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PSB Imagine XB Review
PSB Imagine XB

Main Features

  • 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:12.30 lbs / 5.60 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 12"x6.75"x10.75" / 302 x 170 x 271mm
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PSB Imagine XB Review

PSB Imagine XB is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by PSB. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Clay/Ceramic/Poly Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 55-23k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. PSB Imagine XB has an MSRP of 649$ per pair.

What size of room is the PSB Imagine XB speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the PSB Imagine XB is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

What are the speakers in PSB's Imagine Series?

Imagine XB is a member of PSB's Imagine series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

PSB Imagine Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
PSB Imagine X2T
Compare
30-23k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 6.2"
PSB Imagine X1T
Compare
35-23k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
PSB Imagine XB
55-23k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
PSB Imagine XC
Compare
50-23k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
PSB Imagine Series Speakers
PSB Imagine Series Speakers


**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.

What is the Frequency Response of the PSB Imagine XB speaker?

PSB Imagine XB has a Frequency response range of 55-23k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-150 watts. At a minimum frequency of 55 Hz, Imagine XB will provide an average bass depth so depending on your use case, you may consider supplementing your system with a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with PSB Imagine XB, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $750. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Imagine XB'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
PSB Imagine XB
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
PSB Imagine XB
Min
Average
Max


What is the Crossover frequency of PSB Imagine XB?

The Crossover frequency of the Imagine XB is set to 1800Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the PSB Imagine XB? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

PSB Imagine XB's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 4 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
PSB Imagine XB
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so PSB Imagine XB is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, PSB Imagine XB is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D speakers.

Minimum Impedance of PSB Imagine XB

Even though the nominal impedance of the Imagine XB is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to PSB is 4 ohms PSB Imagine XB so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the PSB Imagine XB:

  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Imagine XB features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

PSB Imagine XB External Dimensions and Weight

PSB Imagine XB has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 12inch x 6.75inch x 10.75inch (302 x 170 x 271mm ).

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 PSB Imagine XB is approximately 460.0cm2 / 71.3inch2.

Weight

The PSB Imagine XB weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Imagine XB's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
PSB Imagine XB
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $750
PSB Imagine XB
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

PSB Imagine XB has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood-grain 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.

Port Position

PSB Imagine XB 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.

Available colors

PSB Imagine XB is available in Black.

Wall Mounting

Imagine XB doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the PSB Imagine XB come with a Grille?

Imagine XB comes with Magnetic 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.

PSB Imagine XB  with Grille
PSB Imagine XB with Grille

What's in the Box of PSB Imagine XB?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Imagine XB:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 8 Rubber feet
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty Card
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the PSB Imagine XB, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for PSB Imagine XB

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the PSB Imagine XB speaker:
    Official Brochure for PSB Imagine XB

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the PSB Imagine XB speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for PSB Imagine XB

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    PSB Imagine XB Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Klipsch R-51M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
    B&W 606
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    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
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    2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
    B&W 606 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    Klipsch RP-500M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-22k Hz
    Klipsch RP-400M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 52-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600M
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
    KEF Q150
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
    Polk ES20
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 41-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about PSB Imagine XB
    What is the External Dimensions of PSB Imagine XB
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of PSB Imagine XB
    is the PSB Imagine XB an easy to drive speaker?



    PSB Imagine XB Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPSB
    Full Model NamePSB Imagine XB
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range20-150 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response55-23k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionClay/Ceramic/Poly
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
    Crossover freq1800Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height302.0mm ( 12-inch)
    Width170.0mm ( 6.75-inch)
    Depth271.0mm ( 10.75-inch)
    Height302.0mm ( 12-inch)
    Weight5.60kg ( 12.30 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood-grain
    Available ColorsBlack
    Recommended Stand Height24-26
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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