GoldenEar SuperSat 60

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Overview

The GoldenEar SuperSat 60 is an ultra-slim satellite speaker, with a depth of just 7 centimeters. It incorporates several technologies developed by the brand, including a two-stage D’Appolito configuration with four mid/bass drivers, as well as a folded ribbon tweeter. Designed to fit contemporary spaces, it offers a compact solution for wall-mounted sound reproduction.

Exceptional Construction Inspired by Aeronautics

The SuperSat 60 immediately stands out thanks to its aerospace-grade aluminum enclosure, a material choice that goes far beyond mere aesthetics. This metal structure provides exceptional rigidity, virtually eliminating unwanted cabinet resonances and allowing the drivers to perform without coloration. The black piano lacquer finish, applied to strict industrial standards, gives the speaker a timeless elegance that naturally complements today’s ultra-slim televisions.

The speaker’s dimensions—12.1 cm wide, 88.9 cm high, and only 7 cm deep—have been meticulously calculated to optimize internal volume while maintaining a discreet visual profile. This slender geometry allows for flush wall mounting, creating an almost invisible visual integration that preserves the clean look of modern home theater setups. The 5 kg weight reflects the density of the materials used and the overall robustness, ensuring perfect stability even during demanding dynamic passages.

The slightly curved shape of the enclosure is more than just an aesthetic touch: it helps disperse internal standing waves and enhances structural rigidity. This sculptural design has earned the SuperSat range the prestigious Resi Award, recognizing its excellence as a wall-mounted speaker. The threaded inserts and integrated mounting slots on the back allow for secure and versatile installation, whether directly on the wall or on the optional SuperStand and SuperSwivel stands.

Transducer Technologies: The Alliance of Folded Ribbon and D’Appolito Configuration

At the heart of the SuperSat 60 is the HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) tweeter, a modern interpretation of the air motion transformer developed by Oskar Heil in the 1970s. This technology uses a pleated, accordion-like conductive membrane that compresses and expands air rather than pushing it like a conventional tweeter. The result is superior impedance matching with the surrounding air, enabling an extended frequency response up to 35 kHz with remarkably low distortion.

The HVFR’s ultra-light membrane, weighing just a fraction of a traditional dome, offers exceptional transient velocity, resulting in detailed reproduction of micro-dynamics and transients. The horizontal dispersion approaches 180 degrees, ensuring a generous and coherent soundstage over a wide listening area, while the more controlled vertical dispersion minimizes unwanted ceiling and floor reflections, thus improving stereo imaging precision.

The four 11.5 cm cast-frame drivers are arranged in a two-stage D’Appolito configuration, a sophisticated acoustic topology where two pairs of drivers symmetrically flank the central tweeter. This layout creates a phase-coherent sound source that minimizes destructive interference at crossover frequencies. The cones are equipped with multi-vaned phase plugs (MVPP—Multi-Vaned Phase Plugs), a GoldenEar innovation that improves upper midrange dispersion while reducing cone resonances.

The spiderleg-shaped frames provide an open structure that minimizes rear reflections while maintaining optimal rigidity. The computer-optimized cone topology ensures linear response across the entire useful bandwidth, with remarkable clarity in the midrange—crucial for natural reproduction of voices and acoustic instruments.

Quadratic Passive Radiators: Extending Bass in Ultra-Compact Form

To extend low-frequency response despite the limited internal volume, GoldenEar has integrated two planar passive radiators measuring 10.2 × 17.8 cm. These rectangular membranes, lacking magnetic motors, are set in motion by internal pressure variations generated by the active drivers. This technique achieves frequency response down to 50 Hz, a remarkable performance for such a slim speaker.

Passive radiators offer several advantages over traditional bass-reflex ports in this application. They eliminate air turbulence noise that can occur in small-diameter ports at high sound levels, and avoid port resonances that color the sound. The moving mass of the radiators can be precisely tuned to match the system’s optimal resonance frequency, providing superior control over the final response curve.

The “quadratic planar” geometry refers to the optimized rectangular shape of the radiators, which maximizes radiating surface within the available space. This configuration allows efficient coupling with the surrounding air while maintaining controlled pistonic movement, essential for clean bass reproduction. The strategic placement of the radiators perfectly loads the mid/bass drivers, creating an open and natural response without box coloration.

Installation Versatility and System Integration

The SuperSat 60 is designed to adapt to a multitude of installation configurations. In a vertical position flanking a 60-inch or larger screen, it forms a coherent front soundstage for home theater. The horizontal version, SuperSat 60C, can serve as a high-performance center channel, creating a seamless soundstage when paired with SuperSat 60s as main channels. Optional SuperStand supports allow for shelf or furniture placement, while SuperSwivel mounts provide articulation to optimize orientation.

With a sensitivity of 92 dB and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms (8-ohm compatible), the SuperSat 60 accommodates a wide range of amplification, from 20 to 300 watts per channel. This flexibility allows integration into various systems, from minimalist setups to elaborate home theater configurations. The extended frequency response and generous power handling make it an ideal candidate for demanding multichannel systems, especially Dolby Atmos setups where precise localization is crucial.

Integration with a subwoofer is facilitated by the speaker’s naturally extended low-end response. A crossover point between 100 and 120 Hz allows for seamless transition with GoldenEar subwoofers such as the ForceField or SuperSub, creating a coherent full-range system. This modular approach allows the system to be tailored to room size and listening preferences, while preserving the brand’s characteristic tonal consistency.

Documentation

Documentation (brochure)User manual

Technical Specifications

Acoustic Configuration

1 high-speed folded ribbon tweeter (HVFR)
2 rectangular planar low-frequency drivers 10.2 × 17.8 cm
4 high-definition mid/bass drivers with cast frame (MVPP) 11.5 cm

Audio Performance

Frequency response: 50 Hz - 35 kHz
Sensitivity: 92 dB
Impedance: nominal 4 Ω (8 Ω compatible)
Recommended amplification power: 20 - 300 W / channel

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions (W × H × D): 12.1 × 88.9 × 7 cm
Weight: 5 kg

Optional Accessories

Stand feet (SuperStand)
Wall mounts (SuperSwivel)

Frequently asked questions

Can the SuperSat 60 be used without a subwoofer for music listening?

Although the speaker reaches down to 50 Hz thanks to its passive radiators, adding a subwoofer is still recommended for optimal experience. In pure stereo for music genres less demanding in deep bass (acoustic jazz, chamber music, vocals), the SuperSat 60 delivers satisfying performance. However, for electronic music, rock, or home theater, a subwoofer will provide the necessary foundation in the lowest frequencies.

What is the minimum distance required from the wall during installation?

Unlike traditional bass-reflex speakers, the SuperSat 60 with its side passive radiators can be mounted directly against the wall without notable degradation. Since the radiators are positioned on the speaker’s inner sides, they do not require rear space to function properly. Flush mounting is therefore possible and even recommended for optimal visual integration.

How does the SuperSat 60 compare to the SuperSat 50 in terms of performance?

The SuperSat 60 represents a significant step up, with four mid/bass drivers compared to two in the SuperSat 50, offering greater dynamic capacity and better power handling. The doubled radiating surface allows for higher sound levels without compression, especially beneficial in medium to large rooms. The mid-bass response is also more consistent thanks to the two-stage D’Appolito configuration.

Does the HVFR tweeter require precise positioning relative to the listener?

The HVFR tweeter offers exceptionally wide horizontal dispersion (nearly 180°), allowing for great freedom in lateral placement. Vertically, the more controlled dispersion means the ideal listening axis is at tweeter height. For optimal listening, position the speakers so the tweeter is approximately at ear level when seated, or use the tilting SuperSwivel mounts to adjust the angle.

What amplifier should be chosen to get the best out of the SuperSat 60?

With a sensitivity of 92 dB, the SuperSat 60 does not require excessive power. A quality amplifier delivering 50 to 150 watts into 4 ohms will suffice for most applications. More important than sheer power is stability under complex loads (nominal impedance is 4 ohms) and sound quality. Modern home theater amplifiers with room correction can optimize integration, especially the crossover point with the subwoofer.

Can the passive radiators produce unwanted noise at high volume?

The SuperSat 60’s passive radiators are designed to maintain controlled pistonic movement even at high levels. Unlike bass-reflex ports, which can generate turbulence, the radiators operate silently. Their precisely tuned mass prevents excessive excursions that could cause mechanical noise. The only sound you’ll hear is the music itself, reproduced with clarity and dynamism.