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  1. Home
  2. PSB Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. PSB Imagine XB
PSB Imagine XB Review
PSB Imagine XB - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Clay/Ceramic/Poly Woofer
  • 55-23k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-150 watts
  • Weight: 12.30 lbs / 5.60 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 12"x6.75"x10.75" / 302 x 170 x 271mm
MSRP: $649 (list price)
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PSB Imagine XB Review
PSB Imagine XB PSB Imagine XB
Check price atAmazon›

Made by PSB · Canada · since 1972 · sold through dealers

PSB Imagine XB is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by PSB. It was released in 2013. 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.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the PSB Imagine XB 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-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.)

PSB's Imagine Series of Loudspeakers

Imagine XB is a member of PSB's Imagine series of Passive speakers. The Imagine range is PSB's mid-tier line, using the brand's transitional-cabinet and diffraction-reducing design. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 4 PSB Imagine models compared »

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

Frequency Response of the PSB Imagine XB Speaker

PSB Imagine XB has a Frequency response range of 55-23k Hz and Power Range of 20-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 55 Hz, Imagine XB delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how Imagine XB's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
PSB Imagine XB
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the PSB Imagine XB?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 55 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $750 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the 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.

PSB Imagine XB driver frequency bands55-1.8kWoofer 5.25"1.8k-23kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

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
Median

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 amps. Work out how loud the PSB Imagine XB plays in your room →

Minimum Impedance of the 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.

What amplifier does the PSB Imagine XB need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 15–150 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $750, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

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

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

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.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

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
Median
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

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the PSB Imagine XB.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find 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 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
PSB P5
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-21k Hz
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
PSB Imagine XC
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 50-23k Hz
PSB Imagine X1T
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 35-23k Hz
PSB Imagine X2T
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 30-23k Hz
Polk ES20
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 41-40k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
B&W 606 S2
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about PSB Imagine XB

What amplifier do you need for the PSB Imagine XB?

PSB rates the PSB Imagine XB for 20-150 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the PSB Imagine XB easy to drive?

The PSB Imagine XB has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the PSB Imagine XB need a subwoofer?

The PSB Imagine XB reaches down to 55Hz (full range 55-23k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the PSB Imagine XB use?

The PSB Imagine XB is a 2-way design using a 1" Hard-Dome tweeter and a 5.25" Clay/Ceramic/Poly woofer.

Is the PSB Imagine XB sealed or ported?

The PSB Imagine XB uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the PSB Imagine XB be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The PSB Imagine XB has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses 5-Way post terminals.

Does the PSB Imagine XB come with grilles?

Yes. The PSB Imagine XB comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the PSB Imagine XB?

The PSB Imagine XB weighs 5.60kg / 12.3lbs each and measures 12inch x 6.75inch x 10.75inch (HxWxD).

How much does the PSB Imagine XB cost?

The PSB Imagine XB has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $649 per pair.


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
Release Date2013
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)
Weight5.6 kg (12.3 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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