29 January 2022

Technics SST-1 (1988) - Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Loudspeaker

The SST-1 was a "Twin Loaded-Horn Speaker System" introduced by Technics in 1988, that achieved a high reproduction quality with higher efficiency and lower distortion. This unique form was structured from flow lines using a unique acoustic method by applying computer simulation technology. Compared with conventional back-loaded horns, the twin loaded horns of the SST-1 smoothed sound pressure frequency response in the midrange and high frequencies, thereby further improving reproduction capability with high efficiency and low distortion, which are characteristics of horn speakers. This also made possible the clear and energetic reproduction of deep bass. In addition, the speaker used a “brilliant throat” construction in which part of the horn was narrowed in order to prevent deterioration in sound quality. This also functioned as an acoustic filter blocking the emission of undesired midrange and high-frequency sound, which have extensive distortion. These synergistic effects dramatically improved the acoustic characteristics, from the high frequencies to bass. 

The SST-1 was equipped with a 5cm tweeter and a 14cm bass unit coupled to the twin horn labyrint (one 3.2 m and one 2.6 m long). The SST-1 could be used as an independent loudspeaker or as part of a package speaker system, including SST-40WT 20W dedicated amplifier and SST-25HZ Exiter (subwoofer) with it's own power drive, the SST-150WT. There were available three color variations: metallic black, pearl silver, and metallic red. The SST-1 could be used independently on a dedicated stand or you could join two units and add a stand for horizontal use. This system is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Specification: 2-way Twin-Load Horn Speaker System | Woofer: 14cm cone type chitin diaphragm, Tweeter: 5cm horn type | Power 80W (DIN), 180W (Music) | Impedance: 6ohm | Output sound pressure: 92 dB/W/m | Frequency range 55 Hz-20,000 Hz | Dimensions: 570x650x190 mm | Weight: 12 kg.

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker