Quick Takes - Technics SBS500 Dipole Surround Speaker - September, 2000


Jared Baldwin

 

Ratings:
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Technics SBS500 Dipole Surround Speaker

MSRP: $149.99/pair

Drivers:  1" dome tweeter, 3.15" woofer

Impedance:  8 ohm

Recommended power:  100 watts rms (200 peak)

Finish:  black

Video shielding:  no

Connector type:  push/spring

Port or sealed:  ported

New technologies:  dipole surround technology

Accessories:  can be mounted via bracket on the wall

What they say:

The Technics SBS 500 surround speaker utilizes a 1" dome tweeter and a 3.25" full-range woofer to provide dipole surround sound to a home theater.  The SBS 500 is designed to bring the latest in home theater technology right into your living room.  A speaker incorporating a dipole speaker array mimics the way sound waves travel, so it sounds natural as it passes by the listener.  Combine this with a high power handling compatibility and you've got yourself the makings for one high tech system.  The drivers are housed together in an easy to blend cabinet covered by a black lacquer finish.

What we found:

The Technics SBS 500 surround speakers do in fact incorporate the latest in surround sound technology using a dipole array.  This does not mean that they are a top performer though.  The high recommended power is very questionable for such a small speaker. However, if not overdriven, the SBS 500s provide a modest true-to-life surround experience.  With such small drivers working for it, the SBS 500s have a very limited frequency response.  This may not be such a big deal for a Dolby Pro Logic setup, but will hamper a Dolby Digital system substantially (one option may be to redirect bass frequencies to the sub).  These speakers may be somewhat overpriced for what you get in return.  For your convenience, these speakers can be wall-mounted or simply placed on any open table or shelf space you have in the rear of your living room.

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- Jared Baldwin -

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