Solid Solutions -S100, C100, PB100

Ratings:Top:Audio/Video:Speakers:Solid Solutions -S100, C100, PB100

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Brand and Model:Solid Solutions -S100, C100, PB100
Price ($USD):900
Form Factor:
un-checked Towerchecked Bookshelfun-checked Center
un-checked Subwooferun-checked In-Wall
Features:
un-checked Bipolarun-checked Dipolar
un-checked Adj Crossoverun-checked Biwiring
checked Active
Power Handling (RMS):100 Watts RMS
Frequency Response:32-20000
Sensitivity (dB):89 dB
Impedance (Ohms):8 Ohms
Weight (lbs):lbs.
Dimensions (w/h/d):in. (width/height/depth)
Description:

Vote Highlights Vote
Solid Solutions -S100, C100, PB100
PB100 Active Sub-Woofer

The PB100 comes from the little known Solid stable but claiming B&W design influence expertise. In fact everything about the PB100 from packaging to performance smacks of B&W and comparison of the specs of the latest B&W ASW offering, the ASW 500, shows they're identical.
The PB100 is solidly made (no pun intended) and whilst sparse on features offers smooth, pleasant bass enhancement. Principle omissions are a signal dependent power supply (ie you have to switch it on or off or have it linked to an AC outlet on your amp). It also doesn't have a variable frequency cut-off filter. It has in line bypass filtering if you wish to drive effects speakers less bass output.
I have tried it with the Yamaha 995 receiver with x4 B&W 602 speakers for front & rear and a Jamo 100 centre speaker in a medium sized home living room with lots of sound deadening soft furnishings.
The sound is smooth, smooth, smooth and dovetails beautifully with the B&W mains and complements rather than detracts from music listening. In practice the bass cut-off of the the Yamaha receiver at 90Hz and its obvious compatibility with other B&W speakers makes a variable bass cut off filter redundant. To my suprise and delight I find I want to incorporate it when listening to non-effects audio such as classical, folk and non-heavy music.

From the earth shaking point of view it seems to deliver adequately on the Richter scale when planes, trains and miscellaneous aliens strut their stuff in the demolition stakes. It neatly delivers the punch in the bass rock line classics such as John Entwistle in My Generation or John McVies pulsating bass heartbeat in Fleetwood Mac's the dance DVD.

In conclusion I didn't set out to buy it, it was loaned by a kind HiFi dealer (DJL ELectronics of Caloundra, Qld) pending receipt of the ASW1000 (but at nearly a $AUS1000 difference) - but there's no way short of a direct hit in a Zeppelin raid that I'm going to part with it! Shortcomings ? well if your receiver is set up differently you might miss the variable cut-off filter and if you have an auditorium or need to dislodge next-doors ear wax you might need more than the rated 70W power, but for me it suits perfectly.

Overall Rating: 3
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=30769

Solid Solutions -S100, C100, PB100
I have the Solid surrounds and the center, but my dealer switched me to the B&W sub that is essentially the same as the solid unit but looks a little different. Same size woofer and wattage.

I am happy with these speakers for home theatre. With music they are a little bright but it hasn't stopped me from playing my music through them. I'm very happy with them.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=30768

Solid Solutions -S100, C100, PB100
Great for price. Better sounding to me and lower cost than Polk or Bose Sub-sat (Bose particularly found out by some music). Better for home theatre than music but still worthy on most music.

I like them a lot and I am fussy on a small budget.

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=30764

Solid Solutions -S100, C100, PB100
Excellent entry-level set for Home Theater. Small and attractive and sounds great!

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=30763

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