In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Cambridge Audio. Cambridge Audio SX-70 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the SX-50 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Cambridge Audio SX-70 and Cambridge SX-50 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Cambridge Audio SX-70 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4" treated-paper Woofer
- 65-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-100watts
- Weight:4.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 139.0" x 14-1/4" x 9-3/4"( 139.0 x 362.0 x 248.0mm )
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 )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Cambridge Audio SX-70 and Cambridge SX-50 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-70 and SX-50 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Cambridge Audio SX-70 |
Cambridge SX-50 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
SX-70 features a 1" Silk dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" treated-paper Woofer . On the other hand, the SX-50 features a 1" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Treated paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
SX-70 has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz whereas SX-50 has a frequency range of 50-22k 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 SX-70's min frequency of 65Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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-70 and SX-50 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SX-70 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the SX-50's is at 90 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-50 a more sensitive speaker compared to Cambridge Audio SX-70, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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-70 and SX-50 has the same power range of 10-100 watts.
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-70 features 5-way post type posts and SX-50 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cambridge SX-50's 5-way post terminals
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 Audio SX-70's and Cambridge SX-50's external dimensions. Cambridge Audio SX-70 has external dimensions of 139.0 x 362.0 x 248.0mm ( 5-7/16 x 14-1/4 x 9-3/4inch) whereas Cambridge SX-50 has external dimensions of 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm ( 8.8 x 6.3 x 9.4inch) .
Cambridge SX-50 is 201mm narrower and 8mm less deeper than Cambridge Audio SX-70 but it is also 86mm taller.
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 SX-70 is approximately 897.8cm2 / 139.2inch2 and base area of the Cambridge SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm2 / 59.9inch2. The SX-70 requires 132% more surface area than the SX-50 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Cambridge Audio SX-70?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SX-70:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Self-adhesive rubber feetInstallation Guide
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-50?
Here are the items that come with the SX-50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide