Revox Piccolo S60 (1984–1989)

The cube is 140 mm on each side and weighs 1.8 kg. It holds a 116 mm aluminium woofer and a syncaxial tweeter, in a footprint smaller than a hardcover book.

Overview

The Revox Piccolo S60 doesn't try to dominate a room. It measures exactly 140 mm on every edge, weighs 1.8 kg, and was built to fit in anywhere: on a stand, on a wall with an optional bracket, or grouped as part of a larger system. It's rated for 100 W of power handling and 89 dB efficiency at 1W/1m, which suggests it can play loud without strain when driven by a capable amplifier. The 4 Ohm impedance makes it harder on budget amplifiers. Those who've used them report a responsiveness that rewards well-matched electronics.

Owners report that the 2-way design, 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. That's low enough for a speaker this small, but it's no 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 system, where it handled midrange and treble while a dedicated bass unit took care of the foundation.

That's how it was used. In the mid-1980s, Revox positioned the Piccolo S60 as a satellite in a high-end, fully integrated audio system. It was one of the earliest satellite-subwoofer configurations, 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 let audiophiles tailor bass response and placement independently.

User experiences are limited in number but consistently positive. One owner compared them directly to the Minimus 7, another compact classic, and came away “REALLY impressed.” Another user paired the Piccolo sub with Beovox MCX-35 satellites and noted that the Revox sub needed to be elevated about 18 inches off the floor to “clean up the bass,” so placement matters. Another claimed the crossover at 150 Hz was “perfect” for letting the small satellite focus on the upper registers. One user swapped in a Solen metalized polyester capacitor for the tweeter. Owners seem to find a lot to like in the Piccolo's balance and clarity.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Revox
Model	Piccolo S60
Type	Loudspeaker, floor-standing/compact
Production years	1984 - 1989
Original price	395.00€
Dimensions (depth/height/width)	140 mm each
Weight	1.8 kg
Power handling	100 W
Efficiency	89 dB/1m/1W
Frequency range	65 - 20000 Hz
Impedance	4 Ohm
Woofer	1 x 116 mm, Aluminium
Tweeter	1 x 14 mm, syncaxial
Design	2-way speaker
Enclosure type	Bass reflex system
Shape	Cube

Key Features

Cube Shape with Uniform 140 mm Dimensions

The cube shape is central to the Piccolo S60's design. At exactly 140 mm on each side, the speaker takes up minimal space while keeping internal volume optimized for its drivers. The symmetry also simplifies placement, since it can be oriented in multiple ways without compromising acoustics. The compact footprint suited desktop setups, bookshelf installations, or wall mounting with the optional bracket. It has been praised for delivering “impressive sound quality from a highly compact format.”

2-Way Syncaxial Driver Array

The Piccolo S60 is a 2-way system with a 116 mm aluminium woofer and a 14 mm syncaxial tweeter. In a syncaxial arrangement the tweeter sits at the center of the woofer. That aims for a point-source radiation pattern, improving phase coherence and off-axis response. This suggests Revox prioritized sonic accuracy over raw output, in line 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 the small cabinet, the Piccolo S60 uses a bass reflex design to boost low-frequency output. The ported enclosure helps extend response down to 65 Hz, which is respectable for a satellite this size. Owners note that deep bass is not its job. It does well with articulate lower mids and upper bass, particularly alongside the dedicated Piccolo Bass unit. The reflex tuning appears optimized for integration rather than standalone use.

Optional Wall Bracket for Flexible Installation

Revox offered an optional wall bracket for the Piccolo S60. It made the speaker suitable for custom installations where floor or shelf space was limited. The bracket likely helped the sound by reducing surface-borne vibrations and allowing precise aiming of the syncaxial drivers toward the listening position.

Foam Surround Prone to Degradation

Like many speakers of its era, the Piccolo S60 has foam surrounds on its woofer, a material known for aging badly. Over time, oxygen, humidity, and vibration cause 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 used continuously. Repair is possible. Re-foam kits are available for both the Piccolo MK I and MK II variants, including surrounds, adhesive, and instructions. Some are listed on eBay for around $30.56, which 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, 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. It housed built-in amplifiers and, in some versions, remote control and multi-room functionality. Users could place the bass units independently for room integration while keeping the 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. The Piccolo S60 prioritized system synergy, compact form, and high-fidelity reproduction over traditional floor-standing looks.

Collectibility & Value

The Piccolo S60 remains a niche but respected model among vintage audio enthusiasts. Its modular nature and early satellite-subwoofer architecture give it historical significance, though the fragile foam surrounds temper its collectibility. 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. It doesn't command the prices of flagship Revox electronics like the B291, which has sold for over $1,200.