Krosya
Well-Known Member
It's been a while since I was pretty active on this forum. Many reasons, really, but main one was - not much new was added to my audio collection. Yes, maybe some music, but not much in as far as new equipment goes. And there was a good reason for it - I was pretty happy with what I have and didnt even look at anything new. Every now and then I would check local sales, but nothing really jumped at me. Well, a couple of weeks ago I saw a pair of these Optimus Mach Threes for sale. Like many here, I happened to have a soft spot for old Radio Shack electronics. I have several receivers and speakers by them and like them all. Yet nothing with as large woofer as Machs have. I had several opportunities to get Mach one and/or two, but was not terribly impressed by them in person. Not bad speakers, but just didnt do it for me. Mach three on the other had never came up - and I gather its rather rare of the series. So, when these came up - I was interested. As usual, they needed new foams, but otherwise were in good shape, so I took a chance. Large woofer, and 2 horns - as a Klipsch fan, I just couldnt say no to these. Even though, when tested they didnt impressed me at seller's house. But foams were bad and his receiver was rather questionable.
Anyway, got foams done, put them into my main system - and WOW! Very impressive. Nothing what I expected based on many comments that Machs usually get. Very clean, clear and detailed. Great soundstage. Very good low end - nothing boomy. They have a good punch when recording calls for it. Horns are NOT shrill. Mids are smooth. I had them playing A-B with my Source Technology speakers that cost several thousand dollars and Machs hold their own. I did not expect that at all! There are probably no perfect speakers, and I am sure I will come across some faults with some recordings, but so far - I cant believe my ears! And these are stock - only two things were done to them - new foams and Lpads cleaned. Nothing else and I dont see why I would want to do anything else. At least not at this point. I tried all sorts of music - and they dont disappoint. Shine, really.Next to my Klipsch Heresy III - very close, slightly more mellow with lower bass. Only thing I can sort of complain about - they seem to be sensative to poor recordings - it shows right away if recording is not great. Some of my other speakers are more forgiving. I tried these Machs with a Denon DRA-635R, which is pretty respectable 80WPC receiver and now have them connected to my Optonica SA-5605 and they sound absolutely superb! I am not surprised that these bring high dollar if you can find them.
Ok, on to the pics:
Anyway, got foams done, put them into my main system - and WOW! Very impressive. Nothing what I expected based on many comments that Machs usually get. Very clean, clear and detailed. Great soundstage. Very good low end - nothing boomy. They have a good punch when recording calls for it. Horns are NOT shrill. Mids are smooth. I had them playing A-B with my Source Technology speakers that cost several thousand dollars and Machs hold their own. I did not expect that at all! There are probably no perfect speakers, and I am sure I will come across some faults with some recordings, but so far - I cant believe my ears! And these are stock - only two things were done to them - new foams and Lpads cleaned. Nothing else and I dont see why I would want to do anything else. At least not at this point. I tried all sorts of music - and they dont disappoint. Shine, really.Next to my Klipsch Heresy III - very close, slightly more mellow with lower bass. Only thing I can sort of complain about - they seem to be sensative to poor recordings - it shows right away if recording is not great. Some of my other speakers are more forgiving. I tried these Machs with a Denon DRA-635R, which is pretty respectable 80WPC receiver and now have them connected to my Optonica SA-5605 and they sound absolutely superb! I am not surprised that these bring high dollar if you can find them.
Ok, on to the pics:
