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check out this funky little Rotel RV-555 receiver

dividebytube

dividebytube

Well-Known Member
rv855xt8.jpg


RV-555 - made in 1978-81 - 20WPC, stepped tone/balance controls, tape monitors, loudness control. Phono/Aux/AM/FM inputs. Just picked this up and it needs some pot cleaning, etc but it will make an interesting backup piece. Almost like an early attempt at micro stereos. The diagonal tuner is uh, different and has a green LED indicator. There is a red LED for 'stereo' and an analog radio signal strength meter.
 
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I think its awesome,much better looking over the new age space saving gear with disco lights.
 
Cool little mutt. I wonder if it had matching speakers? As said, a lot better then the slot-machines sold today.
 
dividebytube said:
if by wood case you mean metal with a veneer over it... then yes! :scratch2:
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True that! Of course, it should then have a "Simulated Woodgrain Vinyl" warning sticker applied, lest one be unknowingly duped into the purchase of pseudo-wood! I wonder, were there lawsuits over that back in the day? I can see the ad in the classifieds: "Did you unknowingly purchase simulated wood grain vinyl between the years of 1978-1984 and did you as a result suffer irreparable embarrasment, shame or other chronic social malady? Then call the offices of Dewey, Cheatem & Howe, and sic the vinyl-chasers on 'em!"

I like the Rotel design as well, for what it's worth. Innovative for that era. Don't go out - go up!:D
 
Interesting.

I agree that new bookshelf stereos look hideous. The look is too sci-fi, not hi-fi. I can't imagine what kind of ridiculous decor it would take for the new stuff to fit in.
 
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I'm with twc. The unique factor takes it to another level. No one wants to drive an Edsel but, admit it, you take one if you had the chance! :D
 
I do like the offbeat sometimes. And I do think there were some lawsuits over wood print vinyl in the early seventies, so Dewey Chetum and Howe are a little late to the game.

I agree too, the new stuff is hideous. The new stuff generally looks like something that has been melted, but hey, the Uof M has an art museum that resembles a crumpled fast food bag next to a cup. (none of the art snobs there have noticed that resemblence because it is slabbed in corrogated stainless.)

But to dive back to the thread full force, I would not mind owning one myself. About the only thing I would suggest other than recaping for sonics, is upgrade the pream and driver transistors for some Mil Spec To35 cans.
 
I too have one. About 5 years ago I see this funky thing in my in-laws attic. I ask about it. It was the grandfather's. No one knows where he got it and when he passed away, the in-laws got it.

I asked if I could have it and now it's mine. I sounds great. A very strong 20wpc. From what I'm told, I missed out on the speakers by a few weeks.
 
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