It looked like a gorgeous (artificial) fireplace.....
.....that turns into an awesome stereo/liquor cabinet.
The Phono-Sonic Liquor Cabinet/Stereo w/ artificial fireplace is one of the coolest designs ever for a console stereo. Surprisingly, it was also made and imported from communist East Germany for the American market. Like the Soundesign Trendsetter, they are extremely rare in good condition.
They originally came with 3 speed turntables (33/45/78 RPM) AM/FM Stereo receivers and 8-Track tape decks, but cassette decks were added in the late '70s. The speakers were enclosed behind the red velvet and latticework on either side of the fireplace. The cheese points are off the scale with this one!
I gather the fireplace doesn't actually generate heat (that would warp the records and melt the tapes). This looks like something a character in a 1970s blaxploitation movie would have in his living room.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's artificial and it never generated heat. Used a 60 watt bulb and a rotating mechanism to give it a "smoldering wood" look. I always thought of it as a stereo Quagmire in Family Guy would own....GIGGITY!
DeleteI have one that has been in my family since I was a child - it has the 8 track tape. Do you have any idea what it is worth today?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure, but I would hold onto that....
DeleteMy husband and I have one of these. The stereo/radio and 8 track are still in it. the bar is removed.
ReplyDeleteI have this exact cabinet and I'm trying to find it's value, would you know what it would sell for?
ReplyDeleteI can't give you any information on values. But they are prized collector's items in PRISTINE condition with no scratches or scuffs on the cabinet, clean and the entire system working flawlessly. One good measuring rod is eBay. See what similar systems are going for, what their conditions and prices are (also look at seller ratings too - occasionally, you'll find used products with many flaws going for ridiculous prices and some really angry feedback.) Always be extremely honest and descriptive in every aspect of the system and it's operation. Take many photos - including flaws and most especially, be realistic in your pricing vs. actual condition.
DeleteI saw one last year in great condition though I think it was older as it had a really old turntable and a shotwave radio. It was for sale at a Salvation Army store for $99. and I could't afford it at the time. It didn't last long as the following week it was gone. I would think it would be worth at least $200.
DeleteI love youse man and all that, but three words that do not belong in the same sentence are "gorgeous", "artificial" & "fireplace".
ReplyDeleteLOL! Aww c'mon man, This blog is a CELEBRATION of ALL that is glorious trash. Cheers! (New posts coming...)
ReplyDeleteLarry! Dood! Look! It's been reinvented for the children! MP3 player and all that jazz...
Deletehttps://www.tpro.com/products/fire5000
Gets bonus points for the disco lights. (Oh, the humanity!) High tech meets high tack. lol
I scored one in mint condition on craiglist for $200. Just need a needle for the turntable. Any idea on where I can find one?
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I don't really. However most of those changers used the same type of styli (I'm thinking BSR.) But I'm not certain. A good place to look is here http://www.needledoctor.com
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