If you’re a lover of retro electronics or high-end Kiwiana then it’s your lucky day my friend! An ultra-rare opportunity to get your hands on the epitome of a by-gone age - when New Zealand actually made its own electronic goods, and not only that they were gorgeous! Wellington-based Ralta were the most famous local brand and in the 1970s incorporated the era’s funky disco vibes into their industrial design. It’s the Final Boss of retro Kiwiana – and you may never see another one like it for sale. If you think I’m exaggerating, then check this out:

https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/58144

That’s right this stereo system is so iconic it’s in Te Papa!

CONDITION: Considering it’s age this system is in fantastic condition. There is barely a scratch on it, and it has been kept out of direct sunlight so the colours are still bright. PERSPEX DOME has a minor few scratches and scuff marks on it (see photos) but hard to see. TURNTABLE: The major problem that I can see is that the rubber platter has become warped and bubbled up (see photos). This means it’s currently unusable because records won’t lie flat– but not difficult to remove and replace the platter. I plugged it in today and the turntable appears to work fine apart from the warped platter. It turns at different speeds and the arm moves as it should. I haven’t opened it up so have no idea of the condition of belts etc inside. The speakers appear to work, but because of the condition of the platter I’ve never been entirely sure what condition they are in as it’s impossible to play records properly. The spherical casings are in excellent condition and I had always planned to put some modern cube speakers inside them. IMPORTANT NOTE – THIS STEREO SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN ELECTRICALLY CERTIFIED. THIS IS THE BUYER’S RESPONSIBILITY AND SHOULD BE DONE FOR SAFETY REASONS BEFORE THE SYSTEM IS USED. I had big plans to restore this amazing stereo but 2020 turned all my plans upside down and I’m now reluctantly putting it up for sale… Do NOT miss out!