Main) speakers.
B - Connects remote speakers only.
A+B - Connects main and remote speakers.
TAPE DUBBING
Fll TER
The LO and HI Filter buttons let you filter out noise. When pressed
in, the high filter removes hiss and scratches. The low filter reduces
turntable rumble when it is pressed in.
4

MONITA
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VOLUME - adjust for desired level of sound. It ndlllllill III
und lovo: 'for both channels-from minimum to maximum,
BALANCE - use to provide best stereo balance of sOllnd I
twoon channels. At the center position (you'll feel a slight "cntch"},
thesound will be equal from both channels.
LOUDNESS
When pushed in, the switch introduces a special low and hllll
frequency emphasis into the amplifier circuitry. LOUDNESS on
hances the sound quality at low volume levels by boosting bass and
treble frequencies which the human ear does not hear as well asth
mid-range frequencies. Use the switch position which provides th
most pleasing sound reproduction.
FM 25pS
Makes your Receiver "Dolby FM-compatible". By adding a Dolby
noise reduction decoder or a Dolby tape deck, you can get the
full benefit from superb Dolby FM broadcasts. (Check your local
FM stations to see if any of them offer Dolby broadcasts.)
When listening to a non-Dolby FM (or if you do not have a Dolby
decoder), leave FM 25 J.lSbutton in out position.
MONO
When pressed in, switches the amplifier and tuner from stereo to
monaural operation. In the out position, the amplifier operates in
stereo and the FM tuner automatically switches to stereo when there
is a stereo signaI.
SELECTOR
hooses one of five input positions.
AM - Activates the built-in wideband AM tuner.
M - Activates the built-in FM tuner.
M MUTE - Activates the built-in FM tuner and eliminates inter-
tnrlon hiss.
PHONO - For any turntable equipped with a magnetic cartridge.
I\UX - For any high-output source-a second tuner, a crystal or
mlc phono cartridge, a second tape deck, TV, Ham radio, etc.
UB OUT
toreo phone jack serves as an extra tape output. This makes
y to copy tapes or record any program source without changing
r-panel connections. The output should be connected to the
rdor's Auxiliary or Line inputs.
Tuning Knob
unos AM and FM stations.
TUNING Meters
he left meter is for FM and AM signal strength indication; tune
for maximum deflection. The right meter functions on FM only-
this is an FM "Center Tuning" meter.
FM STEREO Indicator
This bright red LED lightsup when the MONO button is out and you
are tuned to a stereo FM signal.
Function LED's These bright red LED's light up to indicate the
function you are using-AUX, PHONO, AM, FM or FM MUTE.
TAPE MONITOR Indicator - This bright green LED lights up when
TAPE MONITOR switch is in the 1 or 2 position.
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1. Built-in adjustable ferrite AM antenna - is adequate for most
areas for AM reception. Swing down and move around 'for best
reception.
2. AM ANTenna Screw Terminal - Connect an external AM/
short-wave antenna to this screw for long-distance AM rocep-
tion. In most areas the built-in antenna will provido oxcollont
reception.
3. FM ANTenna 300n Screw Terminals - Connect nntunn
usina standard 300-ohm lead-in to these screws.
4. FM Line Cord Antenna - Connect to the 300n FM s
minal illustrated to provide FM reception in most metr
areas. Disconnect the line cord antenna when using an
FM antenna.
5. FM ANTenna 75n Screw Terminals - Connect to antenna lHlIll(l
75-ohm coaxial lead-in. Coaxial cable provides extremely 1111111
resistance to static and other noise.
6. PHONO GND - Accepts the green or black ground wire found
on most turntables. Making this "ground" connection redu
or eliminates hum.
7. PHONO - Accepts output from any turntable equipped with
magnetic cartridge. These jacks are active when SE LECTO R is
set to PHONO.
8. AUX - Accepts output from any high-level source-a second
tape deck or tuner, a ceramic or crystal phono cartridge, etc.
These jacks are active when SE LECTO R is set to AUX.
9. TAPE MONITOR 1 IN - Accepts output from any tape deck or
recorder for tape playback.
These jacks are active when front panel TAPE MONITOR
Switch is set to 1.
10. TAPE MONITOR 1 OUT - Permits tape recording any source
chosen by the SELECTOR switch. The output from these
jacks is unaffected by the front panel controls. Also use for
duplicating (or Dubbing) tapes being played through the Am-
plifier from another Recorder/Player connected to TAPE
MONITOR 2 IN.
11. TAPE MONITOR 2 IN - Accepts output from a s
deck or recorder for tape playback. These jacks ar
'front panel TAPE MON ITOR Switch is set to 2.
· TAPE MONITOR 2 OUT - Permits recording with a second
tape recorder. Also use for duplicating (or Dubbing) tapes being
played through the Amplifier from another Recorder/Player
nnectedtoTAPE MONITOR 11N.
· A SPEAKERS Screw Terminals - Powers main speakers which
10 not have phono jack connectors.
NOTE: Use either phono jack or screw terminals for A speakers,
not both.
14. A SPEAKERS Phono Jacks - Connects to speakers with phono
jock connectors.
NOTE: Use either phono jacks or screwterminals for A speakers,
not both.
· B SPEAKERS Screw Terminals - Powers remote speakers.
· SWITCHED Convenience Outlet - Plug in an audio accessory
which you want turned on and off by the front panel POWER
switch. For example, connect a Tuner to this receptacle; thus,
when you turn the Receiver on and off, the Tuner will auto-
matically be turned on and off at the same time. Power drawn
from th is receptacle shou Id not exceed 100 watts.
· POWER FUSE - Protects the Receiver from voltage surges,
short circuits and other abnormal operating conditions. If the
dial lights do not go on when POWER is on, check the fuse. If
it is blown, replace it with an identical size and value (3.5A).
18. UNSWITCHED Convenience Outlet - Powers any audio ac-
cessory up to 200 watts. The front panel POWER switch does
not affect this receptacle.
19. AC Cord - Supplies the Receiver's power. Plug the cord into
any 120 VAC, 60 Hz outlet (220/240 VAC, 50 Hz power where
the sets are so marked on the rear for European and Australian
models).
""
7

CONNECTIONS
BEFORE MAKING CONNECTION
1. Do not plug in the Receiver's power cord,
2. Be sure POWER is off.
NOTE: To reduce hum, use shioldod nudlo 011111011 for all connec-
tions except speakers.
SPEAKERS
The STA-95 has two sets of A (main) speaker outputs - use only one
set. If your speakers have phono plug inputs, use the Receiver's
phono plug outputs and a set of unshielded speaker cables. Otherwise
use the Receiver's screw terminal outputs.
For maximum bass response, be sure to observe proper phasing.
Connect the + Receiver speaker output to the speaker terminal
labeled A, 1 or +; and the - output to the speaker terminal labeled B,
2 or -. Most speaker wire is marked with a ridge along one conductor
or has one color-coded conductor. If you use preassembled phono
plugs, phasing will automatically be correct.
Connect B (remote) speakers following the instructions above. Be
sure the speakers are phased properly.
NOTES: 1. The STA-95's outputs are designed for 4-16 ohm
speakers. However, when more than one set of speakers
is being connected, use only 8-16 ohm systems. This
will prevent the amplifier from being overloaded.
2. When using the screw terminals, be sure no stray
strands of wire touch a second term inal or the chassis-
a harmful short could result.
3. Connect no more than two sets of speakers to the
receiver.
4. Use only as much wire as necessary to connect the
speakers.
If you are using 4 ohm speakers, connect only one set of speakers, or
use only one set of speakers at a time. That is, don't use A+B if one
set is 4 ohms. Low impedance speaker systems will tend to trip the
automatic circuit protection/amplifier shut-down circuitry when
operating at high volume levels (to prevent damage from amplifier
overdrive) .
TURNTABLE
Connect the turntable leads to the PHONO inputs. If the turntable
has a ground wire (usually green or black), connect it to the PHONO
GND screw. Plug the turntable's power cord into an AC outlet or the
Receiver's UNSWITCHED convenience outlet.
(NOTE: If the turntable has a ceramic or crystal cartridge, connect it
to the AUX jacks.)
TAPE DECK
For recording, connect the Receiver's TAPE MONITOR 1 OUT
jacks to a Recorder's AUX or Line Input. For playback, connect the
deck's PRE AMP Output or Line Out jacks to the Receiver's TAPE
MONITOR 1 IN jacks. You can Connect a.second deck to the TAPE
MONITOR 2 IN/OUT jacks.
For playback only, you can connect a 3rd deck to the AUX jacks
(assuming you are not already using them).
ANTENNAS
Be sure the line cord FM antenna is connected to the FM ANT 300n
terminal. The built-in AM antenna requires no attention.
If you think you need an external antenna, see HINTS FOR BETTER
SOUND.
AUXILIARY
Plug the output from any high level source into the AUX jacks. This
input is ideal for a second tuner, TV audio, ceramic or crystal phono
cartridges, a tape player, shortwave radio, etc...(.. .
8

TYPICAL STA-95 SYSTEM
75 ohm ANTENNA (OUTSIOEI
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DOLBY NR DECOOl~n
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QUALIFIED SERVICE Pi SONNI
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IN our IN PUI
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STEREO
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TURNTABLE
SPEAKERS
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9

CHOOSING THE REST 0
~YS
SPEAKERS
No stereo system sounds
speakers, so choose th
afford for your main sp
Of course there are a wide variety of speakers intended primarily for
remote use. Some are weather-proofed for outdoor installations and
others offer the convenience of a built-in volume control. Naturally,
if you plan to use your remote speakers for critical listening, you
should consider using the same type of speakers for both your main
and remote installations.
Your nearest Radio Shack has a complete selection of speakers for
every application and budget.
TURNTABLE
For convenience, most people prefer a record changer (often called
an automatic turntable) to a manual turntable. A changer will play
an entire stack of records and returns the tonearm to its rest at the
end of the last record.
For the best sound, your turntable should be equipped with a
magnetic cartridge. Cartridges equipped with conical styli (needles)
are usually inexpensive and have good sound. But a cartridge with an
elliptical stylus follows the record groove more accurately and, so,
produces better sound. Your Radio Shack store has a selection of
changer systems which come with factory-mounted bases and car-
tridges.
M
TAPE DECKS
Until very recently, reel-to-reel tape decks were the only possible
choice for those interested in true high-fidelity. Recent technological
advances have made a-rrsck and cassette recorders approach the
sou nd qual ity of root-to-reel mach ines.
Reel-to-reel decks are a must for those who want to edit their own
tapes and they still have marginally the best performance.
The best cassette docks, equ ipped with special tape bias settings and
noise reduction circuitry, will out-perform many reel-to-reel decks.
They have the additional advantage of compactness and convenient
pop-in loading. In addition, cassettes can be used in the car as well as
at home.
slightly less fidelity than cassettes or reels,
s. An 8-track recorder plays pre-recorded
n save money by recording new auto tapes.
In addition, an 8-track cartridge uses a continuous tape loop wh ich
can provide hours of uninterrupted music. Many 8-track playback
decks are less expensive than record changers and let you use car
tapes at home.
HEADPHONES
Any system can benefit from a good pair of stereo headphones. They
provide convenient private listening and many people find the
heightened stereo very exciting.
Your STA-95's front-panel headphone jack will accept any low
impedance stereo headphones. When shopping, wear each pair of
headphones long enough to be sure they will be comfortable.
ANTENNAS
Under most conditions your receiver's built-in antennas should
provide adequate AM and FM reception. If you have difficulty see
HINTS FOR BETTER SOUND.
..(.
10