In this review, we will be comparing Imagine XC and SuperCenter X, two Center Channel speakers from PSB and GoldenEar.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Imagine XC and GoldenEar SuperCenter X 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 )
GoldenEar SuperCenter X Key Specs
- " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Woofer
- 45-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:6.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 150.0" x 20-1/16" x 11-1/8"( 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the PSB Imagine XC and GoldenEar SuperCenter X 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Imagine XC is a 2-way design whereas the SuperCenter X is a -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 |
PSB Imagine XC |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
-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 SuperCenter X features a " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Woofer .
Frequency Response
Imagine XC has a frequency range of 50-23k Hz whereas SuperCenter X has a frequency range of 45-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the SuperCenter X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 and SuperCenter X have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 90 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.
Imagine XC can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Imagine XC has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the SuperCenter X.
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 5-Way post type posts and SuperCenter X has a 5-Way 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 PSB Imagine XC's and GoldenEar SuperCenter X'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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X has external dimensions of 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm ( 5-7/8 x 20-1/16 x 11-1/8inch) .
PSB Imagine XC is 24mm narrower and 2mm less deeper than GoldenEar SuperCenter X but it is also 22mm 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 PSB Imagine XC is approximately 1365.7cm2 / 211.7inch2 and base area of the GoldenEar SuperCenter X is approximately 1443.3cm2 / 223.7inch2. The Imagine XC requires 5% less surface area than the SuperCenter X 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 PSB Imagine XC weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs and the GoldenEar SuperCenter X weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs. This makes the Imagine XC 32% heavier than the SuperCenter X.
Here is a comparison of how Imagine XC and SuperCenter X'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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X?
Here are the items that come with the SuperCenter X:
Center-channel loudspeaker3 Leveling feet3 Threaded-insertsOwners Manual
 Driver Setup |
2-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Base Surface Area |
1365cm2
vs
1443cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
749USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
7-inch x 10-inch quadratic planar bass
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
150mm
vs
172mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
PSB Imagine XC |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
| Brand |
PSB |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-23k Hz |
45-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
clay ceramic-filled polypropylene |
|
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
- |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
172.0mm (6.8") |
150.0mm (5.9") |
| Width |
486.0mm (19.1") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
283.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |