The System Audio SA 1250 is a floorstanding loudspeaker designed by the Danish company System Audio, known for its focus on compact, high-performance audio solutions with a minimalist Scandinavian design. Introduced in the early 2000s (circa 2000–2004), the SA 1250 was part of the company's effort to deliver dynamic, accurate sound in a relatively slim and stylish package suitable for home audio setups.
Product Description and Features:
- Design: The SA 1250 is a 2.5-way or 3-way floorstanding speaker (depending on configuration references) with a slim, tall cabinet designed to minimize resonance and enhance sound clarity. Its aesthetic is sleek and understated, typical of Danish hi-fi, with a focus on blending into modern living spaces.
- Drivers:
- Typically equipped with multiple drivers, including a tweeter for high frequencies and mid/bass woofers for lower frequencies. System Audio is known for using lightweight, responsive drivers to achieve fast and precise sound reproduction.
- Likely featured a soft-dome tweeter and paper or composite cone woofers, consistent with System Audio’s design philosophy at the time.
- Sound Characteristics: The SA 1250 was praised for its open, detailed soundstage, tight bass response, and clear midrange, making it suitable for both stereo listening and home theater applications. It was designed to handle a variety of music genres with accuracy and minimal distortion.
- Power Handling: Rated for moderate to high power inputs, typically compatible with amplifiers ranging from 50–150 watts, though exact specs vary. It was designed to work well with mid-range hi-fi amplifiers common in the early 2000s.
- Cabinet: Constructed with a focus on acoustic damping, the cabinet likely used MDF with internal bracing to reduce vibrations. Finishes were typically wood veneers or lacquered options (e.g., black, cherry, or maple), aligning with the era’s hi-fi aesthetic.
- Dimensions and Weight: While exact measurements are not well-documented, the SA 1250 was a floorstanding model, likely around 35–40 inches tall, with a narrow footprint to save space. Weight would be moderate for stability, possibly 15–25 kg per speaker.
- Impedance and Sensitivity: Likely 4–8 ohms impedance and sensitivity around 87–90 dB, making it relatively easy to drive with standard amplifiers of the time.
Context and Performance:
The SA 1250 was positioned as a mid-to-high-end speaker in System Audio’s lineup, offering a balance of price and performance. Discussions on audio forums like Audiogon from 2003–2004 mention it being sold new for around $1,500 per pair, indicating it was targeted at audiophiles seeking quality sound without the premium price of high-end brands. Its design emphasized speed and clarity, reflecting System Audio’s philosophy of “making sound come alive” through innovative driver technology and cabinet design.