I'm not sure, but I do know they dropped the "Allied" part of their name some time in the late seventies. I have a Radio Shack "Realistic" (!) stereo cassette tape deck with Dolby NR (noise reduction) that was marketed by Radio Shack in 1977; the "A" in the logo was replaced by two small squares, one atop the other. This leads me to believe that Radio Shack dropped "Allied" some time in the 1970s, although, as I said, I don't know when they retired the Realistic brand name. If I had to guess, however, I would say the name was laid to rest some time in the very early 1980s.

Well, my radio was made in '93 and carries the "Realistic" name; so, we know it was in use until at least that point. I think it was in the early '90's when RS started phasing out the "Realistic" name, in favor of using the "Optimus" brand. I think "Realistic" was gone by the mid '90's and they eventually stopped using both brand names.

I was looking at RS's online catalog and ran across this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...uctId=11499992

Now, who in their right mind would shell out $200 for a Crosley clock radio? I'm sure my '72 Korean made Zenith clock radio that's by my bed is better.

The Radio Shack MTA-series table radios are quite good for what they are. Audio is crisp and clear, not bass-heavy like the newer Boston Acoustics, Sangeans, et al, and reception of weaker stations is sensitive, especially on AM. They are "sleepers."

Back in the fifties RS hi fi products were labeled Realist, later changed to Realistic.

They changed from Realist to Realistic because of pressure from the stereo camera maker whose name was Realist.

I think it was the early 1990's. I have a Pro-43 scanner and bought a new plastic housing for it. My old one said "Realistic" on it, the new one said "Radio Shack." I got the scanner in 1993.