Cambridge SX-50 vs KEF Q350 Comparison

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Cambridge SX-50

Passive Bookshelf | 50-22k Hz

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KEF Q350

Passive Bookshelf | 63-28k Hz

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Cambridge SX-50

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KEF Q350

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Cambridge SX-50

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KEF Q350

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Cambridge SX-50 vs KEF Q350 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing SX-50 and Q350, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio and KEF.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Cambridge SX-50 and KEF Q350 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Cambridge SX-50 Key Specs

2-way Design

1" Dome Tweeter

5.25" Treated paper Woofer

50-22k Hz Frequency Response

90 dB Sensitivity

Impedance: 8ohms

Power Range:10-100watts

Weight:3.00kg

Dimensions (H x W x D): 225.0" x 6.3" x 9.4"( 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm )

KEF Q350 Key Specs

2-way Design

11th Generation Uni-Q Driver

1" Dome Tweeter

6.5" Aluminum Woofer

63-28k Hz Frequency Response

87 dB Sensitivity

Impedance: 8ohms

Power Range:10-120watts

Weight:7.60kg

Dimensions (H x W x D): 358.0" x 8.2" x 12.0"( 358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0mm )

What size room are the Cambridge SX-50 and KEF Q350 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:

Listening Environment*	Cambridge SX-50	KEF Q350
Near-field	Average	Poor
Small Room	Good	Average
Mid-size Room	Average	Good
Large Room	Poor	Average
Very Large Room	Bad	Poor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m², Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m², Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m², Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m². Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Cambridge SX-50 and KEF Q350 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.

**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Drivers

Both SX-50 and Q350 are 2-way speakers.

Driver	Cambridge SX-50	KEF Q350
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 Q350 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.

Frequency Response

SX-50 has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz whereas Q350 has a frequency range of 63-28k 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 Q350's min frequency of 63Hz.

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

SX-50

Q350

Min

Average

Max

High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Cambridge SX-50

KEF Q350

Min

Average

Max

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 Q350 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SX-50 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Q350's is at 87 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-50 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q350, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

SX-50

Q350

Min

Average

Max

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 Q350.

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 Post type posts and Q350 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Cambridge SX-50's 5-way post terminals

KEF Q350's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both SX-50 and Q350 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.

If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.

Cambridge SX-50 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 KEF Q350'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 KEF Q350 has external dimensions of 358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0mm ( 14.0 x 8.2 x 12.0inch) .

KEF Q350 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 49mm wider, 133mm taller and 66mm deeper than Cambridge SX-50.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Cambridge SX-50 and KEF Q350 in scale.

Comparison image of Cambridge SX-50 and KEF Q350 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 SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm² / 59.9inch² and base area of the KEF Q350 is approximately 642.6cm² / 99.6inch². The SX-50 requires 40% less surface area than the Q350 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:

Size Comparison image of Cambridge SX-50 and KEF Q350 on a Media Console

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 KEF Q350 weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs. This makes the Q350 153% heavier than the SX-50.

Here is a comparison of how SX-50 and Q350's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers

Cambridge SX-50

KEF Q350

Min

Average

Max

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 KEF Q350?

Here are the items that come with the Q350:

2 Bookshelf loudspeakers

2 Foam port plugs

8 Self-adhesive rubber feet

Owner's Manual

Warranty Registration Card

Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio SX-50 over KEF Q350

Sensitivity	90 dB vs 87 dB	Play louder with same amount of amplification power
Low Frequency Response	50 Hz vs 63 Hz	Generates deeper bass
Height	225mm vs 358mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Base Surface Area	386cm² vs 642cm²	Takes less floor space
Price per pair*	199USD vs 750USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Reasons to choose KEF Q350 over Cambridge Audio SX-50

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

Cambridge SX-50 vs KEF Q350 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Cambridge Audio SX-50	KEF Q350
Brand	Cambridge Audio	KEF
Speaker Type	Bookshelf speakers	Bookshelf speakers
Power Range	10-100 watts	10-120 watts
Sensitivity	90 dB	87 dB
Impedance	8 ohms	8 ohms
Impedance	n/a	3.7 ohms
Frequency Response	50-22k Hz	63-28k Hz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity	1	1
Woofer Size	5.25"	6.5"
Woofer Composition	Treated paper	Aluminum
Woofer Surround Material	Rubber	Rubber
Tweeter Size	1"	1"
Tweeter Type	Dome	Dome
Aimable Tweeter	No	No
Midrange Driver	No	No
Crossover Frequency	n/a	2500Hz
Firing Direction	rear	rear
Physical Specs
Height	225.0mm (8.9")	358.0mm (14.1")
Width	161.0mm (6.3")	210.0mm (8.3")
Depth	240.0mm (9.4")	306.0mm (12")
Weight	3.00kg (6.6lbs)	7.60kg (16.7lbs)
Enclosure	Bass Reflex	Bass Reflex
Finish	MDF/Woodgrain vinyl	MDF/Vinyl-wrapped
Available Colors	Black	Black, Walnut, White
Mounting Bracket	No	No
Recommended Stand Height	28-31"	18-24"
Grille	Yes	Yes
Moisture Resistancy	No	No
Connections
Biamp Inputs	No	No
Other
Parts Warranty	5 Years	5 Years
Labor Warranty	5 Years	5 Years