SolidDrive

SolidDrive is a sound transducer that transmits acoustical energy through almost any solid surface. By converting audio signals into vibrations, walls (including drywall), windows, tables are transformed into speakers. Each transducer can be equipped with an optional passive equalizer module that will adjust the EQ to match the surface material that the SolidDrive transducer is mounted to.  The main selling point of the SolidDrive is that you can completey hide your audio source from view. By attaching a SolidDrive transducer to a large surface area, the listener is immersed in an omni-directional sound field. A pair of SolidDrive transducers cost about $500.

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SolidDrive
MSRP $500.00
Release date --
Brand --
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Pros & Cons7
Reviews3
Details
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
3 reviews
58
negative
mixed
positive
1 positive
2 mixed
0 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

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Pros:
Do you agree?
•
Completely hide speakers from view
+3agreedisagree

•
Omni-directional sound field
+3agreedisagree

•
Can be mounted on glass, drywall, granite, wood, metal, ceramics, composite, or laminate
+3agreedisagree

•
Sounds better than most store-bought speakers.
+2agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
More complicated installation than traditional speakers
+3agreedisagree

•
Not easily moved once installed in one location
+3agreedisagree

•
Does not sound as good as the really expensive speakers (SolidDrive is not an audiophile product).
+2agreedisagree


3 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
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Details

Features

  • Type: Full Range Transducer
  • Impedance: 8 Ohm
  • Frequency Response (Hz): 60 Hz to 15 kHz
  • Recommended Amplifier Power: 10 - 100 Watts
  • Dimensions: 2.28" Diameter x 2.08" Height
  • Mounting Plate: 3.5 Diameter
  • Weight: 1.2 lbs. / 520 g
  • Price: $500 / pair

Models

  • SolidDrive SD1 - drywall and similar surfaces for in-wall and "in-ceiling" applications
  • SolidDrive SD1g - horizontal/vertical mounting on glass or other smooth non-porous surfaces
  • SolidDrive SD1sm - horizontal/vertical mounting on porous surfaces such as wood
  • SolidDrive SD1 Desktop SolidDrive Kit - a kit for portable horizontal surface mounting on glass, granite, metal, wood, ceramics, laminates and composites

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This report was started April 25, 2008 at 3:45 pm by Erik
with the last edit occurring June 20, 2009 at 10:45 am by fractalhorizon
This page has been viewed 1216 times, with 29 edits by 4 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Competitors

SolidDrive is ranked 1st among it's competitors.  See the top picks in Speakers »
Sound Advance SA2

Sound Advance SA2

MSRP  $1,200.00    Released  --

The SA2 is an invisible speaker system from Sound Advance. It is designed to be installed between the studs in your wall. The installed speaker drivers interact with your plaster to create a pristine "wall of sound". The speakers should be installed by a professional. Added from www.soundadvance.com

ProSCORE
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vote SolidDrive 100% vs. vote Sound Advance SA2 0%

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Comments

1.  avatar Ty said:

I've been a music-lover all my life and have built a respectable 5.1 audio system for our TV room (I refuse to call it a home theater). I wanted some decent music throughout my house, but my wife HATED the way in-wall speakers look. I found out about SolidDrive by Googling "hidden speakers" and immediately set out to purchase them.

They are more difficult to install than speakers, because you have to cut drywall, mount the SolidDrive, then put the missing drywall back, mud it, and paint it, but it's worth the work! SolidDrive may not sound as good as a $1,000+ speaker, but it does fill the room with even, high-quality audio. This is especially noticeable at parties. With speakers, there are always loud and quiet spots throughout the room, but with SolidDrive the sound is the same no matter where you're standing. We upgraded our system with the SolidDrive in-wall subwoofer (it's hidden behind an HVAC vent) and now it sounds even better.

Several people have asked about my sound system since we had it installed ("Dude, where's your speakers?") and I never get tired of showing it off. Someone once told me they saw this at EPCOT in Florida and they've wanted one ever since. Even my wife has come around.

Oh, by the way: No, it won't rattle your walls. We even have picture frames over the sound-producing walls and they stay up there just fine, even when we turn it up loud.
Jun 18, 2009 4:51pm
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

Ty

avatar
June 18, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
57
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
3 cons
trustedtrusted
have ithave it
love itlove it
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Completely hide speakers from view
  • Omni-directional sound field
  • Can be mounted on glass, drywall, granite, wood, metal, ceramics, composite, or laminate
  • Sounds better than most store-bought speakers.

Cons

  • More complicated installation than traditional speakers
  • Not easily moved once installed in one location
  • Does not sound as good as the really expensive speakers (SolidDrive is not an audiophile product).

Comments

"I've been a music-lover all my life and have built a respectable 5.1 audio system for our TV room (I refuse to call it a home theater). I wanted some decent music throughout my house, but my wife HATED the way in-wall speakers look. I found out about SolidDrive by Googling "hidden speakers" and immediately set out to purchase them.

They are more difficult to install than speakers, because you have to cut drywall, mount the SolidDrive, then put the missing drywall back, mud it, and paint it, but it's worth the work! SolidDrive may not sound as good as a $1,000+ speaker, but it does fill the room with even, high-quality audio. This is especially noticeable at parties. With speakers, there are always loud and quiet spots throughout the room, but with SolidDrive the sound is the same no matter where you're standing. We upgraded our system with the SolidDrive in-wall subwoofer (it's hidden behind an HVAC vent) and now it sounds even better.

Several people have asked about my sound system since we had it installed ("Dude, where's your speakers?") and I never get tired of showing it off. Someone once told me they saw this at EPCOT in Florida and they've wanted one ever since. Even my wife has come around.

Oh, by the way: No, it won't rattle your walls. We even have picture frames over the sound-producing walls and they stay up there just fine, even when we turn it up loud."
Did you find this review helpful?
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Erik

avatar
April 25, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
60
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
2 cons
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Completely hide speakers from view
  • Omni-directional sound field
  • Can be mounted on glass, drywall, granite, wood, metal, ceramics, composite, or laminate

Cons

  • More complicated installation than traditional speakers
  • Not easily moved once installed in one location

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

fractalhorizon

avatar
June 20, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
57
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
3 cons

Pros

  • Completely hide speakers from view
  • Omni-directional sound field
  • Can be mounted on glass, drywall, granite, wood, metal, ceramics, composite, or laminate
  • Sounds better than most store-bought speakers.

Cons

  • More complicated installation than traditional speakers
  • Not easily moved once installed in one location
  • Does not sound as good as the really expensive speakers (SolidDrive is not an audiophile product).

Competitors

fractalhorizon prefers SolidDrive over Sound Advance SA2
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