RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Recent comparable listings put the Optimus SA-155 at a US$30 median, with the middle half running from US$25 to US$35. At US$35, this is fair market value rather than a bargain, sitting right at the upper quartile. It is not overpriced if the unit is tested and complete, but there is little room for buyer’s-remorse protection if faults emerge.
The SA-155 is a charmingly compact integrated amp with phono input, selectable magnetic/ceramic cartridge support, multiple line inputs, and a useful headphone output. Its modest roughly 1.8-watt-per-channel rating suits efficient speakers, desktop systems, and headphones—not demanding modern bookshelves at high volume. The phono flexibility and small footprint are the real attractions; at this price, confirm clean controls, working inputs, quiet headphone output, and the correct power cord before buying.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Optimus is best known as a RadioShack private-label audio brand rather than an independent hi-fi manufacturer. The name traces back to RadioShack’s in-house branding, with “Optimus” used on some products from the late 1960s and more broadly on audio gear in the 1980s and 1990s. It does not have a clearly identifiable standalone founder in the way a dedicated hi-fi brand would; its heritage is tied to the RadioShack retail chain in the United States.
The line covered a broad range of consumer electronics, including stereo receivers, amplifiers, speakers, cassette decks, turntables, and later some home-theater and portable audio products. Depending on the era, many Optimus components were sourced from overseas OEM manufacturers, especially in Asia, and sold through RadioShack’s stores as house-brand alternatives to mainstream consumer audio lines.
In the market, Optimus sits firmly in the mass-market and mid-fi category rather than the high-end segment. Today it is mostly remembered by vintage-audio collectors and RadioShack enthusiasts, with certain receivers and speakers drawing interest for their retro appeal and occasional value. It is not generally regarded as a boutique or audiophile-first brand, but some models remain noteworthy for solid build and nostalgic charm.
See all Optimus listings on RADAR.
