Optimus STS 100

Q

QuikJimi

New Member
Missed my neighbors' garage sale earlier this week but eventually curb scored (free) a pair of 90s-era Optimus STS 100 speakers :) They look to be in good condition, cabinet scratches only. Foam is well intact, no cone or other visible issues, etc. Does anyone have any insight on these? I read on another forum they ran about $100 on sale 25 years ago but also that they perform relatively well? Anyone? Bueller?
 
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Reminiscent of the Yamaha NSA-635 (although it's obviously not the same speaker, the size, layout and drivers are similar), which sold for about the same IIRC. That speaker was just meh. I've never heard the Optimus so this may be useless info. However, the fact that they're 3-way suggested it was designed by marketing - the typical poly tweeter in that speaker could have crossed over to an 8" woofer with no problem; they should have skipped the midrange and spent a couple more bucks on the rest of the speaker instead. IMHO, of course.
 
Old thread back from the dead. I picked up a pair of these cheap at a local thrift store and figured if nothing else they'll be decent sacrificial speakers for the test bench. Haven't given them close inspection or a listen yet.
 
nicholas2381 said:
Old thread back from the dead. I picked up a pair of these cheap at a local thrift store and figured if nothing else they'll be decent sacrificial speakers for the test bench. Haven't given them close inspection or a listen yet.
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Pictures?
 
I got a pair about a decade ago, the woofers are awful. I replaced the woofers with some closeout from Parts Express and they were much improved. I think I added some stuffing as well, but they are really cheaply built.
I use them in the basement, and ya as test bench speakers sometimes.

EDIT:
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/wtf-which-are-the-correct-specs.690162/#post-9220960

These were $9 each, so it's what I used.
https://www.parts-express.com/HP-5210-5-1-4-Poly-Cone-Rubber-Surround-Woofer-8-Ohm-299-2164
 
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Dingman said:
I got a pair about a decade ago, the woofers are awful. I replaced the woofers with some closeout from Parts Express and they were much improved. I think I added some stuffing as well, but they are really cheaply built.
I use them in the basement, and ya as test bench speakers sometimes.

EDIT:
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/wtf-which-are-the-correct-specs.690162/#post-9220960

These were $9 each, so it's what I used.
https://www.parts-express.com/HP-5210-5-1-4-Poly-Cone-Rubber-Surround-Woofer-8-Ohm-299-2164
Click to expand...

Right on. Yeah, I don’t expect these to be very nice, but if they explode I won’t mind.
 
I should know better, but what kind of tweeter is that? I see them a lot on low/mid priced speakers, but never have figured them out. Are they a simple cone with a cover? Maybe a small dome?
 
Yodathedog said:
I should know better, but what kind of tweeter is that? I see them a lot on low/mid priced speakers, but never have figured them out. Are they a simple cone with a cover? Maybe a small dome?
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Yes, it looks like one of those old CTS tweeter variants, there were only like 1.23 billion of those made.
 
Those look like dome tweeter that were used in several RS speakers. They just have that plastic protector over the top.
 
Lavane said:
Those look like dome tweeter that were used in several RS speakers. They just have that plastic protector over the top.
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I think the mids and highs are sort of acceptable, and after I replaced the woofers, (I didn't want to say this at first, a few posts ago) - I kinda grew to like these. I had them hooked up to a Carver something and I like them *in the basement*
 
I like some of the Nova and Optimus speakers. Mostly from the mid 70's. I just haven't heard very many from the 80's and 90's. I mentioned the Optimus 27's.
Just looking at them I.probably would have just walked on by them. But they do sound pretty good and image well.
 
Lavane said:
Ah, so they are RS speakers. Some are quite good. One that really surprised me was the odd Optimus 27.
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Oh, yeah, “realistic optimus” - probably a 90s marketing thing.

I’m sure there are some really good ones. And these are probably OK for non-discerning listeners or those just starting out. But they’re not “giant killers” or anything.
 
I'm sure there were a few in the 90's that sounded good. I just haven't heard any.
I had a pair of the bigger Optimus towers from the 80's for awhile. I like them.
 
The "Optimus" badge was Radio Shacks top-quality line...similar to Pioneer Elite and others...i have several pieces and the build quality is great.
i am especially fond of the cd/cassette units and a few of the Optimus speakers such as the -400's which are "giant killers" IMHO.
 

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