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Microphase Audio Design Microphase Audio Design SAT MK1
The new SAT MK1 is a replica of our original SAT released in 1984
It is a high performance 2-way, bass reflex monitor equipped with bespoke Audax drivers from France.
A simple 6dB/oct crossover achieves the separation of the audio signal between the two drivers and maintain a perfect phase within the 60-25khz frequency response.
It can be used as an entry level true bookshelf speaker or as rear channel of a home theatre setup.
Our central active subwoofer CSW-A can extend the bass response in that application.
Price DOESN'T include shipping outside of Australia/New Zealand
We have a 30-day return policy to the nearest listening room appointed by Microphase Audio Design. Contact us for details.
Price in Australia & NZ is 3300.00AUD including GST and shipping
A compact monitor with a remarkably expansive, holographic soundstage, the SAT MK1 combines pinpoint imaging and transparent midrange with lively transient speed. Reviewer Mark Gusew praises its smooth, neutral tonality and revealing detail, while the marine-grade birch cabinet and bespoke silk-dome tweeter underpin a refined, studio-friendly presentation that excels in small rooms.
Pros
- Exceptionally large, holographic soundstage with precise front-to-back depth and instrument placement.
- Transparent, neutral midrange that delivers clear, expressive vocals and superb detail retrieval.
- Fast transient response and lively dynamics for a mini monitor, aided by a light paper-cone woofer and bespoke silk-dome tweeter.
- High-quality construction: marine-grade Finnish birch plywood cabinet, inert bracing and a smart polyurethane finish with bespoke drivers.
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Cons
- Limited low-frequency extension — roll-off below roughly 90Hz means minimal deep bass without a subwoofer.
- Nominal 4Ω impedance and impedance curve demand a powerful, current-capable amplifier for best control and punch.
Sound Quality
88/100
Bass
82/100
As a 110mm (≈4.3") ported standmounter the SAT MK1 lacks deep extension below ~90Hz (quoted ~-3dB), yet reviewers note a smooth, even roll-off and respectable bass presence for the cabinet size. The speaker is not 'ground-thumping' but delivers controlled, articulate bass that suits small-room use; ported design and comments about 'surprisingly deep' low-end justify an above-typical tiny-driver score.
Mid
90/100
Reviews repeatedly praise midband transparency and vocal delivery: 'Midband proved capable of delivering vocals very well' and the speaker is described as 'highly revealing' with excellent detail (overdubs audible on Lana Del Rey). Tonality is close to neutral with little added colour, supporting strong mid accuracy.
Treble
89/100
The bespoke 25mm silk-dome tweeter is described as smooth and refined; the speaker is 'lovely, smooth-sounding' with good detail and no noted harshness or sibilance. Treble extension to 25kHz (+/-6dB quoted) and fine detail retrieval earn a high treble score.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
StereoNET highlights an especially large, holographic soundstage ('massive', 'extended around a metre beyond the boundary of the speakers') with excellent front-to-back depth and instrument placement. Imaging and spatiality are standout qualities for this mini-monitor.
Dynamics
86/100
The light paper-cone woofer provides speed and good transient response ('fast to respond', 'genuine speed'), giving lively micro- and mid-scale dynamics. Macro dynamics are inevitably limited by small driver area, and reviewers note reasonable but not nightclub-level punch.
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Build Quality
91/100
Constructed from marine-grade Finnish birch plywood with an inert, well-braced cabinet and clear polyurethane finish; reviewers praise the rigidity and natural paper-cone driver material. Bespoke tweeter and careful construction support a high craftsmanship score.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive baseline applied. Standard passive bookshelf connections and no DSP/streaming features; crossover documented (Linkwitz-Riley ~4kHz).
Value for Money
84/100
At roughly AUD $1,980 / ~US$2,050 (direct-sold), reviewers emphasize direct sale pricing and strong pro-monitor performance — 'quality loudspeaker' with revealing presentation. Not billed as a bargain relative to mass-market models, but performance-per-dollar is favorable for buyers seeking studio-like transparency.
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