Don Lindich’s Sound Advice Blog

The Speaker Company TSAT1000 speakers- only $299 for the set of five.

I’ve been listening to TSAT1000 system from The Speaker Company and I have to tell you, these things sound good. VERY GOOD. I was sent a set recently and had to finish up another review before hooking them up, and after I started listening I wish I would have set them up much earlier so I could report the news to everyone looking for speakers.

Remember how everyone (including me) made a fuss over the Insignia NS-B2111 bookshelf speakers, and how they brought truly good sound and good cosmetics to an unheard-of price point, now $89.98 per pair? The TSAT1000s have the potential to do the same for anyone looking for a home theater speaker setup using smallish speakers, as they combine impeccable finish with this great sound and sell for only $299 for the set of five. Add a subwoofer like the Dayton Powered Sub from Parts Express for $131.80 or The Speaker Company’s own ASub10 and you have some really great looks and really great sound for under $500.

The TSAT1000s are a bit bigger than most of the teacup-sized speakers you see, approximately the same size as the Definitive Technology ProCinema 800 but a bit shallower in profile.

Innovative mounting system is included in the price.

They are available in a hand-rubbed glossy white or black finish and include an innovative mounting system for on-wall use. Pictures do not do them justice, you really need to see and hold them to realize how well they are made.

Driver compliment of TSAT1000. Magnets hold the grill in place.

An aluminum woofer and “Hicell” foam tweeter is used. The grill is magnetically attached, a nice touch.

Rear view of TSAT1000. Note press connectors for bare wire.

The wire connectors had high spring tension to hold bare wire very firmly. These were about the nicest connections I have used in a good while and neophytes will find them very easy to work with.

For the technically inclined, here are the specs from a pre-release email I received:

TSC Model TSAT1000

Type: 2-way Acoustic Suspension on-wall satellite

Drivers: 1” Shielded HiCell dome tweeter (this is a Foam tweeter, very efficient, very fast and clean), 3.5” Shielded Aluminum cone midrange/woofer

Sensitivity: 85dB

Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms

Recommended pwr: 15-100 watts continuous

Dimensions: 8.63” H x 5.31” W x 3.25 D

Weight: 2 lbs. 13 oz. each

Finish: High Gloss with metal grille, magnetically attached. Black or White

Unique through the front mounting system makes attaching to walls a snap

No frequency response specification was given- I will check up on that. Despite the 85dB efficiency, I am finding an Onkyo 606 is more than enough to drive them. A bit more power would be nice in a big room if you want to play loudly.

How do they sound? If I had to use three words, they would be beautiful, detailed, and natural. I liked The Speaker Company’s P5 and P6 speakers and recommended them as a good buy, but did not gush over them as I am wont to do when I get excited over a product. They are good quality, at a good price and did the job asked of them. I am gushing now because I LOVE these. Absolutely love them, and I am excited for the possibilities for bringing great sound to an even larger group of readers by virtue of their quality and low price.

What is less than perfect? Sometimes I could hear a slight sibilance on female vocals, and they can sound a bit strained if you push them too hard. Other than that, a great performance and as I have been saying, a standout, top-performing value. They could sell these for twice the price and it would still easily be a rockin’ buy. Are they Definitive ProCinema 800 killers? No- the ProCinema 800s are $1199 for the system and a top-rated piece of gear for those who want the best. If you are on a tight budget and want to get much of the high-end experience while spending less than half the money of the TSAT1000′s competition, I think you will be extremely happy with your purchase.

You can see more on The Speaker Company’s T-Series page. If you want to give them a try they are accepting pre-orders with the first product going out to customers around August 15th. With the free delivery, 30 day satisfaction guarantee and free return shipping, it’s a really safe bet and I can’t imagine these going back. If you give them a try, I’d like to hear from you to see if you got as excited as I did upon hearing them.