In this review, we will be comparing ForceField 3 and Minx X301, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from GoldenEar and Cambridge Audio. 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 and Cambridge Audio Minx X301 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the GoldenEar ForceField 3 and Cambridge Audio Minx X301 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.GoldenEar ForceField 3and Cambridge Audio Minx X301 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 8" drivers.
Frequency Response
ForceField 3 has a frequency range of 18-250 Hz whereas Minx X301 has a frequency range of 31-200 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the ForceField 3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
Both GoldenEar ForceField 3 and Cambridge Audio Minx X301 have Passive Radiator type cabinets. 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.
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 GoldenEar ForceField 3's and Cambridge Audio Minx X301's external dimensions. GoldenEar ForceField 3 has external dimensions of 288.0 x 293.0 x 432.0mm ( 11-5/16inch x 11-1/2inch x 17inch ) whereas 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) .
Cambridge Audio Minx X301 is 26mm narrower and 122mm less deeper than GoldenEar ForceField 3 but it is also 24mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of GoldenEar ForceField 3 and Cambridge Audio Minx X301 in scale.
Comparison image of GoldenEar ForceField 3 and Cambridge Audio Minx X301 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 is approximately 1265.8cm2 / 196.2inch2 and base area of the Cambridge Audio Minx X301 is approximately 827.7cm2 / 128.3inch2. The ForceField 3 requires 53% more surface area than the Minx X301 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 GoldenEar ForceField 3 weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs and the Cambridge Audio Minx X301 weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the ForceField 3 58% heavier than the Minx X301.
Here is a comparison of how ForceField 3 and Minx X301'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 GoldenEar ForceField 3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ForceField 3:
Powered Subwoofer10-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio Minx X301?
Here are the items that come with the Minx X301:
Powered subwooferGrille (installed)6-feet AC power cordInstallation GuideImportant Safety Instructions
 Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
31 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
200k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
288mm
vs
312mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
827cm2 (267x310mm)
vs
1265cm2 (293x432mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar ForceField 3 |
Cambridge Audio Minx X301 |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Cambridge Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1000 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
18-250 Hz |
31-200 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1000-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
288.0mm (11.3") |
312.0mm (12.3") |
| Width |
293.0mm (11.5") |
267.0mm (10.5") |
| Depth |
432.0mm (17") |
310.0mm (12.2") |
| Weight |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |