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Quick Takes -
Technics SB-LX50K 3-Way Speaker - August, 2000
Jared Baldwin
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Extraordinary | |
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Good | |
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Acceptable | |
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Technics
SB-LX50K 3-Way Speaker
Drivers: 2.6"
tweeter, 4" mid-woofer, 10" cone woofer
MFR: 35Hz
- 22,000Hz
Impedance: 8
ohm
Recommended power:
70 watts rms (140 peak)
Finish: black
MSRP: $99.99/pair
Video shielding:
no
Connector type: push/spring
What they say:
The SBLX-50K is the smallest of the SBLX 3-way family using a 10" woofer. Similar to the SB-LX90 and SB-LX 70, the SBLX50 adds a 4" midrange for smoother sound. The housing incorporates a bass reflex system with a tuned port designed to reduce unwanted turbulence to produce higher volumes with less effort. Rounded baffle edges are also used to reduce diffraction to improve sound quality. The acoustically transparent grille doesn't interfere with your music, while at the same time helping to protect your speaker from unwanted damage.
What we found:
The SB-LX50Ks and the
other Technics SB-LX speakers score very high on the dollar/value scale.
Looks, unfortunately, are not this plain looking series strengths.
The added 4" mid-woofer increase the smoothness somewhat over the
Technics 2-way speakers. Still,
the overall sound was a little muddy and not very distinguishable.
Stereo imaging was also somewhat lacking.
However, with the proper placement and a little tweaking time (via EQ
or placement) they will satisfy the average listener quite well.
The SB-LX50Ks can be used as the mains or surrounds in a modest home
theater setup, but keep in mind that they are not video shielded when placing
them close to magnetically sensitive electronics.
Voice matching isn't included with this speaker, so trying to match it
to your center channel (even a Technics center channel) will take some effort
to have smooth front soundstage for home theater.
They will play loud if that's your thing, but they will begin to
distort readily when played too loud. Somewhere
I heard someone refer to all of the Technics SB-LX series as bookshelf
speakers. I'd be hard pressed to
think of another speaker with a bookshelf design using a 10, 12, or even
15-inch woofer. With price in
mind, these speakers are good performers at a reasonable price. Although having a high-end receiver would be quite beneficial
in the tweaking process, if you don't already own an expensive receiver, spend
some of that money on buying a better model of speaker. If you have your heart set on purchasing Technics, then you
should give the Technics SBT models a serious listen.
Rating:
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- Jared Baldwin
© Copyright 2000 Secrets of Home
Theater & High Fidelity
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