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Microphase Audio Design SAT MK3.3 | NEW! OUR CHEF D’ŒUVRE!
SAT MK3.3 | OUR CHEF D’ŒUVRE
Tentative specifications
3-way miniature monitor, with bi-wiring and time aligned tweeter in a marine grade birch plywood cabinet with a clear polyurethane finish
The main full range driver - 13cm - has a paper membrane and phase plug specially designed for us by AUDAX in France.
The back driver is a 17cm also from Audax with a paper cone specially assembled for MAD.
The tweeter is also from AUDAX, as in our SAT MK1
Dimensions : 180x250x250mm
Frequency response: 70Hz - 20KHz +/- 6 dB
Efficiency: 90dB/1W/1m
Phase: +/- 18 degrees from 20Hz to 40KHz
Impedance: Nominal 4 ohms
Crossover frequencies: 400Hz/12dB/oct, 4KHz/ 12dB/oct, Linkwitz-Riley phase alignment,
Power handling: 100W
- 3200 Euros/pair + freight and duties/taxes in Europe/🇬🇧
- 6270AUD - the 🇦🇺🇳🇿 price includes delivery and GST anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.
Estimated delivery: Four weeks at reception of deposit
The SAT MK3 delivers airy, extended highs and a surprisingly wide, precise soundstage, driven by a time‑aligned tweeter and a refined crossover. Its marine‑grade birch cabinetry and Mundorf crossover parts underline boutique craftsmanship, while tuning favours openness over midband fullness — an artistic, airy presentation admired by Barry James Johnston.
Pros
- Airy, extended treble with strong transient detail enabled by the time‑aligned tweeter and premium crossover parts.
- Surprisingly large and precise soundstage and imaging that belies the speaker's compact 3‑way monitor form.
- Boutique build and attention to detail — marine‑grade birch plywood finish and high‑quality Mundorf crossover components.
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Cons
- Noticeable midrange dip and a low‑frequency roll‑off around ~100 Hz, so the speakers often benefit from a sub or careful placement to restore fullness.
Sound Quality
88/100
Bass
85/100
Reviewer notes a measured low-frequency extension to ~55 Hz (±6 dB) but heard a slight roll-off around 100 Hz and repeatedly commented the little MK3s “need a sub for sure.” For a small, 3-way miniature monitor this yields good extension and control when paired with a sub, but not full standalone bass authority.
Mid
86/100
Mids are open and airy with strong clarity and vocal presence, but the review calls out a midrange dip that can make some instruments sound a touch cold or lacking body. The result is engaging and detailed but slightly lean in fullness on some recordings.
Treble
92/100
The tweeter is praised for airy, extended highs and excellent transient response, rendering detail and sparkle with refinement and little to no harshness. Time-aligned tweeter/baffle design and premium crossover parts support the high-frequency performance.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Multiple comments highlight a surprisingly spacious soundstage and strong instrument separation that “defies their size,” with vocals washing over the listener. Placement matters and they benefit from correct positioning in a small room.
Dynamics
90/100
Reviewer was impressed with macro- and micro-dynamics (example cited: Incubus track), praising instrument placement and transient snap. High sensitivity (90 dB) and the 3-way design help convey punch and rhythmic drive for the form factor.
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Build Quality
93/100
Constructed from marine-grade birch plywood with a clear polyurethane finish and described as refined and elegant; crossover uses high-quality Mundorf components. Craftsmanship and materials are clearly premium and boutique in execution.
Features Connectivity
82/100
Passive bookshelf baseline applied (80) plus +2 for explicit bi-wiring capability and engineered time-aligned tweeter/crossover design. No DSP/streaming expected or penalized for a passive speaker.
Value for Money
78/100
At AU$4,895 the SAT MK3s command a boutique price; reviewers praise artistry, build, and sonic refinement, and a five-year Australian warranty helps the proposition. Strong appeal to discerning buyers, but price limits mass-market value.
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