RobKer1

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I purchased a pair of Def Tech SM 350s (the smaller version of these 450s) last year and was very impressed with their clean and acurate 'sound'. Actually, it was their 'lack of sound' that impressed me most, by which I mean these little speakers let the music come through with a minimum of coloration and distortion.

The SM450 models have all the good qualities of the 350s and then some. These are more nearly full-range speakers than the 350s due to the larger (10") passive radiators on the side. These 'subwoofers' are not powered...they respond to the pressure waves inside the box. The speakers do not produce much usable bass below about 50hz..but for their size, they are very satisfactory without an additional subwoofer.

They seem to handle all kinds of music from symphonic to chamber, jazz, pop and rock with an effortlessness and transparency that makes me completely forget I am listening to speakers. For really low bass at realistic levels I have coupled them with an SVS PC 25-31 subwoofer but switch the subwoofer off when the music doesn't require deep bass. The sound is so naturally clear and musical ...voices and instruments seem to be in your room!

The construction is first rate. The piano-gloss top and bottom end caps along with the grill cloth which surrounds the speakers and the wire connectors in the rear indicate a well made product with attaention to detail. Although considered 'bookshelf' speakers the best way to mount these are on stands about 24-28" high and away from rear and side walls.

To summarize, these are excellent speakers to consider as a stereo pair or in a home theater set up. They are efficient and require little power to drive them cleanly to satisfying levels.

6th Ave electronics has had them on sale at the rediculous price of $248 for the pair (list $648)...and I was lucky enough to snatch them up at this price....but they represent good value at the asking price as well...

gretchen

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $594.00 from Myer Emco

Summary:
Has a subwoofer in both speakers.Goes down to 24hz.Clear and clean midrange.
Compared it directly(SM350)($500 a pair)at Best Buy to their $1500 a pair Vienna speakers.The Vienna speakers at 3 times the cost always choked up and sounded congested,while the Definitive Technology SM 350 always sounded smooth, clear and clean.
While the best speakers I've ever owned were Sonus Faber Concertinos, I'll give the edge to Definitive.Just as clear as the Sonus Fabers and yet they have the low bass. Best Buy takes 5 weeks to special order the SM450's,so I decided to call Myer Emco.Myer Emco was having a 15% off everything in the store and I could special order them in 7 days.It was direct from Definitive in Baltimore which is less than 50 miles away.Love these speakers.

Strengths:
Never heard of a bookshelf speaker that had subwoofers built in.Clear and clean midrange

Weaknesses:
Covering may not be cat friendly.No problems yet.

Similar Products Used:
PolkAudio,Sanus Faber,Tylers

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