Realistic Optimus T-100 (1983 or 1980)
A floor-standing 2-way loudspeaker system from Radio Shack’s premium audio line
Overview
The Realistic Optimus T-100 is a floor-standing 2-way loudspeaker system made by Radio Shack under its Realistic brand. It belonged to the Optimus speaker series, which also included the Optimus 5 and Optimus 7. It was designed for high-fidelity sound with refined looks, and promotional material called it "luxurious and carefully styled." Radio Shack positioned it as a premium option for home stereo setups. RadioMuseum says the T-100 was built in 1983, but HiFiEngine lists 1980. The cabinet has an oiled walnut veneer, and the speaker is a 2-way, 3-driver design.
Specifications
| Type | 2 way, 3 driver loudspeaker system |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz to 18kHz (HiFiEngine) / 50Hz to 22kHz (Facebook) |
| Power Handling | 75W (HiFiEngine) / 40 watts RMS (80 watts max) (Facebook) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1500Hz |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 300 x 760 x 270 mm / 11.8 x 29.9 x 10.6 inch |
| Weight | 23kg |
Design
The T-100 is a 2-way design with three drivers in a cabinet finished in oiled walnut veneer. It was styled to look luxurious and carefully built, and it sat in the higher-end part of the Realistic audio lineup.
Market
A pair of Realistic Optimus T-100 speakers was listed for CA$175.00 in Trenton via Facebook, so people are still buying them. Replacement parts such as grills and new tweeters are available, which suggests owners are still maintaining and restoring them. A Reddit user asked for help with these speakers, which implies some service needs, though the available research documents no specific failure modes.
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