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.
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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
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
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.
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:
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 speakers2 AC power cordsDigital sync cableWalkman cableUSB-C to USB-B cableRemote control2 AAA batteriesInstruction 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 monitor6.5-feet Speaker wire5-feet Stereo mini to RCA cableQuick Start Guide