@lrlacosse It was probably around 1976 that I got my first real stereo. I earned the money by helping my grandfather on the farm and erecting irrigation pivots. An older cousin sold electronics and he let me finance it. A big Panasonic receiver with built-in 8 track. Altec Lansing speakers, and BSR turntable.
Your mention of Radio Shack reminded me of a funny story. My first job out of college was working for Tandy. Anyway, one night there was nobody in the store except me and my manager. Small store. A lady walks in and is browsing the next aisle over. I get a whiff of some awful smell, so I blurt out "geez, Chuck. What did you do? Sh*t yourself?". He slowly shook his head and mouthed the word "nooo". Needless to say, we did not make a sale to that lady. Lol