Greg wrote in
:

Ah yes, many of the older stereos were indeed pleasant to look at. Even
some of the older Shortwave Radios, even though they weren't overly
ornate, had nice backlit meters, and interestingly colored dials and
indicators, and the meters themselves often had colored scales. The
combination of the backlighting, the scales, and the constant meter
movements were interesting in themselves.

I really don't believe that our children will reminisce about Nintendos
and Walkmans, though there may be more interest than I can believe. I had
an HP calculator, which I sold to a local man that in turn placed it on
e-bay. I cannot believe the money that he got for it, well into the $200
price range. The original price was only $119. Only time will tell.

Regards,

Dr. Artaud


I used to explore the world staring at the "slide rule dial" of my
Heath AR-3. And that black & white display was pretty minimal
compared to other radios of that era, like Hallicrafters and the
Zenith TransOceanics. But, to me, the Heath was cool.

My main receiver is a JRC NRD-525. It has a very attractive
fluorescent display - mostly bluish-white digits on a dark background
but with yellow & red also. When I listen to SW late at night, all
the room lights are out, save for a 7 watt lamp over the computer
desk. The NRD's display is something to look at while tuning around.
And an added bonus; there is a red LCD inside the cabinet that shines
through the louvers on top that makes it look as if there are tubes
inside!

The NRD has minimal menus. It operates with switches and knobs, just
like in the old days. Its fun to operate.

On top of my computer desk is a JVC AM/FM stereo receiver. I bought
it in the early 80's, when JVC was still turning out solid equipment.
It has the edge-lighted slide rule dial. It's an average performer
but I wouldn't trade it for a modern digital receiver. (We have the
Sony digital surround sound home theater in the living room. Very
impressive audio with music CD's and movie DVD's. But as a radio,
operation-wise, it pretty much sucks.)

I wonder if our kids will look back with nostalgia over their
Nintendos and their Sony Walkmans.

Greg