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Sonab C-31 xl gold
2 Reviews
rating  4.5 of 5
MSRP 
Description: 2-way twin 6.5" silk soft dome tweeter 150w 92db 4Ohm


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Rating
Reviewed by:
AllenL
(Casual Listener)

Review Date
May 31, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 6 votes

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Price Paid:  $128.00 from Used, ebay

Summary:
In 1975, when I first encountered Sonabs, I was unable to afford Sonab OA-14's. This series (OD-11, OA-12, OA-14) was only offered between 1975-78, so by the time I earned enough money, they were long gone.

The arrival of the internet and ebay resurrected my old fantasy. And at bargain prices. I was able to aquire a rare pair of Sonab OA-12's for a mere $128.00!

These were original, and as such, the woofer foam surrounds needed replacement. That they are only 6.5", the cost of professional re foaming was only $50.00 for the pair. (That was an unanticipated bonus!)

The sound is amazing given the minimal size of the cabinet and drivers. It is especially convincing with vocal. They don't produce un natural woof woof when listening to talk. (No one really sounds like they have a one cubic foot voice chamber, do they?)

But for music, a deeper bass response would be nice. Some suggest subwoofers for this speaker, although I don't have one and cannot attest to that combination.

Two way 6.5" Peerless SC165 woofer- horseshoe alnico magnet

Two 1-3/4" Peerless MT20HFC horseshoe alnico magnet tweeters

Ported enclosure, with slightly conical (not cylindrical) port tube.

I haven't yet tried tube amplification on the OA-12's. I am curious to try a recently ebay won Sansui 1000A with them, pending transaction and arrival.

Strengths:
Gorgeous Scandinavian crafted enclosures and modern appearance- in keeping with the tradition of blending hi fi with home furnishings.

Direct-reflecting speaker arrangement.

Long lasting components, including the crossover elements.

Weaknesses:
As with all foam surround speakers, the woofer surrounds require periodic servicing. The last evolution was made employing longer life rubber surrounds, but the alnico magnets were lost to ceramics.

High frequencies slightly shrill. See site for recommended tweeter upgrade:

http://www.carlssonplanet.com/index.asp?lang=en

I've kept these OA-12's in their original configuration, and cannot attest to a Peerless CT 62 tweeter upgrade.

Similar Products Used:
none


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Rating
Reviewed by:
Eric Nykamp
(an Audiophile)

Review Date
January 11, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.12 of 5, 17 votes

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Summary:
I've tried these speakers on a few systems. I am totally delited by the forward sound. These love to hit some good bass and they punch really well. They are still amazing for home theatre main spakers.Thanks


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