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 X2T is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Imagine XC and PSB Imagine X2T 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 X2T Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 2 x 6.2" Clay/Ceramic/Poly Woofer
- 5.25" Midrange
- 30-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:23.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1020.0" x 9" x 16-3/4"( 1020.0 x 229.0 x 426.0mm )
Imagine XC and Imagine X2T 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 X2T 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 X2T |
| 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 X2T 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Imagine XC is a 2-way design whereas the Imagine X2T is a 3-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 |
PSB Imagine X2T |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.2-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 X2T features a 1" titanium with neodymium magnets Dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 6.2" Clay/Ceramic/Poly Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 500Hz and 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Imagine XC has a frequency range of 50-23k Hz whereas Imagine X2T has a frequency range of 30-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the Imagine X2T 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 X2T 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 X2T.
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 X2T 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 X2T'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 X2T'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 X2T has external dimensions of 1020.0 x 229.0 x 426.0mm ( 40-1/8 x 9 x 16-3/4inch) .
PSB Imagine XC is 848mm shorter and 145mm less deeper than PSB Imagine X2T but it is also 257mm 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 X2T is approximately 975.5cm2 / 151.2inch2. The Imagine XC requires 40% more surface area than the Imagine X2T 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 X2T?
Here are the items that come with the Imagine X2T:
Floor-standing speakerGrille4 Rubber feet4 Spiked FeetWrenchQuick Start GuideWarranty Card