Onkyo SC 500 (c. 1978)
A high-efficiency, floor-standing, four-way horn speaker system with extended frequency response and massive 200-liter cabinet.
Overview
The Onkyo SC 500 is a large floor-standing, four-way, bass reflex speaker system made by Onkyo around 1978. The middle, high, and super high frequency ranges are horn-loaded, which gives it high sensitivity and wide bandwidth. The cabinet is 200 liters and the whole thing weighs 97kg. It was built for large listening rooms.
Specifications
| Rating Method | 4-Way, 4-Speaker, Bass Reflex System, Floor Type |
| Low Band Unit | 38 cm Cone Type (W3801) |
| Middle Range Unit | Sectoral Horn Method (D6540A + H4003S) |
| High Range Unit | Catenoidal Horn Type with Acoustic Lens (D3520A+H2014P+AL80) |
| Super High Range Unit | Horn Type (TW3001) |
| Playback Frequency Band | 25 Hz to 35000 Hz |
| Max Input | 120W |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Output Sound Pressure Level | 96dB/W/m |
| Maximum Output Sound Pressure Level | 117dB/m |
| Crossover Frequencies | 800 Hz, 5000 Hz |
| Cabinet Internal Volume | 200L |
| Level Control | Independent level control for TW and STW |
| External Dimensions | Width 650 x Height 1296 x Depth 624 mm |
| Weight | 97kg |
| Original Price | ¥580,000 per unit (approx. 1978) |
Design
The SC 500 uses horn-loaded drivers for the middle, high, and super high frequency bands, for high efficiency and dynamic clarity. The 38 cm low-range unit has an 11000 gauss magnetic circuit with a 180 φ x95 φ x20mm ferrite magnet. The suspension is a moderate-loss edge, a polyimide laminate damper, and a reinforcing ring for linear displacement. The squawker has an ultra-hard duralumin diaphragm and a sectoral horn (90° horizontal diffusion). The tweeter has a titanium diaphragm with free edges, multiple equalizers, and a catenoidal horn with acoustic lens (120° horizontal diffusion) for high-frequency transparency and extension.
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