In this review, we will be comparing Imagine XC and Alpha C10, two Passive Center Channel speakers by PSB Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Imagine XC and PSB Alpha C10 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the PSB Imagine XC and PSB Alpha C10 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 PSB Imagine XC and PSB Alpha C10 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Imagine XC and Alpha C10 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Imagine XC |
PSB Alpha C10 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
3/4-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 Alpha C10 features a 3/4" anodized aluminum dome with front waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Imagine XC has a frequency range of 50-23k Hz whereas Alpha C10 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Imagine XC can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Alpha C10's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 Alpha C10 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 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Alpha C10 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Imagine XC.
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 Alpha C10 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
PSB Alpha C10's 5-Way 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 PSB Alpha C10'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 PSB Alpha C10 has external dimensions of 172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm ( 6-3/4 x 17-3/4 x 10inch) .
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 PSB Alpha C10 is approximately 1145.5cm2 / 177.6inch2. The Imagine XC requires 19% more surface area than the Alpha C10 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 PSB Alpha C10 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the Imagine XC 16% heavier than the Alpha C10.
Here is a comparison of how Imagine XC and Alpha C10'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 PSB Alpha C10?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha C10:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Start GuideWarranty Card
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
23k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1145cm2 (451x254mm)
vs
1365cm2 (486x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
549USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
PSB Imagine XC |
PSB Alpha C10 |
| Brand |
PSB |
PSB |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
15-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-23k Hz |
55-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
clay ceramic-filled polypropylene |
textured polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
3/4" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
dome with front waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
172.0mm (6.8") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
| Width |
486.0mm (19.1") |
451.0mm (17.8") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |