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50 year old Optimus 5s

G

gvanek

Member
Recovered from the attic just this week after being there since hurricane Katrina. I remembered how awesome these sounded powered by a Realistic amp/tuner back in 1975. I connected to a new Yamaha but was a little disappointed. They don't sound as good as I remember...which could be partially due to my 65 year old ears. I've been Googling and YouTubing... which brought me here.

Based on my "research", its likely the capacitors are shot...? Should I attempt to replace? All cones are intact...and foam looks to be in good shape.

Please...comment.
 
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I see you just joined so first of all welcome to AK and here's hoping you enjoy your time here.

gvanek said:
..I remembered how awesome these sounded powered by a Realistic amp/tuner back in 1975. I connected to a new Yamaha but was a little disappointed. They don't sound as good as I remember...which could be partially due to my 65 year old ears.
Click to expand...

What you mentioned is definitely a thing and maybe it's just a matter of getting used to them again also what they were paired with amplification wise and the room set up originally compared to now could also be a factor.

gvanek said:
Based on my "research", its likely the capacitors are shot...? Should I attempt to replace? All cones are intact...and foam looks to be in good shape.
Click to expand...

I've attached a link to thread with some pictures showing the crossover which seems to be easily accessible. The question is do you feel you can do this?

Realistic Optimus 9- has anybody actually heard these??

Discussion about Realistic Optimus 9- has anybody actually heard these?? in Speakers with 73 replies on Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums.
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A recap wouldn't hurt so if you're planning on keeping them long term then it would make sense to do so
 
Thanks Dswanky! The crossover looks easy to work with. Not even a circuit board.

Is there a mod I can do to possibly improve the bass as well?…maybe replace the coil?

Please note that I have no experience with this sort of thing…
 
gvanek said:
Thanks Dswanky! The crossover looks easy to work with. Not even a circuit board.

Is there a mod I can do to possibly improve the bass as well?…maybe replace the coil?

Please note that I have no experience with this sort of thing…
Click to expand...
If they were paired with a low powered realistic say system 7 they were bass heavy receivers even the 16 wpc drove my Cerwin Vega model 26s with plenty of bass with the loudness on !
 
I don’t recall the exact Realistic receiver, but it definitely was not a lower end model. My requirement in sound quality wasn’t very discriminating back in the day. ZZ Top, Boston, and Kansas were more volume oriented. God I miss those days…

I am using these 5’s in my garage/workshop. It’s roughly 25’ X 34’. I have them connected to a Yamaha RS202. My source of music will likely be Bluetooth/Spotify. I’m not an audiophile, but do appreciate good sound. My hearing is lacking. I can’t use my hearing aids in the shop. The sound now seems a bit ”muddy”. I would like more crispness, if possible.

Cerwin Vega! I had a pair in the mid 80’s. Bought them from Sound Trek Audio in New Orleans East for $350. Sold them to a friend in 1990 for $350. I’m gonna call him tomorrow…
 
gvanek said:
I am using these 5’s in my garage/workshop. It’s roughly 25’ X 34’. I have them connected to a Yamaha RS202.
Click to expand...
that's what I was asking, what amp you are currently using.........large room and lower end receiver may have more to do with poor sound quality than capacitors in the speaker crossovers
gvanek said:
My source of music will likely be Bluetooth/Spotify.
Click to expand...
but what is your source now? You said the sound is not good
 
Sorry. I guess I’m not understanding your question.

The source of the music is my IPhone, via bluetooth into my Yamaha rs202. The sound is “good”, but could definitely be better. Looking for more “definition”…if that makes sense. Also I understand that this receiver ain’t exactly top end stuff.

Thanks for your input.
 
Yep. I’m sure you are correct. But I still want to maintain/restore these speakers, if for no other reason than sentimental value. It seems that an equivalent replacement would be quite expensive.
 
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