THE soundbar – boon to those seeking convenience in an AV speaker system, bane to sonically fastidious audiophiles. Here comes something that claims to be able please the latter – the GoldenEar Technology SC3DA Soundbar.
The SuperCinema 3D Array (to give the SC3DA its full designation) utilises 3D image optimisation technology to reduce crosstalk when left/right speakers are in close proximity to each other. It incorporates left, centre, right channel speakers, together with an outer pair of “cancellation” drivers that deliver signals out of phase with the main L/R drivers.
The SC3DA comprises six 100mm bass-midrange drivers and three folded ribbon tweeters, the array generating “a highly explicit and very broad front soundstage, with exceptional height, width and depth, and virtually no acoustic colouration.”
Each aluminium enclosure measures about 124cm wide and 7cm deep, and complements today’s trendy super-thin flat panel TVs with a black piano gloss finish. The soundbar can be wall-mounted or shelf-mounted via the supplied adjustable feet.
The covered frequency spectrum is 60Hz to 35kHz range, while efficiency is quoted at 91dB and nominal impedance at eight ohms. Any good amp outputting 20-200 watts per channel should be good enough.
Did someone ask about bass? Right … while the SC3DA is designed to outperform rival soundbars, it can take on full 5.1 systems when mated to GoldenEar’s ForceField active subwoofers.
The SC3DA retails at £995 and is already available. More details here.
