Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Rare vintage audio doesn’t always mean expensive, powerful, or prestigious. Sometimes the hardest pieces to find were inexpensive, entry-level products that nobody thought were worth saving.
In this video, Kevin explores two incredibly unusual pieces of audio history.
First is the rare Harman Kardon 230e stereo receiver from the late 1970s. With only 15 watts per channel, a mostly plastic construction, and a design that can be challenging to service, it would be easy to overlook. But its unique tuner display—visible from both the front and the top—makes it one of the coolest little Harman Kardon receivers we’ve encountered. It also sounds much bigger and more capable than its modest specifications suggest.
Kevin also shares how KISS drummer and vintage stereo collector Eric Singer helped bring this unusual receiver to his attention.
Then things get even stranger with the Pioneer Bodysonic Chair, a rare Japanese audio chair produced during the mid-1980s. It features built-in full-range speakers, body-vibrating transducers in the chair and footrest, and controls mounted directly in the armrest.
What does a vintage Pioneer stereo chair actually sound like? Kevin tests it with music, movies, and video games to find out. We also explore why this futuristic chair may not have caught on, what collectors should know before buying one, and why finding someone to repair it could be a serious challenge.
These forgotten products are a reminder that some of the most fascinating vintage audio equipment is still waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you’re a Harman Kardon fan, a dedicated Pioneer collector, or someone who loves hunting for obscure stereo gear, this is one treasure hunt you won’t want to miss.
What is the rarest or strangest piece of vintage audio equipment you’ve ever found? Let us know in the comments!
Thanks for watching and supporting Skylabs Audio.
Visit us online at SkylabsAudio.com.
____________________________
Do you have questions about stereo equipment? Need repair advice? Join our Discord. It's free! discord.com/invite/hsdG5vgDvE
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/skylabsiowa
Check us out on Instagram: instagram.com/skylabsiowa
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Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter! Our current vintage inventory is included in every edition.
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We have a Patreon page! You can check that out here:
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#VintageAudio #HarmanKardon #PioneerAudio
Rare vintage audio doesn’t always mean expensive, powerful, or prestigious. Sometimes the hardest pieces to find were inexpensive, entry-level products that nobody thought were worth saving.
In this video, Kevin explores two incredibly unusual pieces of audio history.
First is the rare Harman Kardon 230e stereo receiver from the late 1970s. With only 15 watts per channel, a mostly plastic construction, and a design that can be challenging to service, it would be easy to overlook. But its unique tuner display—visible from both the front and the top—makes it one of the coolest little Harman Kardon receivers we’ve encountered. It also sounds much bigger and more capable than its modest specifications suggest.
Kevin also shares how KISS drummer and vintage stereo collector Eric Singer helped bring this unusual receiver to his attention.
Then things get even stranger with the Pioneer Bodysonic Chair, a rare Japanese audio chair produced during the mid-1980s. It features built-in full-range speakers, body-vibrating transducers in the chair and footrest, and controls mounted directly in the armrest.
What does a vintage Pioneer stereo chair actually sound like? Kevin tests it with music, movies, and video games to find out. We also explore why this futuristic chair may not have caught on, what collectors should know before buying one, and why finding someone to repair it could be a serious challenge.
These forgotten products are a reminder that some of the most fascinating vintage audio equipment is still waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you’re a Harman Kardon fan, a dedicated Pioneer collector, or someone who loves hunting for obscure stereo gear, this is one treasure hunt you won’t want to miss.
What is the rarest or strangest piece of vintage audio equipment you’ve ever found? Let us know in the comments!
Thanks for watching and supporting Skylabs Audio.
Visit us online at SkylabsAudio.com.
____________________________
Do you have questions about stereo equipment? Need repair advice? Join our Discord. It's free! discord.com/invite/hsdG5vgDvE
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/skylabsiowa
Check us out on Instagram: instagram.com/skylabsiowa
____________________________
Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, Luxman, Advance Paris, Wharfedale, Cambridge Audio, Rega, Audio Technica, new vinyl records, SACDs and more!
skylabsaudio.com
Good news for our international viewers! You can now order our shirts for international shipping!
Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter! Our current vintage inventory is included in every edition.
skylabsaudio.com
Join this YouTube channel to get access to the perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCfkefBAR_BBXW_2z37-ozuw/join
We have a Patreon page! You can check that out here:
patreon.com/user?u=79064906
#VintageAudio #HarmanKardon #PioneerAudio
