New Palstar SP30H communications speaker

[Moleculo]

Palstar is shipping a new speaker geared for radio communications: SP30H is the model number. Here is the info from Palstar:

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New from Palstar: the SP30H, the ultimate communications speaker. The "H" stands for both high quality and high power, because the SP30H can handle a maximum 25 Watts RMS of audio power.

Measuring 11" wide X 8-1/4" high X 10" deep, the handsome wood cabinet is specially made for Palstar by a high-end custom cabinet shop, and features a beautiful stained and varnished birchwood veneer finish.

The 6-1/2" speaker is optimized for 55Hz to 8KHz, perfect for communications intelligibility, and features a massive 11.6 oz magnet. The cabinet interior is lined with acoustic dampening material.[/FONT]

I talked to a local the other night on 75 meters who alerted me to this speaker. He bought it and was giving it RAVE reviews. He said that he has never had a speaker hooked up to any of his HF rigs that sounded that good, that clear, just perfect for ham radio. It's not a small unit, so you'll have to find some room on your desk for it. However, the way this guy raved about it, it's definitely worth considering.

If anyone decides to pick one up and try it, make sure and give us a report!

 

[TonyV225]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Palstar-SP30H-U...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item20ada36333

 

[W5LZ]

I must be missing something here. Pay over a hundred dollars for a less than 12" speaker? A 'high quality' one for communications use on CB or ham radio? I've seen some real pretty wood, but not that pretty. Am I really that cheap, or is there some kind of secret thingy here? Guess I need a better quality hearing aide.
- 'Doc

 

[TonyV225]

LMAO!! I was looking at that price and thought the same I dont think that particular speaker looks to swift although Im sure it has a great sound and filtering.

Im thinking for that price Ide rather buy the matching Yaesu speaker to my Yaesu FT-990.

 

[Wire Weasel]

Where's the switchable inputs and filter selections like on the Kenwoods and Icoms?

The front got scratched up somehow by the previous owner(s), but I've been using a Kenny SP-820 w/filters for years that I picked up at a hamfest for $30

Think I'll stick with it

 

[TonyV225]

Thats what Im thinking aswell.

 

[W5LZ]

That speaker may be the best one in the world, but there are a few claims for it that just don't hold water for the kind of 'bucket' it's supposed to be. Those claims can certainly be true, but the indicated use of the thing doesn't require those abilities to start with.
"Optimized for 55Hz and 8kHz" for instance. To me, 'optimized' means that those particular qualities are accentuated, made better. Well, those two frequencies are not optimal for 'communications' use, they may be part of a normal frequency range for voice, but certainly not what carries the most information. It ought'a be a real 'thumper' with music, but so what? That isn't typical for 'communications' use at all. It's the same thing for that 8k Hz frequency, just not as much.
I can't think of a communications radio made in the last 50(?) years that was capable of 25 watts of audio output (I don't care if it's RMS or Pep). I think you'd be doing real good to get 5 watts audio out of a decent receiver, and who needs it? From an audio/stereo/sound system sure! But a communications receiver? If you're in that noisy of an environment, you need to be wearing headphones anyway.
As far as 'brand' speakers, Kenwood, Yaesu, Icom, Ford, Chevy, whatever? I've ownded one and will never buy another. Just not worth the inflated price with that 'brand' name on it, to me. (Took the grill off the speaker, cut hole in face of power supply, inserted speaker and grill, threw cabinet away. Sounded much better to me.)
I hope that 'local' just enjoys the devil out of it!
- 'Doc

 

[Moleculo]

Where's the switchable inputs and filter selections like on the Kenwoods and Icoms?

He said he had one (forgot which one it was: Icom, i think) that had the switchable filters and he didn't feel like he needed with the Palstar.

I'm with 'Doc on a few of those things - especially the power handling capabilities...just not necessary.

I guess with this guy the price of the speaker doesn't seem like much in the context of all of the other gear he has. I can't see spending that much on a speaker, but to each his own...