SABA EA 6010 3-way Loudspeaker
Updated 7 February 2025

by AudioPhil™
Audio Enthusiast & Vintage Gear Aficionado | Exploring the Past, Present & Future of Sound | #AudioTech #VintageAudio | Tap-tapping on the MPC One 🎧✨
Introduction
I recently acquired a pair of SABA EA 6010 stereo loudspeakers. While they are functional and were likely impressive for their original owner, I wanted to take a deep dive into their design, build quality, and performance. If you ever come across these loudspeakers at a garage sale, this article may provide useful insights. It may also be of interest to DIY loudspeaker enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly restoration project.
The Legacy of SABA
SABA (Schwarzwälder Apparate-Bau-Anstalt) was founded in 1923 in Germany and quickly became a household name in the hi-fi world. Known for their innovation and commitment to sound quality, SABA built a reputation for producing some of the finest radios, turntables, and loudspeakers of the mid-20th century. Their designs were revered for their precise engineering and rich audio reproduction, making them a go-to brand for audiophiles and professional users alike.
During the golden age of hi-fi, SABA's green cone speakers gained particular attention for their natural and detailed sound. These drivers became highly sought after, often being repurposed by DIY audio enthusiasts looking to build their own custom speaker enclosures. Unlike mass-market consumer speakers of the time, SABA's components were built with high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and continued performance.
Unfortunately, like many legacy hi-fi brands, SABA’s audio division did not survive the shift toward modern consumer electronics. According to SABA's own words it is now a trademark licensing business. The SABA brand is now primarily used for branding rather than the production of high-end audio equipment. However, vintage SABA gear continues to command respect in the collector's market, and their loudspeakers remain a testament to the brand's once-great legacy.

Condition and Initial Inspection
My first impression of the SABA EA 6010 loudspeakers was a mixture of curiosity and nostalgia. These speakers had clearly been well-loved—or at least well-used—judging by the visible wear on the cabinets and the slightly frayed dust covers. As I examined them more closely, I noticed the cabinets were constructed from 14mm particle board, wrapped in a black vinyl finish. This was a common cost-saving measure for entry-level hi-fi equipment, and while it gave the speakers a solid feel, it also meant that they were prone to chipping and peeling at the edges, which I found evident on the corners of my pair.
The detachable dust covers were another point of interest. They were made of MDF, with a stretched black cloth glued to the frame. Over the years, the glue had weakened, causing the fabric to sag and detach in places. It was a small flaw, but it added a certain rugged charm to the speakers—like battle scars from years of musical service.
Moving to the drivers, the 8-inch woofer immediately stood out. It had a classic paper cone, which is often preferred for its natural sound reproduction, but upon closer inspection, I found that one of the woofers was completely silent. Further investigation revealed the culprit: the tinsel wire connecting the chassis to the woofer cone had worn out, breaking the electrical connection. It was a delicate fix, but with careful soldering, I managed to restore its functionality.
The midrange and tweeter drivers also caught my attention. The midrange, a 4-inch paper cone driver, seemed well-placed for handling vocals and instrumental details, but its lack of a dedicated filter meant it was trying to do too much—handling frequencies it wasn’t designed for. The tweeter, a surprisingly large 3-inch paper driver, felt underwhelming. Given its size, I expected crisp highs, but it was a bit too harsh, reinforcing my suspicion that the crossover network was cutting corners.
Overall, these speakers carried the hallmarks of a mass-market entry-level product—impressive at first glance but with a few engineering decisions that left room for improvement. They were heavy at 7.2kg each, which was a good sign for cabinet density, and despite their flaws, they retained a certain vintage allure. I was eager to see how they performed in an actual sound test.

Sound Quality and Performance
Driver Configuration & Design
A 3-way loudspeaker is designed to separate audio frequencies between three different drivers:
- Woofer (low frequencies, bass)
- Midrange (vocals and mid frequencies)
- Tweeter (high frequencies, treble)
Audio Testing & Findings
- Midrange Driver Issues: Lacks proper filtering, leading to muddy and unclear sound
- Crossovers & Cost Cutting: The crossover network appears minimal, resulting in unbalanced sound.
- Perceived Loudness vs. Clarity: The design makes the speakers sound louder but at the cost of clarity.
Final Thoughts
The SABA EA 6010 loudspeakers are a decent budget option but have some notable limitations. If you find these at a garage sale, they may be worth picking up for a budget audio setup or as a restoration project.
Pros:
- ✅ Sturdy cabinet construction
- ✅ 8" woofer provides decent bass
- ✅ Affordable second-hand option
Cons:
- ❌ Poor crossover design
- ❌ Harsh high frequencies
- ❌ Vinyl covering peels over time
Verdict:
- Best for Casual listeners, DIY builders
- Not ideal for Audiophiles, precision sound seekers