Why did the USSR make such large speakers for home use?

Powerful oval bass: 5 rear speaker models

Another three-way acoustics, this time from the respected Italian company Hertz. The name of the company is directly related to acoustic sound, as is known “hertz” - the measurement of acoustic frequency. The DCX 710.3 belongs to the entry-level Dieci series. But a company that knows how to make high-quality expensive speakers is not expected to be able to make low-quality acoustics even in its simplified budget series.

First of all, let's pay attention to one of the main disadvantages of the model - the increased size of the speakers. 7x10-inches, they simply cannot be installed in some standard places without modification

. When inserting into the rear shelf, the size does not matter, but to install it in a place that has already been prepared from the factory, you will need to rework the standard place. At the same time, such a minus can ultimately turn into a plus, because The larger cone boasts higher sensitivity (93 dB) and can play lower in frequency and produce deeper bass.

Paper (cellulose) is a material that has excellent acoustic properties that affect the impulse characteristics of the speaker and other parameters. To protect against moisture and weather temperature changes, special moisture-resistant impregnations are used to impart rigidity to the paper diffuser. In the DCX 710.3 model, the impregnation also has damping properties.

Two tweeters located in the center of the oval diffuser. If the task of a large paper tweeter with a diameter of 60 mm is clear and, frankly speaking, audible (it reproduces the upper frequency range), then the work of a small 15 mm super tweeter is practically inaudible, according to users on the network. It is quite possible that he is performing marketing tasks. This is customary in budget series of ovals.

The range of reproduced frequencies starts at 40 Hz and is theoretically possible for such large “laps”, but Hertz acoustics are famous not for the depth of the bass, but for the quality and purity of the low frequencies

. The top end of the range is 21 kHz, which is quite capable of a small dome super tweeter, but how loud can it get it?

Despite the fact that the model belongs to the younger Hertz Dieci series, it is still recommended to support it with an additional power amplifier with a rating of 100-200 W.

The included protective mesh completely covers the entire speaker. The holes in the mesh are not the smallest, this was done by the Italians on purpose, because... any grid slightly degrades the sound quality.

Final rating of speakers with “Alice” for 2021

Bose SondLink Revolve+ II

Who needs it : fans of compact speakers with good sound

One of the most compact speakers today, allowing you to listen to music in 360° format.

A powerful speaker directed into the diffuser and two passive membranes produce a power of 8 W. For hiking in nature, its volume is sufficient with reserve. At the same time, it works from one charge to 17 hours.

It can be controlled from a smartphone and is protected according to the IP55 standard (reliable protection against dust and splashes). So you can take such a speaker into the pool, nothing will happen to it. Moreover, the manufacturer even took care of high impact resistance in case of a fall.

Price : 23,990 rub.

The best Soviet speakers of large sizes

Despite all the shortcomings, even today there are many fans of Soviet acoustics, although modern devices have much better quality components and assembly. The speakers from the USSR built into a wooden casing conveyed low frequencies well and did not rattle at maximum volume. Multiband acoustics made it possible to separately output and regulate different audio frequencies.

The cheap Chinese equipment that has flooded world markets clearly cannot boast of such abilities.

The following examples can be added to the best Soviet speakers:

• Electronics 150AC-001. The latest and most technologically advanced development of Soviet industry. It appeared in the late 80s and remained an experimental design. Its frequency range is 25-40000 Hz, and its power is 150 W. Such equipment is still quite expensive today, despite certain design flaws.
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• S90. The legendary brand of Riga, the dream of all Soviet music lovers. The first speaker from the USSR that met international standards and received Hi-Fi quality. The S90 was produced not only for the domestic market, but also as an export product. Its frequency range is 25-25000 Hz, and its power is 35-90-600 W.

• 25AS-109. The equipment has earned recognition due to its compactness and decent sound quality. Unlike other AC models, the 25AC-109 was specifically designed for home use, and not for concert venues. Frequency range – 40-20000 Hz, power – 25-35 W.

• 50AS-012 "Soyuz". In fact, the Bryansk acoustic system is a “stripped-down” and cheaper version of the S90. Despite the absence of a block and an overload indicator, the equipment still looks and sounds quite decent today. Its frequency range is 40-25000 Hz, power is 50-90 W.

• 50AS-022 "Amfiton". The equipment has gained popularity due to its high power and relatively light weight with fairly respectable dimensions. This was achieved by replacing the wooden case with chipboard, which of course affected the sound quality. This shortcoming is somewhat compensated for by the high sensitivity of the equipment. The Amphiton frequency range is 25-25000 Hz, power is 80-150 W.

Westlake Audio Tower SM-1

This flagship speaker system was appreciated all over the world. The dimensions of the speakers are impressive - 1.9 m high, 1 m wide, 0.75 m deep. Weight – 442 kg.

The system is 5-way. It features dual 18" woofers, a 12" woofer, a 2" compressor midrange driver, a 1" compressor tweeter and a 0.5" compressor super tweeter.

The system range is large - from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Sensitivity is 101 dB.

The Westlake Audio Tower SM-1 costs $290,000.

Love of gigantism or great power?

The purchase of any product in the USSR was influenced by two factors: lack of choice and the desire to show off the acquisition. Today you can go to a store and not buy anything, because you are confused by the huge assortment. In Soviet times, you had to “grab” what you had, because the next time a shortage appeared on store shelves it would take a few months, or even more.

Most often, rather bulky, almost concert speakers went on sale. But, frankly speaking, acoustics connoisseurs in the USSR did not pursue compact devices. The second factor was at work here.

“The fact that I have speakers, people should not only hear, but also see. Straight from the corridor,” was approximately the same logic among those who managed to get the coveted acoustics. Speakers placed in the window, screaming throughout the yard, were a quite familiar sight for those times.

This was done, however, not only out of a desire to show off. Large speakers in tiny “Khrushchev” cars showed too much dominance of low frequencies. The room was literally buzzing with such music. This is probably where the expression “the neighbors were buzzing all night” came from.

Soviet radio amateurs tried to correct sound problems using bass “traps,” although without much results. We had to either turn down the sound or organize a “concert” for the entire street.

JBL Xtreme 3

Who needs it : lovers of outdoor activities

I recently became the owner of this speaker; before that I had been using Xtreme 2 for a long time.

This is a very loud speaker with an impressive design and IP67 water protection. That is, it can work under water at a depth of up to 1 meter without letting liquid inside. Great option for beach parties. There is a carrying strap.

The sound is provided by two powerful 70mm woofers and two 20mm tweeters with a total power of 100W. Passive drivers provide tight, pleasant bass with clear vocals.

In addition, there is a PartyBoost function that allows you to connect up to 100 speakers into one network.

It lasts about 15 hours on a single charge, and can charge two additional devices.

Price : 17,990 rub.

Genesis Prime

This is the latest addition to the company's flagship loudspeaker system, reflecting the company's decades of experience. Dynamic range is virtually unlimited, as is frequency response and soundstage performance.

The system is represented by 4 towers. The bass amplifier is servo controlled. There are only 6 channels per side, the power of each is 1 kW. Weight on each side is 545 kg.

The frequency range is from 16 Hz to 40 kHz. System sensitivity – 91 dB.

The cost of Genesis Prime is $300,000.