Realistic Optimus T-120s

[FireRisinWithin]

Hey all, first post here

I recently bought an older technics receiver, with a 5 cd changer and a tape deck (lol) for a grand total of forty bucks, and i want to set it up in my living room in stereo for music, or if i can find more speakers, 5.0 surround. It didn't come with speakers, but on kijiji, there is a pair of Optimus T-120's. They have been restored, with new foam on the mids, fixed tweeters, and a restored wood veneer. He was asking 150, but now he'll take 125, i might be able to talk him down to 100. I want to know, are they worth this much? I want a couple powerful tower speakers as the receiver has no connector for a sub. Any thoughts?

 

[zieglj01]

If he really wants to sell, try $75 - I would not pay over $100.
Make sure all the drivers look good, and everything works.

I still think you have a chance to find better speakers out there,
if you keep looking.

 

[audiofan99]

Nice speakers

Hi,

I've never owned a pair of those speakers, but I remember seeing them in Radio Shack back in the 80's. They were playing country music when I walked in to the store, but aside from that, I was amazed at the sound. The bass was so deep but not muddy or boomy. And the rest of the frequencies were extremely smooth.

I was all about the Mach 1's back then. Loud and in your face. But I can still remember hearing those T-120's and realizing there was more to music.

The other thing is the cabinets. Most speakers back then were the normal 'brick' shape. But these were tall and had the rounded corners. They were (in my opinion) the best looking speakers Radio Shack ever sold.

Canton sold some tower speakers around the same period. I think they were called the T-2000's. They were similar in size and these were also a 3 way speaker. But they were 10 times the price! LOL

The two most important parts of a system (IMO) are the speakers and the receiver. You've committed to the receiver you'll be using. But you still have the option of choosing the speakers. Those T-120's would be excellent speakers for the system you're putting together, but I bet you could find some decent speakers at local yard sales and flea markets. Of course, those would likely need some work to get them working.

Anyway, hope my input helps your decision.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Hi,
The two most important parts of a system (IMO) are the speakers and the receiver. You've committed to the receiver you'll be using. But you still have the option of choosing the speakers.

Let me correct you just a bit.

The most important factor which affects the sound quality are speakers and by FAR - over 90% of SQ is determinate by them.

The 2nd is room interactions.

Receiver/amp should be sufficient for your needed and have features you need/want

Keep in mind purchasing vintage speakers condition is everything -there are replacements made for them

Unless you hardcore enthusiast dedicated to vintage sound, I'd spend money on new product instead (or at least much newer than 80s speakers)

 

[audiofan99]

reply to reply

Hi,

While I agree that speakers are the most important part, I wouldn't put the value at 90%. But, getting into specifics in this case is not really the purpose of the other person's question.

In his post he wrote he paid $40 bucks for the entire system he'll be using. So I doubt he wants to pay the kind of money a newer set of speakers would cost. Sure, there are lots of better brands than Realistic. And there are likely better models (within that brand) than the T-120's. But I would guess he's trying to put together a (decent) system for a small outlay of cash.

If you compare the sound of the T-120's with something similar from that era... Technics, Sony, Pioneer... they would compare quite well.

The comment about the cabinets, the rounded corners (the Rat Shack speakers also had real wood veneer). IMO the t-120's were much better than those other brands when considering appearance.

His specific question was "are they worth this much?".
I think they are. Maybe not the 150, but certainly the 100, and possibly the 125.

There is a guy on Ebay selling a pair of t-200's.. his original asking price was $700. The bidding went up to $242 but his reserve was never met.

So these old Radio Shack speakers do hold their price.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Hi,

While I agree that speakers are the most important part, I wouldn't put the value at 90%. But, getting into specifics in this case is not really the purpose of the other person's question.

In his post he wrote he paid $40 bucks for the entire system he'll be using. So I doubt he wants to pay the kind of money a newer set of speakers would cost. Sure, there are lots of better brands than Realistic. And there are likely better models (within that brand) than the T-120's. But I would guess he's trying to put together a (decent) system for a small outlay of cash.

If you compare the sound of the T-120's with something similar from that era... Technics, Sony, Pioneer... they would compare quite well.

The comment about the cabinets, the rounded corners (the Rat Shack speakers also had real wood veneer). IMO the t-120's were much better than those other brands when considering appearance.

His specific question was "are they worth this much?".
I think they are. Maybe not the 150, but certainly the 100, and possibly the 125.

There is a guy on Ebay selling a pair of t-200's.. his original asking price was $700. The bidding went up to $242 but his reserve was never met.

So these old Radio Shack speakers do hold their price.

IF the speakers are as good as you say they are and IF are in great condition as OP describes - I don't really see how - $100 or $125 is anything other than a great deal

 

[Rickster71]

I guess it depends where the OP lives and the cost of shipping.
Here's a mint pair on Craig's list for $80
Realistic Optimus T120 Speakers> Mint

 

[zieglj01]

In 1985, the T-120 sold for $360 a pair.

 

[audiofan99]

OP location

The OP lists Souris as his location. Google says that's in Manitoba or Prince Edward Island. (Both are in Canada) The craigslist item would be pretty pricey to ship. Hopefully he is closer to the other seller.

 

[audiofan99]

Canada vs USA price

In 1985, the T-120 sold for $360 a pair.

In the 1987 (Canadian) Radio Shack catalog, the speakers sold for $500/pr.

I can upload a photo if anyone wants to see it.

 

[zieglj01]

In the 1987 (Canadian) Radio Shack catalog, the speakers sold for $500/pr.

I can upload a photo if anyone wants to see it.

Cheaper in USA (pages 18 & 19) - more expensive in Canada
1985 Radio Shack Catalog

 

[zieglj01]

Cheaper in USA (pages 18 & 19) - more expensive in Canada
1985 Radio Shack Catalog

Interesting, in 1987 - the price went up to $400 a pair USA.
Pages 22 & 23
1987 Radio Shack Catalog

For the one who likes to read - different Catalog years here.
Radio Shack Catalogs - General Catalogs