SC III

About the SC III

The Dunlavy SC III is a three-way, five-driver loudspeaker standing approximately 72 inches tall, with a narrow 9-inch width and 12-inch depth. It features a symmetrical vertical array with two 8-inch bass drivers mounted at the top and bottom, two 5-inch midrange drivers above and below a 1-inch fabric dome tweeter recessed in the center. The drivers are spaced off the baffle to provide time-aligned delivery of audio frequencies, employing first-order (6 dB/octave) crossover slopes and absorbent materials to minimize diffraction. The speaker is designed for waveform accuracy with path and phase alignment, delivering a flat frequency response and linear phase response at a recommended listening distance of about 10 feet. It has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms (ranging from 3 to 5.5 ohms), a sensitivity of approximately 90-92 dB SPL at 1 meter with 2.83 volts input, and requires a quality amplifier of at least 50 watts per channel. The SC III is praised for its natural, uncolored sound, wide soundstage, pinpoint imaging, and coherent top-to-bottom frequency response, though it lacks deep bass extension and benefits from augmentation with subwoofers for the lowest frequencies. It is relatively easy to drive due to its flat impedance curve and high efficiency. The speaker is large and requires a spacious room and proper placement for optimal performance. It is no longer in production but remains highly regarded in the audiophile community for its musical accuracy and value.