Going for a 1970s vibe? You need this Rosita Commander space age audio system on eBay in your living room.
This was the future once upon a time, but now it’s a statement of a bygone era. Yet despite that, the Rosita Commander still looks more advanced than anything you would see on the market today. At least, it does until you look closely at the inner workings. This is still audio, ’70s style.
But has audio really changed that much? Well, yes, of course it has. But not as much as you think. Ok, we are streaming most of our music these days, but the vinyl revival is showing no sign of going away. And there’s also a cassette revival bubbling under too. You might recall me featuring five of the best portable cassette players fairly recently. If both formats still appeal, this is almost certainly a sound system for you.
The Commander audio system was made in (then) West Germany by Rosita and was as much a statement in design as it was in audio. This really does look like a console out of a sci-fi movie from that era. Which is obviously a good thing, by the way. The future, as seen from the 1960s and 1970s, is a wonderful thing.
Does it work? Yes, it does, having been refurbished by the seller. So you can enjoy the sounds of this Rosita player in the 21st century – if you have the money to buy it. That might be a sticking point as this trades as much as a piece of sought-after space-age design as it does a record and cassette player.
Audio is via a Philips GA 160 GC 060 L automatic record player and a Philips N 2505 cassette player. There’s radio reception in here too, although I’m not sure what you’ll pick up on the UKW LW tuner. But I’m sure you’ll have fun finding out via those amazing controls on the panel. Those controls also tweak that sound via the amazing upper unit, and speakers are, of course, built into the unit itself.
That cabinet is actually wood painted white, which might not be obvious from the photography. And yes, it sits on that oh-so-desirable chrome tulip base, with a smoked cover over the cassette player and record deck.
As for the condition, it is complete and has been technically serviced. But the seller points out some slight scratches and nicks all around. It is pretty much what you would expect of a unit that is around 50 years old. It’s amazing that it has survived at all.
Very rare, very desirable and perfect for anyone recreating the 1970s in their home. It’s the kind of detail you really cannot replaicate in the modern era.
If you want this, it is up for just over £7,300 – although you can make a lower offer if you wish.
