Technics SB 4500B (1976)
A bookshelf or floor-standing loudspeaker introduced by Technics in 1976. It uses a linear phase design and has a warm, balanced sound.
Overview
The Technics SB 4500B is a 2-way, 2-speaker bass reflex system from the peak of analog hi-fi. Technics positioned it as a more affordable alternative to the SB-7000, SB-6000, and SB-5000. The design is built around phase coherence. A stepped mounting surface lines up the acoustic centers of the drivers along a vertical line. That improves horizontal directivity and cuts floor reflection interference from the woofer, which is mounted higher than typical.
Specifications
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB (1W/1m) |
| Power Handling | 50W (music), 25W RMS |
| External Dimensions | Width 350 x Height 631 x Depth 325 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg |
| Crossover Frequency | 2000 Hz |
Design
The SB 4500B is a linear phase bass reflex system with a stepped baffle that lines up the acoustic centers of the woofer and tweeter along a vertical axis. This improves horizontal directional characteristics and reduces phase distortion. A BBD-based delay network measures and corrects the phase response so the whole system stays linear. The 25 cm cone woofer has a voice coil bobbin made of hard aluminum foil for heat resistance. The 6 cm cone tweeter uses CCAW (copper-coated aluminum wire), which gives a lightweight, thermally stable coil.
Context
Technics introduced the SB 4500B in 1976 as part of its mid-tier hi-fi speaker lineup. It offered phase-linear technology at a more accessible price. It was a downscaled version of the flagship SB-7000, SB-6000, and SB-5000 series.
Market
Original pricing was ¥26,800 per unit around 1977. Today, NOS (New Old Stock) or mint-in-box units are rare and may exceed $300. The known maintenance issue is refoaming or reconing, because the driver components age.
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