Microphase Audio Design Microphase Audio Design SAT MK2 SIGNATURE
The Microphase Audio Design SAT MK2 Signature turns compact dimensions into a remarkably spacious performance, pairing accurate midrange, crystalline treble and three-dimensional imaging with beautifully inert marine-ply cabinetry. Vedran Simunovic found its vocal realism, precise focus and dynamic presence especially compelling—an engaging small-room monitor that flourishes with a muscular high-current amplifier.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
93/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
Exceptionally accurate, neutral-leaning midrange gives vocals and instruments clarity, drama and emotional presence.
Precise, expansive imaging with sharply focused instruments and a convincingly three-dimensional soundstage.
Marine-grade plywood cabinet is exquisitely finished and effectively free from audible resonance.
Cons
Needs a powerful, high-current amplifier—at least 100W into 4 ohms was recommended—to avoid audible artefacts.
Bass is punchy rather than deep; a subwoofer may be needed for low-bass-heavy music, and rear-wall placement can make it boomy.
Treble can occasionally sound bright on some recordings, particularly upper-range violins.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
Reviewers describe an unusually full and precise presentation for such a compact loudspeaker, led by very accurate midrange, expansive three-dimensional imaging and lively dynamic expression. Its demanding amplifier requirements, limited low-bass reach and occasional upper-treble brightness mean careful system matching and placement are important.
Bass
85/100
The SAT delivers punchy, satisfying bass above roughly 70Hz, an impressive result from its tiny enclosure and rear-firing woofer arrangement. It does not reach deeply without a subwoofer, and bass became muddled and boomy when placed very close to a bookcase.
Mid
93/100
The midrange is the standout: the reviewer calls it remarkably accurate and capable of exposing shortcomings elsewhere in the system. Vocals were reproduced with exceptional clarity, drama and emotional presence, while the overall midband remained notably neutral.
Treble
87/100
Treble is described as crystalline, detailed and generally linear, with the revised soft-dome design intended to provide a silky, extended top end. However, the speaker has a clear appetite for treble energy; some recordings prompted a reduction in treble level and violins could occasionally sound bright.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Imaging is a major strength, with sharply focused instruments and convincing separation of three guitars in a demanding live recording. The reviewer also heard a fully three-dimensional field extending beyond the speakers in every direction, while finding the design fairly tolerant of positioning.
Dynamics
90/100
With a suitably powerful, high-current amplifier, the speakers conveyed instruments with fantastic dynamics and presence. Choirs came across as vibrant and forceful, although the compact design was considered somewhat less at home with the largest orchestral and operatic climaxes.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
The compact cabinets use inert marine-grade birch plywood, clear lacquer or polyurethane finishing, quality Mundorf crossover components and a carefully developed three-way layout. The reviewer found the enclosure exceptionally well finished and effectively free from audible cabinet resonance.
Value for Money
88/100
At the stated AU$2,500 standard price and AU$3,500 Signature price, the reviewer felt the cost reflected the speaker's quality. Prospective owners should nevertheless budget for an unusually capable high-current amplifier, and potentially a subwoofer or the matching subwoofer stands if deeper bass is required.
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Specifications
Manufacturer's Description — Microphase Audio Design
This new version of our 1980s design is a 3-way speaker in a very compact enclosure
(220x220x180 mm )
It can be bi-amped and includes an upgraded version of the bespoke midrange driver originally designed by Philippe LESAGE, then Technical Director of AUDAX.
The cabinet design is inspired by the original SAT but with a more modern look and made of 18mm birch plywood from Finland.
This newer Signature version incorporates an all Mundorf components crossover, providing significant improvement over our standard SAT MK2, in terms of bass extension, midrange clarity, lower distortion and better slew rate.
It is manufactured in Sydney, Australia and ready to ship with a 6 weeks delivery time.
Only 100 numbered pairs will be manufactured, so reserve yours today by paying a 50% deposit.
Once you have paid this deposit, we will commence manufacture of your very own pair of these amazing minuscule speakers.
You will then be asked to provide final payment before we ship them to you to enjoy, about 4 to 6 weeks after receipt of your deposit.
Full specifications are available via our website www.microphaseaudiodesign.com
Price DOESN'T include shipping
We have a 30-day return policy to the nearest listening room appointed by Microphase Audio Design. Contact us for details..