SB Acoustics “Satori” MR16P-8

Overview:

 

The SB Acoustics Satori MR16P-8 is an 8Ω 6.5″ mid-range from SB Acoustics. The mid-range has a 35.5mm voice-coil with a 6.2mm (p-p) linear coil travel. It’s fitted with an extende copper sleeve on the pole piece for reduced distortion.

Key features:

  • Vented aerodynamic cast aluminium chassis for optimum strength and low compression.
  • Proprietary cone material with EGYPTIAN PAPYRUS™ fibres made in-house.
  • Soft low damping rubber surround for optimum transient response.
  • Advanced BIMAX spider for improved linearity.
  • Powerful optimized low distortion neodymium motor system.
  • Non-conducting fibre glass voice coil former for minimum damping.
  • Extended copper sleeve on pole piece for low inductance and reduced distortion.
  • CCAW voice coil for reduced moving mass.
  • Long life silver lead wires attached 180° apart for improved stability.
  • Vented pole piece and coil former for reduced compression.
  • High piston to chassis diameter ratio.
  • Gasket and bolt hole protrusions for reduced coupling to speaker cabinet.
  • Mode balanced cone for reduced break-up.

 

 SB Acoustics Spec sheet: 6.5in SATORI MR16P-8 OHM

T/S Parameters:

 

 

Impedance:

 

(click on picture to zoom)

Blue: Mid-range sample #1

Green: Mid-range sample #2

A resonance issue can be seen around 1.2kHz.

Frequency:

 

Frequency measurement conditions:

The mid-range is measured mounted on a baffle in an 14 liter closed enclosure with the following conditions:

Baffle size (WxH): 24,8×35,8cm with 18mm round-over on the baffle edges (r=18).
Driver position: Mounted on center-line with driver unit center 19,5cm from the top of the baffle.
Mic position: 1m distance, on mid-range-axis.
Smoothing: 1/24 octave smoothing applied.

 

(click on picture to zoom)

Left: Frequency response on-axis (Blue=sample#1 Red=sample#2).
Right: Frequency response 15deg off-axis (Blue=sample#1, Red=sample#2).

0deg = Blue
15deg = Red
22.5deg = Green

30deg = Blue
45deg = Red
60deg = Green

Smooth and extended frequency response. Usable up to about 3kHz.

Distortion:

 

Measurement setup:

  • Mid-range near-field measurement at 18cm
  • Frequency Range Mid-range: 200-10000Hz
  • Baffle size WxH: 24×35cm

The distortion measurements are done in near-field and the amplifier output level was adjusted for each driver so that the fundamental is 90dB and 95dB at 1m. This setting simulates medium-high and high listening levels.

(click on picture to zoom)

90dB @ 1m

Left = Sample #1

Right = Sample #2

(click on picture to zoom)

95dB @ 1m

Left = Sample #1

Right = Sample #2

The Satori MR16P-8 mid-range is overall a very low distortion driver. However, the resonance issue shown in the impedance plot around 1.2kHz is shown here as a spike of second and odd order distortion.  Because of the overall very low distortion profile, the narrow banded odd-order distortion spike at 1.2kHz look worse than it is. The rise in the second-order distortion around the same frequency might contribute to some coloration or unique sound character.