The MR16P-4 6.5” Satori Midrange from SB Acoustics

The subject of this Test Bench is the recent SB Acoustics 6.5” MR16P-4 Satori midrange, which is nominally a midrange version of the SB Acoustics MW16R-4 (first reviewed in the November 2011 issue of Voice Coil) with higher sensitivity and shorter Xmax. The original Satori MW16R, while looking cosmetically similar to the Scan-Speak Illuminator 18WU series, was a well-designed driver that has established itself as a true high-end home audio competitor. This article was published originally in Voice Coil, January 2017.

This Test Bench focuses on SB Acoustics’ Satori high-end line of drivers, the Satori TW29RN. This neodymium 29-mm ring dome features a surround coated cloth ring-type diaphragm, a non-reflective cast-aluminum rear cavity, a two-part aluminum faceplate with integrated mechanical decoupling, dual balanced compression chambers, high saturation neodymium ring type motor magnet with a T-shaped pole and dual copper shorting rings, a CCAW voice coil, a foam mounting gasket, and gold-plated terminals. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, February 2016.

Another monthly edition of Voice Coil is now available featuring the traditional directory of Loudspeaker Cone Industry Suppliers 2017. In this issue, Vance Dickason tests two drivers from SB Acoustics’ Satori Line, including the much anticipated TW29BN beryllium dome tweeter. Charlie Hughes writes about his independent measurement lab, Excelsior Audio. On Acoustic Patents, James Croft reviews a familiar parametric loudspeaker patent. Voice Coil pays tribute to Chris N. Strahm (1956-2016), founder and president of LinearX.

Salk Signature Sound has introduced a very affordable system with high quality sound. Jim Salk’s new $2895 per pair Song3 vented three-way floor stander speakers sports a RAAL 64-10 ribbon on top, a 4” bamboo cone mid, and a Satori 7.5” Egyptian papyrus woofer. Two years in design, the newest addition to Salk’s product line was auditioned for the first time at the AXPONA 2016 show in Chicago and is now shipping.

As audioXpress anticipated, SB Acoustics (a brand of Sinar Baja Electric) introduced several new products for 2016, including the brand’s flagship TW29BN high-end beryllium dome tweeter, part of the Satori top performing driver range. The new range, all designed in Denmark and manufactured in Indonesia, also includes new midrange and midwoofer drivers using new proprietary cones made with Egyptian Papyrus fibers, available in 5” to 9.5” sizes.

Celebrating 10 years since the brand was created, SB Acoustics will once again attend the High End Show in Munich, introducing a whole new series of cutting edge designs for the high-end consumer audio market. The Sinar Baja Electric brand will also introduce new high-quality drivers for more cost conscious applications, as well new loudspeaker kits of outstanding value, representing an expression of the brand’s core values.