In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by PSB. PSB Imagine XC is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Imagine X1T is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Imagine XC and PSB Imagine X1T 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 )
PSB Imagine X1T Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Clay/Ceramic/Poly Woofer
- 35-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:17.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 877.0" x 8-1/4" x 14-7/8"( 877.0 x 210.0 x 378.0mm )
Imagine XC and Imagine X1T are members of PSB's Imagine series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
PSB Imagine Series History
What size room are the PSB Imagine XC and PSB Imagine X1T 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 |
PSB Imagine X1T |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Good |
| 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 PSB Imagine X1T 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 Imagine XC and Imagine X1T are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Imagine XC |
PSB Imagine X1T |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-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 Imagine X1T features a 1" titanium with neodymium magnets Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Clay/Ceramic/Poly Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz.
Frequency Response
Imagine XC has a frequency range of 50-23k Hz whereas Imagine X1T has a frequency range of 35-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Imagine X1T 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 Imagine X1T 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 Imagine X1T.
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 X1T features 5-Way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Imagine XC has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
PSB Imagine X1T's 5-Way post terminals allows Bi-amping or 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 PSB Imagine X1T'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 Imagine X1T has external dimensions of 877.0 x 210.0 x 378.0mm ( 34-1/2 x 8-1/4 x 14-7/8inch) .
PSB Imagine XC is 705mm shorter and 97mm less deeper than PSB Imagine X1T but it is also 276mm 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 PSB Imagine XC is approximately 1365.7cm2 / 211.7inch2 and base area of the PSB Imagine X1T is approximately 793.8cm2 / 123.0inch2. The Imagine XC requires 72% more surface area than the Imagine X1T which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Imagine X1T?
Here are the items that come with the Imagine X1T:
Floor-standing speakerGrille4 Rubber feet4 Spiked FeetWrenchQuick Start GuideWarranty Card
Height 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
Low Frequency Response 
Base Surface Area