This is a truly impressive little system from the early 1980‘s that exemplifies some of the best qualities of components from the last years of the “Silver Era“. The made-in-Korea HH Scott amplifier combined updated circuitry and clean cosmetics with a high level of build quality. The Technics speakers were a highly praised metal enclosure speaker that combined wonderful build quality with a crisp,highly detailed sonic presentation with superior sound localization.

The classic brushed satin finish, minimalist cosmetics and hefty, solid construction all distinguish these components from the lower quality, mass market designs that would dominate the market in the late 80's and 90's 

The Technics Linear Phase speakers were among the very first Japanese speakers deemed worthy of consideration by serious audiophiles. They were the product of very extensive research from a manufacturer that was not afraid to invest heavily in new technologies and high quality materials for a wide range of products and price points. In pursuit of linear phase/frequency response Technics developed their own unique phase-measurement systems and then applied their research to implement time-aligned driver placement, new crossovers and new wide-range low frequency drivers  Beginning in the late 1970's they developed an extensive line of  "linear phase" speakers that were distinguished by excellent imaging, detail and transient response.The sound was crisp, slightly forward and well suited to the music and tastes of the 1980's. An enthusiastic review noted "Sound is superb...a surprisingly commanding listen and musically articulate like few others...brilliantly fast and engaging, they make music bounce." An owner wrote:"there's an immediacy to the delivery of the music.. really exciting... well worth seeking out."

During these years Technics also introduced their MICRO series of mini-components systems that brought an extraordinary level of performance and quality (using almost entirely in-house manufactured parts) to the growing market for miniature systems.By 1981 they completed their Micro product range with the SB-F series of mini-speakers. An early review praised the SB-F designs: "An amazing speaker...it can handle a great deal more power and play louder than most other small boxes."

At 12.5" x 7.0" x 7.5", the SB-F3 was the largest of this initial series of miniature speakers in the Technics Linear Phase line. With their solidly built cast aluminum enclosures these speakers both look good and sound great. The 6" woofer in the SB-F3 boasted a smooth and extended top end reproduction with a lightweight,high-rigidity seamed paper cone and a resonance free center cap. The tweeter is a 3/4" metal alloy dome loaded into a miniature horn mounting that sets the dome well back in the cabinet for optimum time alignment. A carefully designed crossover network with select Matsushita components completes the package.The build quality is second to none- great attention to detail and overbuilt in every way. Production began in 1978 with most dating from 1979-1981 and some were still being marketed through1983.

It all adds up to a compact speaker that is detailed, fast and articulate. Early reviews noted that the sound quality was very much on a par with the better, more-conventional compact speakers from the 1980's such as AR-18's -- an impressive achievement given their size. A more recent review (Hi-Fi News, 2024) said the speaker still deserved a B+ rating and concluded: "If you like a bright and sharply delineated sound from a speaker capable of delivering music with real immediacy then these high-rech-looking blasts from the past are well worth seeking out."

We usually like to pair these with the acclaimed Technics SU-C03 "New Class A" amplifier that was the flagship amp in their MICRO series components. But these are hard to come by in the aftermarket and their pricing has almost doubled over the last few years.We have a personal use one here that works well but it has been heavily used for 25 years with no recent servicing, so we don't list it for sale ... but you can ask.

This listing pairs a very attractive conventional amplifier - the HH Scott 438A amplifier (1983). With great cosmetic design, good build quality and a solid 45 wpc, this is a full-featured amp that included many features of their top-of-the line models. The output stage is a modern capacitorless design with electronic circuit protection.Features include two tape monitoring loops for dubbing, subsonic and hi cut filters and sophisticated dual fluorescent power meters. The low profile design (17“ W x 3.5“H x 8“D) weighs in at a hefty 13.65 lbs. 

This compact system is great fun to listen to. Crisp,and clean,

well-balanced sound with excellent detail !

Buyers east of the Mississippi and north of Florida may receive a refund of excess shipping charges