In this review, we will be comparing Imagine XC and Oberon Vokal, two Passive Center Channel speakers from PSB and DALI.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Imagine XC and DALI Oberon Vokal first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
PSB Imagine XC Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" clay ceramic-filled polypropylene Woofer
- 50-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:9.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 172.0" x 19-1/8" x 11-1/16"( 172.0 x 486.0 x 281.0mm )
DALI Oberon Vokal Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1-1/8" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Wood Fiber Woofer
- 47-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 89.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:25-150watts
- Weight:7.45kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 162.0" x 17-7/16" x 11-9/16"( 162.0 x 443.0 x 294.0mm )
What size room are the PSB Imagine XC and DALI Oberon Vokal 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* |
PSB Imagine XC |
DALI Oberon Vokal |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 PSB Imagine XC and DALI Oberon Vokal 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 Imagine XC and Oberon Vokal are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Imagine XC |
DALI Oberon Vokal |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-1/8-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Imagine XC features a 1" titanium with neodymium magnet dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" clay ceramic-filled polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Oberon Vokal features a 1-1/8" ultra-light soft textile Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2600Hz.
Frequency Response
Imagine XC has a frequency range of 50-23k Hz whereas Oberon Vokal has a frequency range of 47-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the Oberon Vokal can go slightly deeper then the Imagine XC's min frequency of 50Hz.
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
Imagine XC is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Oberon Vokal which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Oberon Vokal can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Imagine XC sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Oberon Vokal's is rated at 89.5 dB.
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.
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
Imagine XC features Binding post type posts and Oberon Vokal has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
DALI Oberon Vokal's Binding post terminals
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 PSB Imagine XC's and DALI Oberon Vokal's external dimensions. PSB Imagine XC has external dimensions of 172.0 x 486.0 x 281.0mm ( 6-3/4 x 19-1/8 x 11-1/16inch) whereas DALI Oberon Vokal has external dimensions of 162.0 x 443.0 x 294.0mm ( 6-3/8 x 17-7/16 x 11-9/16inch) .
DALI Oberon Vokal is 43mm narrower and 10mm shorter than PSB Imagine XC but it is also 13mm deeper.
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 PSB Imagine XC is approximately 1365.7cm2 / 211.7inch2 and base area of the DALI Oberon Vokal is approximately 1302.4cm2 / 201.9inch2. The Imagine XC requires 5% more surface area than the Oberon Vokal which gives it a small disadvantage 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 PSB Imagine XC weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs and the DALI Oberon Vokal weighs 7.45kg / 16.4lbs. This makes the Imagine XC 21% heavier than the Oberon Vokal.
Here is a comparison of how Imagine XC and Oberon Vokal's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of PSB Imagine XC?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Imagine XC:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Rubber feetQuick Start GuideWarranty Card
What's in the Box of DALI Oberon Vokal?
Here are the items that come with the Oberon Vokal:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille 8 Rubber feet Manual
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
162mm
vs
172mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1302cm2
vs
1365cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
PSB Imagine XC |
DALI Oberon Vokal |
| Brand |
PSB |
DALI |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
25-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-23k Hz |
47-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
clay ceramic-filled polypropylene |
Wood Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1-1/8" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2600Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
172.0mm (6.8") |
162.0mm (6.4") |
| Width |
486.0mm (19.1") |
443.0mm (17.4") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
| Weight |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
7.45kg (16.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black Ash, Light Oak, Dark Walnut, White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |