Looking to make a statement with some old-school technology? Have a look at my five of the best 1970s audio systems on eBay.
This is all about getting a look, whether that’s a space-age vibe in your home or something a little more laid-back and modernist. One of these will hopefully fit the bill. At least, they will if you have the money.
Audio systems from this time have never been more collectable. Unlike TVs, which have rapidly developed over the decades, audio systems are still practical classics. After all, there’s a vinyl revival, people still have cassettes, and radio is still very much a thing in the 21st century.
And they have a look you’ll find impossible to replicate with most modern-day sound systems. They don’t make interior design like this anymore – which is a crying shame,
Anyway, if you want a trip back to the 1970s, look at these. All are available to buy right now on eBay.
1970s Rosita Commander Luxus space-age audio system
Like the control deck from the spaceship of a 1970s sci-fi TV series, this Rosita Commander Luxus is an exceptional design classic of the era.
A statement of the era, this stand-up system sits on a tulip base with a wooden casing and built-in speakers. Also built into it is the original Philips automatic record deck, a Philips cassette player and a radio tuner. There are wonderful buttons and dials to keep everything ticking over, too.
It shows a bit of age from its 50 or so years, but works and has been serviced. It does come at a price, though, which is around £13,700. I think you’d call it an investment piece.
Find out more and see more images at the eBay website
Grundig Studio 650 audio system
Something a little more subtle in terms of design, but a unit that’s bang on the money in terms of design right now.
I say that because it resembles the recently unveiled Ruark R810 High Fidelity Radiogram. The wood and metal look is hot right now.
Of course, this one isn’t as advanced as that one, but it does things a modern unit cannot. For one, it has a record player within – specifically, a Dual 1219 turntable hidden under a cover. That walnut cabinet also hosts a radio tuner, which again can be hidden away, turning this into a super cool coffee table if you prefer.
A more affordable offering than the last one at around £2,275.
Find out more and see more images at the eBay website
1970s Telefunken Rondo Stereo 101 audio system
Another eye-catching design with the kind of support (the star base) you would see on high-end TV units of a similar era.
A German classic of the day, it has a wooden body with a teak finish, an amazing control panel to the side (very Dieter Rams), a Telefunken turntable within, a built-in radio and, as you might have noticed, a pair of Grundig Lautsprecher Box 19 speakers.
Again, some marks from age but a beautiful vintage set-up. Around £3,900 to get this into your home.
Find out more and see more images at the eBay website
Restored Weltron 2007 space-age audio system in yellow
Often see these in white – and usually an off-white with age. This one looks resplendent in yellow. It screams the era.
This ‘bumble bee’ version looks like a dream if you fancy owning a Weltron, having been restored and updated. Amazingly, this now has Bluetooth connectivity.
See the listing for all the work carried out on this one, everything from upgraded parts to re-engineered hinges. The result is a space-age classic that looks and sounds great, according to the seller.
A turntable, radio, cassette and matching speakers. This is the ultimate 1970s all-in-one, with the added bonus of looking drop-dead gorgeous. Just over £3,000 for this one.
Find out more and see more images at the eBay website
1970s Rosita Turmalin audio system with built-in speakers
Not unlike the Grundig above, this is the radiogram concept done high-end once more.
This one has similar chrome legs, but a palisander wood body. Rosita always went that extra mile. Within the stylish body is a four-speed Telefunken Automatic TW 507 turntable, a rather stylish radio receiver and of course, some speakers to play your sounds loud. No unsightly cables to speakers here.
Despite the age, this is in ‘very good condition’, with ‘only slight signs of usage’, which accounts for the £3,900 asking price.
Find out more and see more images at the eBay website
Or you could buy new…
The units above are very cool and have bags of style, with the age only adding to it. But you can buy newer units to fit the vibe, too. I mentioned the Ruark R810 High Fidelity Radiogram, which is well worth a look, or you could go for a 1960s classic that was still being produced in the 1970s and is available once more today – the Brionvega Radiofonografo record player.
