In this review, we will be comparing Minx X301 and S8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Cambridge Audio and Audioengine. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Cambridge Audio Minx X301 and Audioengine S8 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Cambridge Audio Minx X301 and Audioengine S8 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Cambridge Audio Minx X301and Audioengine S8 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
Minx X301 has a frequency range of 31-200 Hz whereas S8 has a frequency range of 27-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 27Hz, the S8 can go slightly deeper then the Minx X301's min frequency of 31Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cambridge Audio Minx X301
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cambridge Audio Minx X301
Cabinet Type
The Cambridge Audio Minx X301 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. On the other hand the Audioengine S8 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Cambridge Audio Minx X301's and Audioengine S8's external dimensions. Cambridge Audio Minx X301 has external dimensions of 312.0 x 267.0 x 310.0mm ( 12-1/4 x 10-1/2 x 12-3/16inch) whereas Audioengine S8 has external dimensions of 334.0 x 293.0 x 337.0mm ( 13-1/8 x 11-1/2 x 13-1/4inch) .
Audioengine S8 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 26mm wider, 22mm taller and 27mm deeper than Cambridge Audio Minx X301.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Cambridge Audio Minx X301 and Audioengine S8 in scale.
Comparison image of Cambridge Audio Minx X301 and Audioengine S8 Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Cambridge Audio Minx X301 is approximately 827.7cm2 / 128.3inch2 and base area of the Audioengine S8 is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2. The Minx X301 requires 16% less surface area than the S8 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Cambridge Audio Minx X301 weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs and the Audioengine S8 weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the S8 82% heavier than the Minx X301.
Here is a comparison of how Minx X301 and S8's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Cambridge Audio Minx X301
What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio Minx X301?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Minx X301:
Powered subwooferGrille (installed)6-feet AC power cordInstallation GuideImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of Audioengine S8?
Here are the items that come with the S8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Stereo RCA cable6.5-feet Stereo minijack audio cableCloth subwoofer bagCloth cable bagQuick Start GuideAudioengine brochure
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
180k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
312mm
vs
334mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
827cm2
vs
987cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
27 Hz
vs
31 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
549USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Cambridge Audio Minx X301 |
Audioengine S8 |
| Brand |
Cambridge Audio |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
300 watts |
125 watts |
| Frequency Response |
31-200 Hz |
27-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
300-watt RMS |
125-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Treated paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
312.0mm (12.3") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
267.0mm (10.5") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Depth |
310.0mm (12.2") |
337.0mm (13.3") |
| Weight |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |