In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Cambridge Audio SX-70 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Aria 926 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Cambridge Audio SX-70 and Focal Aria 926 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Cambridge Audio SX-70 and Focal Aria 926 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that SX-70 is a 2-way design whereas the Aria 926 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Cambridge Audio SX-70 |
Focal Aria 926 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
SX-70 features a 1" Silk dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" treated-paper Woofer . On the other hand, the Aria 926 features a 1" TNF Al/Mg inverted dome Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Flax Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 290Hz and 2,400Hz.
Frequency Response
SX-70 has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz whereas Aria 926 has a frequency range of 45-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Aria 926 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 Aria 926 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 Aria 926's is at 91.5 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Focal Aria 926 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 can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SX-70 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 150 watts less than the Aria 926.
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 Binding post type posts and Aria 926 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Focal Aria 926'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 Focal Aria 926 has external dimensions of 1039.0 x 294.0 x 374.0mm ( 40-7/8 x 11-9/16 x 14-11/16inch) .
Cambridge Audio SX-70 is 900mm shorter and 126mm less deeper than Focal Aria 926 but it is also 68mm wider.
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 Focal Aria 926 is approximately 1099.6cm2 / 170.4inch2. The SX-70 requires 18% less surface area than the Aria 926 which gives it a small advantage 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 Focal Aria 926?
Here are the items that come with the Aria 926:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrilleBase4 Spike feet (pre-installed in base)4 Plastic feet4 ScrewsAllen-keyHex-toolUser Manual