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 XB is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Imagine XC and PSB Imagine XB 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 XB Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Clay/Ceramic/Poly Woofer
- 55-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:5.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 302.0" x 6.75" x 10.75"( 302 x 170 x 271mm )
Imagine XC and Imagine XB 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 XB 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 XB |
| 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 PSB Imagine XB 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 XB are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Imagine XC |
PSB Imagine XB |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 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 XB features a 1" Titanium Dome with Ferrofluid Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 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 XB has a frequency range of 55-23k 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 Imagine XB'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 Imagine XB have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Imagine XC sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Imagine XB's is at 87 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the PSB Imagine XC a more sensitive speaker compared to PSB Imagine XB, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 and Imagine XB has the same power range of 20-150 watts.
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 Imagine XB 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 PSB Imagine XB'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 XB has external dimensions of 302 x 170 x 271mm ( 12inch x 6.75inch x 10.75inch ) .
PSB Imagine XB is 316mm narrower and 10mm less deeper than PSB Imagine XC but it is also 130mm 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 PSB Imagine XB is approximately 460.0cm2 / 71.3inch2. The Imagine XC requires 197% more surface area than the Imagine XB 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 XB?
Here are the items that come with the Imagine XB:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feetQuick Start GuideWarranty Card
Sensitivity 
Number of Woofers 
Height 
Price per pair* 
Base Surface Area