Sonab Speakers

[archie2]

I did a search and found a little historical information on Sonabs. But I'm looking for info specifically on the model OD11. Anyone familiar with how these sound?

 

[stickman]

All Sonab models are collectible and sell for decent prices on Fleabay if in good shape. The woofers usually need to be refoamed and make sure the Peerless cone tweeters are not damaged. They were designed to produce a diffuse, wide dispersion sound field so people who are really into pinpoint imaging need not apply. The frequency response of Sonab's is smooth and the design coaxes a lot of bass from a small cabinet. The small drivers are not capable of really high volume levels, but they were not designed to be rock n' roll speakers. Its a matter of personal taste as listeners will either like the unique signature sound or not, but they are highly sought after in Scandanavia by Sonab collectors. The smallest model had one cone tweeter and as you went up the model line the number of tweeters went up to some unusual quantities considering the size of the enclosures.

 

[cfowler]

T+a

I found a second hand pair of SONAB look alikes from a company called unfortuantely T+A (not gonna work in the US market is it?). The model is the Delta 30B, and though somewhat beat up, they are very nice speakers and I picked them up relatively cheap.

I contacted the T+A folks in Germany, and they are very high end these days, but they were kind enough to send me a scan of the brochure for the Delta series, very friendly people.

 

[SixCats!]

Hi Archie2,

Ah ha, you nabbed em eh ? AK member Steely Dan Guy (brother Stephen) was asking me about those and I told him it might be a good bet to grab em but, I guess he changed his mind. I once heard the larger Sonab models and was VERY impressed by their sound. Enjoy.

Regards,
SixCats! aka Tom Patrick

 

[thefragger]

I missed out on a pair of OD11-- they looked cool.

Enjoy 'em!

 

[mhardy6647]

The Sonab speakers sound good; they used good drivers and a unique design philosophy (akin to Bose or early DCM, but implemented differently).

http://www.carlssonplanet.com/

 

[humber]

Sonabs were popular in Australia in the 1970's. They produced above average sound quality but were not considered in the same league as Acoustic Research or early model Bose 901's. However, definitely worth collecting.

 

[StarMover]

I've refurbished a pair or two and found them to be very nice sounding speakers, although placement is critical. I fitted mine with new terminal connections.

 

[Brian]

The OD11s were well liked by many who used them when they were in production. Though b/c of the design and adverts they were supposed to be not placement critical, they are. Also, they were a bit fragile to clipping so be careful with power, clipping and high spls. Think of them as for use in apartments with thinner walls and the next door neighbor is 600lbs of muscle with a short temper. The sound is not dissimilar to classic NE but have more air.

 

[Nat]

Some of the Sonabs use a Phillips mid/woofer that is sought after by full range fans.

 

[HypnoToad]

I nearly bought a pair up market ones, new back in the 70's, they sounded really nice and I would have bought them but I liked more bass than they had at the time. I wish I had though as they had a unique sound I liked. They sounded much more detailed than Bose.

 

[thefragger]

I nearly bought a pair up market ones, new back in the 70's, they sounded really nice and I would have bought them but I liked more bass than they had at the time. I wish I had though as they had a unique sound I liked. They sounded much more detailed than Bose.

*blink*