-quality of sound
-build quality
-funky looks

-their age (mid 70's)
-the foam surrounds on the woofers

For being around 25 years old, these speakers still sound great. These and the MACH 2's are some of the best speakers to come out of radio shack. They are more than loud enough for most rec rooms and because of the horn based tweeters, they have high efficiency too. The only problem so far i've had is the foam surrounds on the woofers (15"). But that can easily be fixed for around $20 to $50, depending on which type you use (i'd recommend foam over rubber, better response). All in all, these speakers are very competent, and can be had for around $100 to $200 at most used shops or through private sale. I'd recommend these speakers for someone that is looking for big sound at a good price. These speakers are generally more suited for use with music, rather than home-theatre.

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celestion Ditton 33's
bose 501's (pre 1980)

Dynamite bass super clear

foam around woofer

The best speakers I've ever heard and Thanks to New Foam, the rotting foam is no longer a problem. As long as I can replace the foam, I'll NEVER own anything else. Thanks!! to Radio Shack and New Foam!!

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cerwin, peavey

Knock over Bass down to 25hz. Highs up to 40,000Hz!! Quality build,Plays it all,Clear,Doesn't miss a Beat!!

NONE - when you consider these Specs.

(REVIEW OF REALISTIC MACH 2) This is perhaps one of the Best speaker systems ever produced by Realistic! Very few were made.Compared to today's standards,this speaker would be worth in a staggering 2-4 thousand dollar bracket!With real wood cabinet,a super horn tweeter capable of reaching heights (even the Human ear can't hear)And many,many more quality attributes,this speaker will play ANY & ALL kinds of music so real you are THERE!!Every note,every finger on the strings,the Sax,the brushes on the Snare,the breathing between words,Every beat,Earth Shaking Bass & If you want it low it can do that TOO! I can't say enough about this speaker - This is a speaker you look forward to firing up//AND Home Theater//one word AWESOME!! I'd put this speaker up against almost any brand - It might knock them OVER///From experience - They WILL blow out a match at 3 Feet!!! And they CAN cause deafness.
System:Reciever - Denon 4802-THX Ultra
RCA 52" HDTV
Sony DVD/w/Progressive scan
Fronts - Realistic Mach 2's
Center - Cerwin Vega
Rear (1)Cerwin Vega
Rear (2)Bose 301
Surround (B)Boston Acoustics
PS> If you can find these Rare speakers under $500.00 - Better buy them!If anyone would like pictures,I'd be glad to snap a shot with my Digital.

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Kilpsch,JBL,Cerwin Vega,Bose,Polk,Infinity,others

These speakers are THE BOMB. I have been enjoying them for 15 years, and for the price they are impossible to beat. The compare favorably to speakers costing 4 times as much. I've had Polk, Accoustic Research, Klipsch, Cerwin Vega, Tannoy, JBL, Bose (stay away!) and others over the years, and none compare. I've experienced a better mid-range soundfield than these speakers offer, but not by much. They are quite flat with the ability to produce the lows that scare the neighbors from their 15" woofers. I keep trying to spend lots of money and buy another pair to replace them, but inevitably I keep coming back to these.

Considering the year of release: awesome bass, midrange and high range response and clarity.

Ever-decaying foam surround on 15" woofer.

This was perhaps one of the top performing loudspeakers back in it's day. Perhaps only a few other extremely expensive units were superior to them. I don't use these speakers everyday, they are on an auxillary stereo that I rarely listen to. However, I am impressed with them: they have very loud, clear, and flat response. Upper mid range and treble is a tad harsh. Phase alignment seems ok but leaves your ears somewhat confused after any amount of time. Imaging is so-so, you have to sit in one specific spot to get satisfactory results. OK OK, I am letting present day standards contaminate this review....bottom line: Mach Ones could really pump out some seriously accurate and LOUD music back in the early 80's. The rest of the Mach series released after that was basicly junk. If you can find a pair of the originals, get them!

Chirstopher Wolff

Durability, great punchy woofer. Best thing that ever came from the 'Shack'

Wire posts (clips?) obviously not up to modern standards, but adequate.

Wow! I'm shocked to see reviews on this speaker after all these years. Purchased in 1987 for $159 a piece, I thought these were the end beat all for the money. I have to admit, I thought they were the best sounding speakers I had ever heard.

Okay, so I didnt get out much.

I still have these heavy monsters to this day, In '87, I purchased an extra pair of grills with these, anticipating wear and tear that never came- thinking I would have these to the end of time. They have really held up nicely, I didnt have the deterioration around the woofer like the previous reviewer mentioned. The huge magnet on that 15 inch woofer along with the hefty, unshielded cabinet made this not a speaker for the TV room. When the HT bug bit me, these bad boys got retired. It is a shame they are not in use, they really did the job well!

Funny that Radio Shack actually put this thing out. To people who never bought any of their products back THEN, or to youngsters today who simply dont know, there was some value there. Adjusted for inflation, these speakers would simply be untouchable at that price today, no matter what badge is on the front.

Actually the MachIIs were a better speaker; adjustable range control for the tweeter and midrange, and much stronger cabinet.

Maybe someday they'll see action again....

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nothing similar