They seemed to have abandoned their core business for all the geeky stuff like various audio cables, connectors, adapters, and actual component parts. These items from the past were of decent quality and reasonlby priced. I too have some older electronic parts from the late 1970s that are still working! Remember the battery of the month club? And those were good batteries!
In the 1990s, the R/S brand of PZM microphones was actually made by Crown! Crown had a the same model but looked quite different and cost 3 times more but internally they were identical! It was a secret to anyone outside of the recording field.
I'd blame the demise of R/S on their top management. It became obvious they were scrambling to find their market from RC cars, to mobile phones, disco lights, or other contemporary items they thought would keep them afloat. Whenever I'd walk into a store the last few years it seemed different each time. In 2009 they were the lead sponsored a cycling team with Lance Armstrong. I know they were struggling then so why do this? Pro cycling takes major dollars . . . hello
!
Finally, about two years ago my son needed a 1/8" stereo male-2-male replacement cable for his headphones. The store was well stocked on these because they were WAY overpriced, something like $14.99! The packaging even said,
made in China exclusively for Radio Shack. So we ordered one from Amazon.
My sources for electronic parts have been Sparkfun, Parts Express, and on occasion Amazon.
Danny B.