Sansui SF-1

Omni-Radial Sound Field Speaker System

The sound-in-theround speaker system. For the person who wishes his 4-channel sound system to truly be be sound-in-the-round, Sansui is pround to introduce a system that takes this new music form to its thrilling sound pinnacle. The SF-1 Omni-Radial Sound Field Speaker System is not just another omnidirectional speaker, but a completely new concept in 360 degree sound, for it employs speakers facing both upwards and downwards and makes use of specially-designed reflectors to diffuse the reproduced sound in complete horizontal and broad vertical directions. 

This 2-way 3-speaker system produces a vibrant and reverberant 4-channel system. Among its virtues, it has been designed to accurately reflect the very important, but often overlooked "indirect" sound waves of music reproduction. And these indirect waves are the vital element of the live concert hall sound field. The authentic "live" sound effect that so many speaker systems promise but so few deliver. In addition, sound diffusion is extended in the SF-1 by the use of a new porous foam acoustic diffuser placed behind the Kumiko fretwork grille, a device which also helps to attain ideal dispersion of sound in the very high frequency range. Beautifully designed and finished (like its larger twin speaker system,the SF-2), the SF-1 cabinet is made of solid natural wood and hard chipboard, specially treated to resist heat or stains. The system is actually an expensive piece of fine furniture - and looks it. From the most respected name is stereo, Sansui.

Sansui's Sf-1 system is designed to achieve rich ambience by radiating sound in a full 360 degrees so that it will be reflected off of more surfaces, and so that the distinctively directional signals in the sound will intermingle with the reflected sounds with fine time or phase lags.

How does it achieve this sound radiation?

The SF-1 features a unique tetrahedron construction. Its two woofers and single tweeter are on the same vertical axis.

Sounds emanating by them are dispersed in complete 360-degree horizontal directions - and in broad vertical directions as well - by a top and bottom reflector. When the sounds reach the grilles located on the four sides of the system's enclosure, their vertical distribution is broadend even more by a newly developed porous foam acoustic diffuser.

The result of this new technology is something totally unique in sound. No matter where you place the SF-1, sound literally envelops you from all directions, in a sense, you swim in sound, and it's an experience that does indeed make you wonder why someone hasn't thought of this speaker idea before. Another advantage of the SF-1: you may place it anywhere. No longer are you confined to the corners of your room as you decide where to place your speakers. Freedom, unlimited, for one thing. Sound unlimited, for another. And wouldn't you know that Sansui discovered it.

Two Woofers:  There is one 165 mm (6-1/2") woofer that faces upwards and another that faces downwards. Sound from them is dispersed by top and bottom reflectors in all directions, the better to reflect off of more surfaces (walls, ceiling, floor) and the better to enhance the great sense of ambience and naturalness which the SF-1 provides.

Sealed Tweeter:  This is a 58 mm (2-1/4") diameter unit completely sealed in the back by an over-sized cover to prevent it from interfering with the woofer located directly beneath it. The usually narrow dispersion of the tweeter sound is dispersed in a full 360 degrees by the top reflector above it. Overall, the speaker boasts excellent transient response and sound transparency.

Crossover Network:  The SF-1, despite its compact size, is truly an advanced system, far more versatile than any other omnidirectional speaker in its class or price range. Its crossover network possesses a 6 dB/oct. cut-off characterictic that enables the speaker system to prevent phase deviations between the woofers and tweeter and to provide a very smooth transition between these two different types of speakers. This network is equipped with a volume-type attenuator for the tweeter so that you may adjust that speaker's output level to suit room acoustics and your own listening taste.

Porous Foam Acoustic Diffuser:  This new type of material replaces the usual speaker system cloth cover. It is advantageous for any number of reasons, but especially because it enhances the sounds taht are vertically dispersed by the top and bottom reflectors and helps to diminish their harshness and bite. The end result is a mellow, natural, evenly distributed sound field that you would usually experience only during a live musical performance. 

Heat and Stain Resistant Cabinet:  The SF-1 is a beautiful piece of furniture as well as a beautiful sound experience. Built of solid natural wood and hard chipboard, its cabinet is specially finished on the surface to resist heat and stains. It will not discolor or fade if you accidentally place a coffee cup on it. In form and function, it is very near the peak of omnidirctional speaker systems, and is only exceeded in quality by Sansui's large system , the SF-2.

8-Meter (26-Foot) Long Connection Cable:  To allow you to position the speaker system anywhere in your room, the SF-1 comes with an 8-meter long connection cable. This is the expensive soild cabtyre type cable that gives added strength and effectively shields out noise.

Specifications:

Speaker:

Woofer :  2 x 165 mm (6-1/2") cone type

Tweeter :  1 x 58 mm (2-1/4") cone type

Power Rating:  45 W (Peak)

Impedance:  8 Ω

Sensitivity:  90 dB/W at 1 m

Frequency Range:  55 - 20,000 Hz ( in anechoic chamber)

Crossover Frequency:  2,000 Hz

Crossover Network:  2-way 6 dB/oct.

Dimensions (W x H x D):  370 x 563 x 370 mm (14-9/16" x 22-3/16" x 14-9/16")

Weight:  12,0 kg (26,5 lbs) net; 14,3 kg (31,5 lbs) packed

Finish:  Solid natural wood open pore.