Radio shack Optimus 7 1973 floor speakers

[Kybronco]

Hi, I’m a new member as of today and I’m seeking info on a pair of speakers I purchased a few days ago . They are in pretty good shape cabinet wise and I was told one tweeter had been replaced I have only listened to them with my Sansui G-5500 receiver on fm so far because I’m still making room for them in my listening room as they are large . Thanks for any info on these old school speakers, I appreciate it thanks .

 

[rkgren1]

Hi Kybroco,
The Optimus line of speakers are pretty highly regarded.
I believe the 7s are top of the line for Radio Shack in their time.

I have Optimus 1s and a set of 5Bs.
I like them both.

You should look into replacing the electrolytic capacitors on the crossover circuit inside the cabinets.
They age.
Replacement is an easy and inexpensive job and it is likely to improve the sound quality in the mid- and high-ranges.

 

[Kybronco]

Thanks I really I am excited about finding these. I think it’s so cool they survived.

 

[91r100gs]

 

[gdmoore28]

Those are some really nice looking speakers. I'll bet they sound just as nice.
Welcome to AK, KYbronco.

GeeDeeEmm

For reference: Realistic Optimus 7

 

[F0427ea1]

: http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/index.html check out page 39 of the 1973 catalog and page 24 of 1974 catalog

 

[Kybronco]

 

[Kybronco]

God bless the inter web lol . I have seen the 73 catalog add and in 2018 money that’s about 1100.00 a lot of money back then. I wonder what the wattage was thinking may 100 w it so . I can’t find that spec. But whatever they sound pretty good !

 

[woofercooker]

God bless the inter web lol . I have seen the 73 catalog add and in 2018 money that’s about 1100.00 a lot of money back then. I wonder what the wattage was thinking may 100 w it so . I can’t find that spec. But whatever they sound pretty good !

60 watts max is what the owners manual says... Nice condition, Looks great!

 

[tarior]

Those are pretty cool.
BTW, you should really get that towel out from under your receiver. It is blocking airflow.

 

[Kybronco]

Thanks for the compliment, and the towel is gone now .

 

[Justgotohm]

Those are sweet, nice simple set up.

 

[tarior]

If you want to avoid scratching your table, felt works very well.

 

[Rex81]

The Optimus 7 is considered by many to be Radio Shack's best speaker ever. They're beautifully made and do sound quite nice. They can certainly be bested in sound quality by many other offerings, but not many speakers look as nice, that's for sure. I often regret selling mine.

 

[Kybronco]

Yes I wanted that old school look and I’ve been enjoying them with a lot of my old vinyl from that period, it transports me in time for sure!

 

[1ontop=]

Very nice. Are the fronts of the cabinet and the grills bowed out?

 

[Kybronco]

No there is a curvature to the grill but no bowing

 

[1ontop=]

No there is a curvature to the grill but no bowing

Bowed out/curvature .. same?
That is what I meant. Different terminology that's all.

 

[Thematsta]

I've got a line on a pair and I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on them...

 

[RTally]

I've got a line on a pair and I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on them...

I bought a pair last month from a couple that bought them new 45 years ago. They are big speakers, and heavy. I need to place a cap order so that I can recap them.