How Much Was The RadioShack Pro 668 Sold For New? A Complete Price History Guide
Have you ever wondered how much the RadioShack Pro 668 scanner cost when it was first released? If you're a radio enthusiast or collector, you're not alone in this curiosity. The RadioShack Pro 668 was a popular desktop scanner that many hobbyists sought after, and understanding its original price can provide valuable context for today's market value and collector interest.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the RadioShack Pro 668's pricing history, explore what made this scanner special, and help you understand its value both then and now. Whether you're considering purchasing one today or just curious about this classic radio equipment, you'll find all the answers here.
The Original Retail Price of the RadioShack Pro 668
When the RadioShack Pro 668 was first introduced to the market, it typically sold for between $149.99 and $199.99, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. This price point positioned it as a mid-range desktop scanner in RadioShack's product lineup, making it accessible to serious hobbyists while still offering professional-grade features.
The exact price could vary slightly based on geographic location, as RadioShack stores often adjusted pricing to match local market conditions. Additionally, sales tax would have been added to the base price, which varied by state and could add anywhere from 0% to over 10% to the final cost.
What Made the RadioShack Pro 668 Special?
The RadioShack Pro 668 wasn't just another scanner on the shelf. It offered 200 programmable channels across multiple frequency bands, including police, fire, weather, and amateur radio frequencies. The scanner featured a large, easy-to-read display and could store up to 10 banks of frequencies, making it highly versatile for monitoring different types of communications.
One of the standout features was its ability to search both sides of a frequency while scanning, effectively doubling the efficiency of channel monitoring. The Pro 668 also included priority scanning, which allowed users to set specific channels to be checked more frequently than others - a crucial feature for serious monitoring enthusiasts.
Comparing the Pro 668 to Other RadioShack Models
To understand the Pro 668's pricing better, it's helpful to compare it to other models in RadioShack's scanner lineup at the time. The lower-end Pro-64 typically sold for around $99.99, while the more advanced Pro-95 handheld scanner was priced at approximately $179.99. The Pro 668's price point reflected its position as a feature-rich desktop model that offered more capabilities than entry-level scanners but wasn't quite at the top of the line.
The Pro-668's desktop design also contributed to its pricing, as it included a more robust power supply and larger form factor compared to handheld models. This made it ideal for base station use in homes, offices, or dedicated monitoring stations.
Inflation and Today's Value
When we adjust the original price of the RadioShack Pro 668 for inflation, the $149.99 to $199.99 range from the early 2000s (when it was most popular) would be equivalent to approximately $220 to $295 in today's dollars. This helps explain why collectors and enthusiasts still seek out these scanners today - they represented good value for money even by modern standards.
However, it's important to note that finding a new, in-box RadioShack Pro 668 today is extremely rare, as the model has been discontinued for many years. Most available units are used, and their prices on secondary markets like eBay or ham radio swap meets can vary significantly based on condition.
Where to Find a RadioShack Pro 668 Today
If you're looking to purchase a RadioShack Pro 668 today, you'll likely find them through online marketplaces, ham radio forums, or estate sales. Used prices typically range from $50 to $150, depending on the unit's condition, whether it includes original accessories, and if it's fully functional.
When shopping for a used Pro 668, be sure to verify that all features work properly, as electronic components can degrade over time. Many sellers will test the unit before shipping, but it's always wise to ask about the condition and any potential issues.
Conclusion
The RadioShack Pro 668 was originally priced between $149.99 and $199.99 when new, representing a solid mid-range option for radio enthusiasts. While finding one new today is nearly impossible, understanding its original price helps contextualize its value in the collector's market. Whether you're a vintage radio collector or a hobbyist looking for a capable scanner, the Pro 668 remains a noteworthy piece of radio history that offered excellent features for its price point.
Remember that while the original price gives us historical context, the true value of any used electronics today depends on condition, functionality, and current market demand. If you're considering purchasing one, research current listings and compare conditions to ensure you're getting a fair deal for this classic scanner.
