Rock-Solid Sounds: B&W's Audio Revolution

are rock solid sounds b&w

B&W Rock Solid Sounds are speakers designed and made by B&W England. They were first introduced in 1992 and are known for their compact size, high-density plastic casing, and adjustable metal stands. The speakers have a power handling capacity of 150 watts and deliver a frequency range of 75Hz to 20kHz. They are often praised for their ability to produce a pure, clean, and powerful sound despite their small form factor, making them a popular choice for small spaces such as apartments or home entertainment systems.

Characteristics Values
Brand B&W Rock Solid
Product Type Speakers
Model Solid
Product Division Rock Solid Sounds Inc.
Manufacturer B&W Loudspeakers
Product Features Miniature size, plastic enclosure and trim, integral stand/bracket
Power Handling 150 Watts
Frequency Range 75Hz to 20kHz (50Hz when fixed to a wall)
Impedance 8 Ohms
Efficiency 90dB for 1 Watt at 1 metre
Additional Features Magnetically shielded, adjustable metal stands
Price £200

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B&W Rock Solid Speaker design

B&W's Rock Solid Speaker, also known as the Solid Sub/Sat Speaker System, is a compact and attractively designed speaker model. It was created by B&W Loudspeakers' sub-brand Rock Solid Sounds Inc., targeting a younger demographic than B&W's traditional customer base.

The Solid Speaker features a plastic enclosure and trim designed by Morten V. Warren, with a unique stand/bracket combination. The speaker is small but regarded as large enough to be considered a full-range speaker. It retails for £200, and its performance is considered to be lacking in bass. Rock Solid Sounds Inc. addresses this issue by providing a subwoofer to accompany a pair of Solids.

The Solid Sub/Sat Speaker System features a self-powered subwoofer, the PB100, which measures 415x353x401mm (HWD). This subwoofer can be placed discreetly in a corner, and a small television can even be placed on top of it. The PB100 features a 10-inch long-throw bass driver with a pressed fibre cone, powered by a dedicated internal 70W MOSFET amplifier. The enclosure includes a Flow Port System, which allows for the free movement of air through the port.

The satellite speakers, the S100s, are available in black or white, with grilles in white, black, burgundy, or blue. They are slightly larger than half-pint milk cartons, measuring 258x207mm with a depth of 90mm. The S100s can be mounted flush to the corner, and their sloping sides eliminate parallel surfaces within the enclosure. The overall sound delivery of the Solid Speaker system is described as "pleasant, musical, [and] never-aggravating," with "exceptional sound spread and ridiculously accurate pin-point imaging."

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Rock Solid Bass Station review

Rock Solid Sounds Inc. is a division of B&W Loudspeakers, a sub-brand created to appeal to a younger demographic. Their first product, the Solid, is a miniature speaker designed by Morten V. Warren, priced at £200. While the speaker is regarded as a full-range speaker, its performance is lacking in bass content. To compensate, RSS Inc. offers a subwoofer to accompany a pair of Solids.

The Solid Sub/Sat Speaker System, priced at £349.95, improves system power handling and loudness capability when paired with the Solid speakers. The bass matches the lower midband almost seamlessly, providing a sense of weight and richness. However, overdriving the bass unit can result in a raspy, one-note sound.

The B&W Rock Solid Bass Station, dubbed the "Bass Station," is a stylish and macho addition to the Solid speaker system. It features eight small drivers around a flared port, weighing 18kg. While its initial performance against the wall was disappointing due to an imbalance in midbass output, moving the satellites into the room improved the balance and allowed for a better assessment of its qualities.

The Bass Station enhances the system's power handling and loudness capability, but the partnering amplifier will need ample current reserves to handle the increased load. The mid and treble characteristics of the Solid speakers remain, with slight improvements in free space siting, resulting in a well-balanced and lively sound.

Overall, the B&W Rock Solid Bass Station provides a stylish and compact solution to enhance the bass performance of the Solid speaker system, offering improved balance, power, and loudness capabilities.

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Rock Solid Sounds Monitor Speakers

Rock Solid Sounds is a division of B&W Loudspeakers, a sub-brand aimed at attracting a younger demographic. Their first product, the Solid, is a miniature speaker designed by Morten V. Warren, which features a plastic enclosure and trim and an integral stand/bracket. While the speaker is small, it is regarded as a full-range speaker.

The B&W Rock Solid Speaker is a bookshelf speaker that delivers a pure, clean sound. The compact monitor features a vented bass enclosure with fourth-order alignment. The bass and mid-range are handled by a 95mm cone driver, while the top end is covered by a small, synthetic diaphragm tweeter, fitted with a phase plug to aid dispersion. The frequency range covered is a nominal 75Hz to 20kHz, and 50Hz can be reached when the units are fixed to a wall. The power handling is 150W at 8 Ohms, and a built-in protection device prevents overload by turning down the input level when the maximum power handling capacity is exceeded. The efficiency is 90dB for 1 Watt measured at 1 metre, which means that adequate near-field listening levels can be achieved with smaller amplifiers.

The Rock Solid Speaker can be used with a home audio system such as a 2 or 4 channel amplifier or with a home entertainment centre. Adding a Bass Station to a pair of Solids improves the system power handling and loudness capability, although a partnering amplifier will need plenty of current reserves. However, the end result may lack LF extension and be midbass heavy, delivering a balance that may be more suited to modern dance music reproduction than to genuine fidelity.

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Rock Solid Speakers' performance

Rock Solid Speakers are a division of B&W Loudspeakers, designed to appeal to a younger demographic. Their first product, the Solid, is a miniature speaker designed by Morten V. Warren. The speaker features a plastic enclosure and trim, as well as an integral stand/bracket. Despite its small size, the Solid delivers a powerful and clean sound, with no distortion even at high volumes. The frequency range covered is 75Hz to 20kHz, and the power handling is an impressive 150W at 8 Ohms. The efficiency is also notable, at 90dB for 1 Watt measured at 1 metre.

One of the key advantages of Rock Solid Speakers is their size. They are perfect for small spaces such as apartments or bedrooms, as they take up very little room. The speakers can be placed on a stand or mounted on a wall, providing flexibility in terms of placement.

However, one common critique of the Solid is its lack of bass response. While the speaker performs admirably in the mid and high ranges, it struggles to reproduce low bass frequencies. This can result in a lack of precision and clarity in the overall sound. To compensate for this, some users have paired the Solid with a subwoofer, which helps to enhance the bass performance.

Despite this shortcoming, the Solid has received positive reviews for its overall sound quality and design. Its compact size, coupled with its ability to deliver a powerful and clean sound, makes it a popular choice for those seeking a space-saving audio solution without compromising on performance.

In summary, the Rock Solid Speakers by B&W offer a compelling combination of size, performance, and design. While they may not satisfy those seeking powerful bass response, their clarity, efficiency, and versatility make them a strong contender in the miniature speaker market.

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Rock Solid Speakers' versatility

Rock Solid Speakers are versatile in their design, performance, and compatibility.

Rock Solid Speakers, a division of B&W Loudspeakers, were designed with a younger customer base in mind, featuring a modern and striking appearance. The miniature speakers, designed by Morten V. Warren, boast a plastic enclosure and trim and an integral stand/bracket. Their compact size, measuring 233mm by 163mm by 150mm, makes them ideal for small spaces like apartments or condos.

In terms of performance, Rock Solid Speakers deliver a pure, clean, and powerful sound that belies their small size. They can play loud audio with minimal to no distortion, providing a full and amazing sound experience. The frequency range covered is 75Hz to 20kHz, and this can be extended to 50Hz when the units are fixed to a wall. The bass and mid-range are handled by a 95mm cone driver, while a small synthetic diaphragm tweeter covers the top end, ensuring clear and detailed audio.

The versatility of Rock Solid Speakers is further demonstrated in their compatibility with various audio setups. They can be used with a home audio system, such as a 2 or 4-channel amplifier, or integrated into a home entertainment center, enhancing the experience of HD television monitors. Additionally, these speakers can be paired with a subwoofer to enhance bass performance and overall system power handling, resulting in improved loudness capability.

Rock Solid Speakers, with their combination of aesthetics, audio quality, and adaptability, offer a versatile solution for consumers seeking a powerful yet compact audio experience.

Frequently asked questions

B&W Rock Solid Sounds are speakers designed and made by B&W in England. They were first released in 1992 and are known for their powerful sound despite their compact size.

The speakers have a power handling capability of 150W at 8 Ohms and a frequency range of 75Hz to 20kHz, which can be extended to 50Hz when wall-mounted. They feature a high-density plastic casing and adjustable metal stands.

B&W Rock Solid Sounds speakers can be found on online marketplaces such as eBay and Reverb, as well as from specialist audio retailers like SpenCertified.

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