Technics SB 4500A (1977–1980)
A 4-way floor-standing loudspeaker system from Technics, made for three years as a cheaper alternative to their flagship models.
Overview
The Technics SB-4500A is a floor-standing loudspeaker system made by Technics between 1977 and 1980. It was built as a lower-cost alternative to higher-end models like the SB-7000 and SB-6000, but it kept much of their acoustic engineering. It is a 4-way design with four drivers. The driver placement is phase-linear, calibrated with a Bucket Brigade Device to align timing across the frequency range. Original price in Japan was 26,800 ¥.
Specifications
| Nominal impedance | 6 Ohm |
| SPL | 92.5 dB /1W /1m |
| Power handling | 75 W |
| Dimensions | 63.1 x 35 x 32.5 cm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg |
| Crossover frequency | 2 kHz |
| Configuration | 4-way, 4-driver loudspeaker |
Design
The SB-4500A uses phase-linear driver placement, adjusted with a special measuring system built around a Bucket Brigade Device. It corrects for driver location, frequency response and crossover network timing. The 25 cm wide-range woofer has a voice-coil bobbin made of hardened aluminium foil, which sheds heat efficiently, and it responds up to 4 kHz. The 6 cm tweeter has a synthetic resin surround to prevent air leakage and a copper-clad aluminium voice-coil for conductivity and thermal performance. It extends response to 28 kHz, with a low resonance at 350 Hz.
Context
The SB-4500A sat below Technics' high-end speakers such as the SB-7000, SB-6000, and SB-5000. It shared design principles with those models but was tailored for a lower price point. Production ran from 1977 to 1980, a short run that adds to its rarity today.
Market
Listings show current market prices ranging from $60 to $460 (reduced to $350), with one unit noted at 300 CAD. Some units show cosmetic wear, including dings and minor surface damage from use and storage. Because production was limited, collectors consider the SB-4500A rare.
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