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Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Mackie CR4-XBT Comparison

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Sony Signature Series SA-Z1

Powered Bookshelf | 51-100k Hz

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
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Mackie CR4-XBT

Powered Bookshelf | 65-20k Hz

Mackie CR4-XBT
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Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 Sony Signature Serie...
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Mackie CR4-XBT Mackie CR4-XBT
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Sony Signature Serie...
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Mackie CR4-XBT
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Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Mackie CR4-XBT Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Mackie CR4-XBT, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Sony and Mackie. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Mackie CR4-XBT first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 212-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
  • 0.75, 0.5 (2)" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 4" Woofer
  • 51-100k Hz Frequency Response
  • 32-bit Max Depth / 768 Hz Max Sample Rate
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 209.5" x 7.875" x 12.875"( 209.5 x 200.0 x 327.0mm )

Mackie CR4-XBT Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 25-watt RMS( 50-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
  • 0.75" Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 65-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • N/A Max Depth / N/A Max Sample Rate
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 222.3" x 6.125" x 8.5"( 222.3 x 155.6 x 215.9mm )

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Mackie CR4-XBT 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

Both Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Mackie CR4-XBT are 2-way speakers.

Driver Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 Mackie CR4-XBT
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 0.75, 0.5 (2)-inch 0.75-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 4-inch 1 x 4-inch

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 features a 0.75, 0.5 (2)" Titanium Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Woofer . On the other hand, the Mackie CR4-XBT features a 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer .

Frequency Response

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 has a frequency range of 51-100k Hz whereas Mackie CR4-XBT has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Mackie CR4-XBT's min frequency of 65Hz.

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 Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
Mackie CR4-XBT
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
Mackie CR4-XBT
Min
Average
Max

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.

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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1's and Mackie CR4-XBT's external dimensions. Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 has external dimensions of 209.5 x 200.0 x 327.0mm ( 8.25 x 7.875 x 12.875inch) whereas Mackie CR4-XBT has external dimensions of 222.3 x 155.6 x 215.9mm ( 8.75 x 6.125 x 8.5inch) .

Mackie CR4-XBT is 44.4mm narrower and 111.1mm less deeper than Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 but it is also 12.8mm taller.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Mackie CR4-XBT in scale.

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Mackie CR4-XBT Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Mackie CR4-XBT Size and External Dimensions

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 Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 is approximately 654.0cm2 / 101.4inch2 and base area of the Mackie CR4-XBT is approximately 335.9cm2 / 52.1inch2. The Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 requires 95% more surface area than the Mackie CR4-XBT which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Mackie CR4-XBT Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Mackie CR4-XBT on a Media Console

What's in the Box of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1:
  • 2 Desktop monitor speakers
  • 2 AC power cords
  • Digital sync cable
  • Walkman cable
  • USB-C to USB-B cable
  • Remote control
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Instruction Manual
  • What's in the Box of Mackie CR4-XBT?

    Here are the items that come with the Mackie CR4-XBT:
  • Powered monitor w/ attached 5.5-feet power cord (C7 unpolarized)
  • Passive monitor
  • 6.5-feet Speaker wire
  • 5-feet Stereo mini to RCA cable
  • Quick Start Guide

  • Reasons to choose Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 over Mackie CR4-XBT
    Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
    Low Frequency Response 51 Hz vs 65 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 100k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Handheld Remote Yes vs No Control the speaker by the included RC
    Height 209mm vs 222mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    USB Port USB-B vs No USB port adds flexibility
    3.5mm Connection Yes vs No Connection via 3.5mm AUX input
    RCA Connection Yes vs No Connection via RCA input
    XLR Connection Yes vs No Connection via XLR input
    Digital Input Optical, Walkman vs No Connect digital inputs directly

    Reasons to choose Mackie CR4-XBT over Sony Signature Series SA-Z1

    Base Surface Area 335cm2 vs 654cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 170USD vs 8000USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Headphone Output 3.5mm vs No Connect your headphone
    Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Mackie CR4-XBT Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 Mackie CR4-XBT
    Brand Sony Mackie
    Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Powered Stereo Speakers
    Frequency Response 51-100k Hz 65-20k Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 212-watt RMS 25-watt RMS
    Watts Peak (Max) n/a 50-watt RMS
    Max Bit Depth 32-bit N/A
    Max Sample Rate 768 Hz N/A
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 1
    Woofer Size 4" 4"
    Woofer Composition Polypropylene
    Tweeter Size 0.75, 0.5 (2)" 0.75"
    Tweeter Type Hard-Dome Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Firing Direction n/a rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 209.5mm (8.2") 222.3mm (8.8")
    Width 200.0mm (7.9") 155.6mm (6.1")
    Depth 327.0mm (12.9") 215.9mm (8.5")
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Aux Inputs 3.5mm, RCA, XLR RCA
    USB Port USB-B No
    Phone Input No No
    Subwoofer Output No No
    Digital Input Optical, Walkman No
    HDMI Input No No
    Headphone Jack No 3.5mm
    Ethernet Port No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 2 Years 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 2 Years 1 Year

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