Vintage Silver ST888 Space Master II 11-Band World Receiver & Cassette Boombox – Made in Japan

There are vintage radios — and then there are machines like the Silver Space Master II.

Produced during the golden age of large-format portable audio, the ST888 combines the presence of a classic 1980s boombox with the extraordinary functionality of an international world-band receiver.

Its enormous analogue tuning display dominates the front panel, covering FM, long wave, medium wave and eight shortwave bands. Three telescopic antennas rise dramatically from the cabinet, while twin speaker arrays, analogue VU meters and a substantial central tuning control give the Space Master II an unmistakably technical, almost space-age appearance.

The ST888 is a Japanese-made model associated with Shin-Shirasuna Electric, with related versions sold as the Prosonic PQR-9963 and Reader’s Digest RDA-112. 

It is a wonderfully excessive piece of vintage audio engineering and an increasingly difficult model to encounter in complete condition.

What’s Included

Silver ST888 Space Master II receiver/cassette unit with integrated stereo speakers, original carrying handle, three telescopic antennas, mains power lead and integrated cassette deck.

Product Details

Brand: Silver
Model: ST888
Model name: Space Master II
Type: Portable stereo world-band receiver / cassette recorder / boombox
Era: circa 1980s
Origin: Japan
Radio: 11-band analogue receiver
Bands: FM, LW, MW and SW1–SW8
Cassette: Full-size cassette recorder/player with mechanical transport controls
Speakers: Twin multi-driver speaker arrays
Antennas: Three telescopic antennas
Display: Large analogue tuning scale with twin VU/recording-level meters
Controls: Bass, treble, balance, volume, RF gain and BFO pitch
Additional functions: DX/local selection, notch filter, BFO and mono/stereo selection
Connections: Auxiliary and audio connections to rear, microphone inputs and headphone output
Power: AC mains or battery operation.

Condition

Very good vintage cosmetic condition.

The cabinet presents particularly well for a large portable audio unit of this age, with relatively light age-related wear visible in the photographs. The speaker grilles, tuning display, controls, switches and carrying handle appear well preserved.

Importantly, all three telescopic antennas are present, a significant advantage on a receiver of this type.

The cassette compartment opens correctly, and the cassette mechanism appears visually complete.

Vintage HQ testing note: Radio works, and all controls also work for radio. Cassette deck requires replacement belts

As with all vintage electronic equipment, operation should be considered commensurate with its age unless specifically stated otherwise.

Why You’ll Love It

The ST888 sits somewhere between a classic boombox, serious shortwave receiver and piece of retro-futurist industrial design.

Its extraordinary 11-band tuner and three-antenna arrangement distinguish it immediately from conventional cassette boomboxes. Enthusiast discussions specifically praise the model's tuner performance, and surviving examples attract considerable interest among boombox collectors.

At almost 70 cm across, it also has tremendous visual presence — equally suited to a serious vintage audio collection, retro interior or display environment.

Shipping

Due to the size, weight and delicate telescopic antennas of this piece, collection from Vintage HQ is preferred.

Australia-wide delivery may be available by arrangement. Please contact Vintage HQ before purchasing if shipping is required.