In this review, we will be comparing GoldenEar Aon 2 and SX-60, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from GoldenEar and Cambridge Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar Aon 2 and Cambridge SX-60 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the GoldenEar Aon 2 and Cambridge SX-60 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 GoldenEar Aon 2 and Cambridge SX-60 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 GoldenEar Aon 2 and SX-60 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
GoldenEar Aon 2 |
Cambridge SX-60 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
GoldenEar Aon 2 features a " Folded Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the SX-60 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Treated paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
GoldenEar Aon 2 has a frequency range of 42-35k Hz whereas SX-60 has a frequency range of 41-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the SX-60 can go slightly deeper then the GoldenEar Aon 2's min frequency of 42Hz.
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
GoldenEar Aon 2 and SX-60 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 89 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.
GoldenEar Aon 2 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SX-60 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the GoldenEar Aon 2.
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
GoldenEar Aon 2 features Post type posts and SX-60 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
GoldenEar Aon 2 has a rear firing port whereas SX-60 has a front firing ports. Cambridge SX-60's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to GoldenEar Aon 2 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 GoldenEar Aon 2's and Cambridge SX-60's external dimensions. GoldenEar Aon 2 has external dimensions of 305.0 x 204.0 x 258.0mm ( 12 x 8 x 10-1/8inch) whereas Cambridge SX-60 has external dimensions of 342.0 x 202.0 x 277.0mm ( 13-7/16 x 7-15/16 x 10-7/8inch) .
GoldenEar Aon 2 is 37mm shorter and 19mm less deeper than Cambridge SX-60 but it is also 2mm 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 GoldenEar Aon 2 is approximately 526.3cm2 / 81.6inch2 and base area of the Cambridge SX-60 is approximately 559.5cm2 / 86.7inch2. The GoldenEar Aon 2 requires 6% less surface area than the SX-60 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 GoldenEar Aon 2 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs and the Cambridge SX-60 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the GoldenEar Aon 2 9% heavier than the SX-60.
Here is a comparison of how GoldenEar Aon 2 and SX-60's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of GoldenEar Aon 2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of GoldenEar Aon 2:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Key-hole hanger
2 Screws
Owner's Manual
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-60?
Here are the items that come with the SX-60:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Passive Radiator |
two 6-1/2
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
305mm
vs
342mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
526cm2 (204x258mm)
vs
559cm2 (202x277mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
42 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
898USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
GoldenEar Aon 2 |
Cambridge Audio SX-60 |
Brand |
GoldenEar |
Cambridge Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
10-200 watts |
20-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
42-35k Hz |
41-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Treated paper |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Folded Ribbon |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
305.0mm (12") |
342.0mm (13.5") |
Width |
204.0mm (8") |
202.0mm (8") |
Depth |
258.0mm (10.2") |
277.0mm (10.9") |
Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
24-26" |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |