In this review, we will be comparing SX-50 and Chorus 706, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio and Focal. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Cambridge SX-50 and Focal Chorus 706 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Cambridge SX-50 and Focal Chorus 706 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Cambridge SX-50 and Focal Chorus 706 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both SX-50 and Chorus 706 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Cambridge SX-50 |
Focal Chorus 706 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
SX-50 features a 1" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Treated paper Woofer . On the other hand, the Chorus 706 features a 1" TNV2 AI/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polyglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz.
Frequency Response
SX-50 has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz whereas Chorus 706 has a frequency range of 55-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the SX-50 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Chorus 706's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
SX-50 and Chorus 706 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 90 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
SX-50 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SX-50 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Chorus 706.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
SX-50 features Binding post type posts and Chorus 706 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
SX-50 has a rear firing port whereas Chorus 706 has a front firing ports. Focal Chorus 706's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Cambridge SX-50 with its rear-firing port.
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 SX-50's and Focal Chorus 706's external dimensions. Cambridge SX-50 has external dimensions of 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm ( 8.8 x 6.3 x 9.4inch) whereas Focal Chorus 706 has external dimensions of 390.0 x 220.0 x 263.0mm ( 15.4 x 8.7 x 10.4inch) .
Focal Chorus 706 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 59mm wider, 165mm taller and 23mm deeper than Cambridge SX-50.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Cambridge SX-50 and Focal Chorus 706 in scale.
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 SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm2 / 59.9inch2 and base area of the Focal Chorus 706 is approximately 578.6cm2 / 89.7inch2. The SX-50 requires 33% less surface area than the Chorus 706 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Cambridge SX-50 weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs and the Focal Chorus 706 weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs. This makes the Chorus 706 173% heavier than the SX-50.
Here is a comparison of how SX-50 and Chorus 706's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-50?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SX-50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
What's in the Box of Focal Chorus 706?
Here are the items that come with the Chorus 706:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Cloth grilles (attached) User manual
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
225mm
vs
390mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
386cm2 (161x240mm)
vs
578cm2 (220x263mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
General |
Cambridge Audio SX-50 |
Focal Chorus 706 |
Brand |
Cambridge Audio |
Focal |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
10-100 watts |
25 - 120 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
50-22k Hz |
55-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Polyglass |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
inverted dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
3000Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
225.0mm (8.9") |
390.0mm (15.4") |
Width |
161.0mm (6.3") |
220.0mm (8.7") |
Depth |
240.0mm (9.4") |
263.0mm (10.4") |
Weight |
3.00kg (6.6lbs) |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Woodgrain vinyl |
Lacquer/Leatherette |
Available Colors |
Black |
Rosewood, Walnut, Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
28-31" |
24-26" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 |