Cambridge Audio SX-50 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Cambridge Audio. It features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Treated paper Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. Cambridge SX-50 has an MSRP of 199$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Cambridge SX-50 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Average |
| Small Room | Good |
| Mid-size Room | Average |
| Large Room | Poor |
| Very Large Room | Bad |
(* 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.)
Cambridge Audio's SX Series of Loudspeakers
SX-50 is a member of Cambridge Audio's SX series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
Cambridge Audio SX Series Speakers
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Frequency Response of the Cambridge SX-50 Speaker
Cambridge SX-50 has a Frequency response range of 50-22k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 10-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 50 Hz, SX-50 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Cambridge SX-50, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $300. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how SX-50's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Cambridge SX-50's Silk Dome Tweeter
Impedance and Sensitivity
Cambridge SX-50's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms and has a sensitivity of
90 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Cambridge Audio SX-50 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
90dB of the Cambridge Audio SX-50 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Cambridge SX-50:
Input Type
SX-50 features 5-way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Cambridge SX-50 Back View
Cambridge SX-50's 5-way post terminals
Cambridge SX-50 External Dimensions and Weight
Cambridge SX-50 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 8.8 x 6.3 x 9.4inch (225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of Cambridge SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm2 / 59.9inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of Cambridge SX-50, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Cambridge SX-50 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the Cambridge SX-50 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.
Cambridge SX-50 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
WeightThe Cambridge SX-50 weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how SX-50's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
How does the Cambridge SX-50 compare to the Cambridge Audio SX-60?
One of the natural alternative to the Cambridge SX-50 is the SX-60 which is located one step higher in Cambridge Audio's Passive Bookshelf selection.
Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:
Comparison image of Cambridge SX-50 and Cambridge SX-60 Size and External Dimensions
Check the Detailed Comparison of Cambridge SX-50 vs SX-60 for more details.
Cabinet type and Materials
Cambridge SX-50 has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Woodgrain vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Speaker Feet
Cambridge SX-50 comes with
8 Self-adhesive feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on. It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.
Port Position
Cambridge SX-50 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe. SX-50 comes with
2 Foam port plugs so if you don't have any choice but place the speakers too close to the walls or other surfaces, you can use these plugs in order to avoid boomy or too much bass.
Cambridge SX-50 Port
Available colors
Cambridge SX-50 is available in Black.
Wall Mounting
SX-50 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the Cambridge SX-50 come with a Grille?
SX-50 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.
Cambridge SX-50 with Grille
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-50?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SX-50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Cambridge Audio SX-50.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
- Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Cambridge Audio SX-50, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Cambridge SX-50
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Cambridge Audio SX-50 speaker:
Official Brochure for Cambridge SX-50
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Cambridge Audio SX-50 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Cambridge SX-50
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.