Revox Piccolo S60 (1984–1989)

At 140 mm on each side and just 1.8 kg, this cube defies expectations—packing a 116 mm aluminium woofer and syncaxial tweeter into a footprint smaller than a hardcover book.

Overview

The Revox Piccolo S60 isn’t trying to dominate the room with size or flash. Instead, it delivers on a tightly engineered promise: high-fidelity sound from a cube barely larger than a Rubik’s. Weighing in at 1.8 kg and measuring exactly 140 mm on every edge, the Piccolo S60 was built for integration—whether perched on a stand, mounted to a wall via an optional bracket, or grouped as part of a larger system. Despite its compact form, it’s rated for 100 W of power handling and achieves an efficiency of 89 dB at 1W/1m, suggesting it can play loud without strain when driven by a capable amplifier. The 4 Ohm impedance means it’s not entirely amplifier-friendly, especially with budget gear, but those who’ve used them report a responsiveness that rewards well-matched electronics.

Owners report that the 2-way design, centered around a 116 mm aluminium woofer and a 14 mm syncaxial tweeter, produces a surprisingly full sound for its size. The bass reflex system helps extend low-end response, though the frequency range officially starts at 65 Hz—low enough for a speaker of this scale, but not a substitute for deep sub-bass. That’s by design: the Piccolo S60 was never meant to go it alone. It was conceived as part of a larger ecosystem, where its role was to handle midrange and treble while a dedicated bass unit took care of the foundation.

And that’s exactly how it was used. In the mid-1980s, Revox positioned the Piccolo S60 as a satellite in a high-end, fully integrated audio system—one of the earliest examples of a satellite-subwoofer configuration, years before such setups became common in home theater. The system included a separate large bass unit, later known as the Piccolo Bass or Piccolo Sub, which handled frequencies below the crossover point. This modular approach allowed audiophiles to tailor bass response and placement independently, a sophisticated solution for its time.

User experiences, though limited in number, are consistently positive. One owner compared them directly to the Minimus 7—another compact classic—and came away “REALLY impressed.” Another user, pairing the Piccolo sub with Beovox MCX-35 satellites, noted that the Revox sub needed to be elevated about 18 inches off the floor to “clean up the bass,” suggesting careful attention to placement was necessary for optimal performance. Another claimed the crossover at 150 Hz was “perfect” for letting the small satellite focus on the upper registers. Whether stock or slightly modified—like the user who swapped in a Solen metalized polyester capacitor for the tweeter—owners seem to find a lot to love in the Piccolo’s balance and clarity.

Specifications

Key Features

Cube Shape with Uniform 140 mm Dimensions

The Piccolo S60’s cube form factor isn’t just a design quirk—it’s central to its identity. At exactly 140 mm on each side, the speaker occupies minimal space while maintaining internal volume optimized for its driver complement. This symmetry also simplifies placement, allowing it to be oriented in multiple ways without compromising acoustics. The compact footprint made it ideal for desktop setups, bookshelf installations, or wall mounting, especially when paired with the optional bracket. Its small size belies its performance, earning praise for delivering “impressive sound quality from a highly compact format.”

2-Way Syncaxial Driver Array

At the heart of the Piccolo S60 is a 2-way system featuring a 116 mm aluminium woofer and a 14 mm syncaxial tweeter. The syncaxial arrangement—where the tweeter is mounted at the center of the woofer—aims to create a point-source radiation pattern, improving phase coherence and off-axis response. This design choice suggests Revox prioritized sonic accuracy over raw output, aligning with the “True studio sound quality” claim often associated with the model. The aluminium cone likely contributes to a fast, controlled midbass response, though its upper limit is naturally constrained by size.

Bass Reflex System for Extended Low-End

Despite its compact cabinet, the Piccolo S60 employs a bass reflex design to enhance low-frequency output. This ported enclosure helps extend response down to 65 Hz, which is respectable for a satellite of this size. However, owners note that deep bass is not its domain—instead, it excels in delivering articulate lower mids and upper bass, particularly when used in conjunction with the dedicated Piccolo Bass unit. The reflex tuning appears optimized for integration rather than standalone performance, reinforcing its role as part of a modular system.

Optional Wall Bracket for Flexible Installation

Revox offered an optional wall bracket for the Piccolo S60, underscoring its intended versatility. This feature made it suitable for custom installations where floor or shelf space was limited. The bracket likely contributed to cleaner sound by reducing surface-borne vibrations and enabling precise aiming of the syncaxial drivers toward the listening position. This flexibility was ahead of its time, anticipating later trends in multi-room and architectural audio.

Foam Surround Prone to Degradation

Like many speakers of its era, the Piccolo S60 uses foam surrounds on its woofer, a material now known for its susceptibility to aging. Over time, exposure to oxygen, humidity, and vibration causes the foam to dry out, crack, or disintegrate entirely. Collectors note that “rotten, torn, or damaged surrounds” are a common issue, particularly on units stored in damp environments or subjected to continuous use. Fortunately, repair is possible: re-foam kits are available for both the Piccolo MK I and MK II variants, including surrounds, adhesive, and instructions. The availability of these kits—some listed on eBay for around $30.56—makes restoration feasible for most owners.

Historical Context

The Revox Piccolo S60 emerged as part of a high-end, fully integrated audio system in the mid-1980s, a time when modular, multi-component setups were gaining favor among audiophiles. It was one of the first commercially available satellite-subwoofer systems, predating the home theater boom by nearly a decade. The system included a separate large bass unit—later referred to as the Piccolo Bass or Power Cube—which housed built-in amplifiers and, in some versions, remote control and multi-room functionality. This approach allowed users to place bass units independently for optimal room integration while keeping satellites unobtrusive.

The Piccolo line coexisted with other Revox speaker models such as the Agora B and Forum B, though its exact positioning within the lineup isn’t documented. What is clear is that the Piccolo S60 represented a forward-thinking approach to speaker design—one that prioritized system synergy, compact form, and high-fidelity reproduction over traditional floor-standing aesthetics.

Collectibility & Value

The Piccolo S60 remains a niche but respected model among vintage audio enthusiasts. Its modular nature and early adoption of satellite-subwoofer architecture give it historical significance, though its collectibility is tempered by the fragility of its foam surrounds. Restoration is common, with re-foam kits available for the MK I version at 18.18 EUR (RRP 24.90 EUR) and similar kits for the MK II appearing on eBay for around $30.56. A used “Revox MK Piccolo Bass Sound System – Subwoofer And 2 Speakers” was listed on eBay for $232.72, suggesting modest but stable demand. While not commanding the prices of flagship Revox electronics like the B291 (which has sold for over $1,200), the Piccolo system holds value for those interested in complete, functional vintage setups.

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