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  1. Home
  2. PSB Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. PSB Imagine XC
PSB Imagine XC Review
PSB Imagine XC - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" clay ceramic-filled polypropylene Woofer
  • 50-23k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-150 watts
  • Weight: 19.80 lbs / 9.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6-3/4"x19-1/8"x11-1/16" / 172.0 x 486.0 x 281.0mm
MSRP: $549 (list price)
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PSB Imagine XC Review
PSB Imagine XC PSB Imagine XC
Check price atAmazon›

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

PSB Imagine XC is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by PSB. It was released in 2013. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" clay ceramic-filled polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 50-23k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. PSB Imagine XC has an MSRP of 549$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the PSB Imagine XC 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 XC 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
Compare
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
50-23k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
PSB Imagine Series Speakers
PSB Imagine Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the PSB Imagine XC Speaker

PSB Imagine XC has a Frequency response range of 50-23k Hz and Power Range of 20-150 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how Imagine XC's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
PSB Imagine XC
Min
Average
Median

Impedance and Sensitivity

PSB Imagine XC's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
PSB Imagine XC
Min
Average
Median

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

Sensitivity

90dB of the PSB Imagine XC is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the PSB Imagine XC plays in your room →

What amplifier does the PSB Imagine XC need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 7.5–120 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 XC features 5-Way post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

PSB Imagine XC External Dimensions and Weight

PSB Imagine XC has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6-3/4 x 19-1/8 x 11-1/16inch (172.0 x 486.0 x 281.0mm ).

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 PSB Imagine XC is approximately 1365.7cm2 / 211.7inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The PSB Imagine XC weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Imagine XC's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
PSB Imagine XC
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $750
PSB Imagine XC
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

PSB Imagine XC has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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.

Available colors

PSB Imagine XC is available in Black.

Does the PSB Imagine XC come with a Grille?

Imagine XC 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.

PSB Imagine XC  with Grille
PSB Imagine XC with Grille

What's in the Box of PSB Imagine XC?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Imagine XC:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 4 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 XC.

  • 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.

User's Manual

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

Official Brochure

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

Official Product Page

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

Warranty

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

PSB Imagine XC Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
PSB Alpha C10
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 55-21k Hz
PSB Imagine XB
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 55-23k Hz
PSB Imagine X2T
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 30-23k Hz
PSB Imagine X1T
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 35-23k Hz
DALI Oberon Vokal
Compare
2-way 89.5 dB 4 ohms 47-26k Hz
Polk R400
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 48-39K Hz
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk ES35
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about PSB Imagine XC

What amplifier do you need for the PSB Imagine XC?

PSB rates the PSB Imagine XC 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 XC easy to drive?

The PSB Imagine XC has a sensitivity of 90 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the PSB Imagine XC need a subwoofer?

The PSB Imagine XC reaches down to 50Hz (full range 50-23k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the PSB Imagine XC use?

The PSB Imagine XC is a 2-way design using a 1" dome tweeter and 2 x 5.25" clay ceramic-filled polypropylene woofers.

Is the PSB Imagine XC sealed or ported?

The PSB Imagine XC 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 XC be wall mounted?

The PSB Imagine XC does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the PSB Imagine XC come with grilles?

Yes. The PSB Imagine XC comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the PSB Imagine XC?

The PSB Imagine XC weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs each and measures 6-3/4 x 19-1/8 x 11-1/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the PSB Imagine XC cost?

The PSB Imagine XC has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $549 per pair.


PSB Imagine XC Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPSB
Full Model NamePSB Imagine XC
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Range20-150 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response50-23k Hz
Release Date2013
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Compositionclay ceramic-filled polypropylene
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typedome

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height172.0mm ( 6-3/4-inch)
Width486.0mm ( 19-1/8-inch)
Depth281.0mm ( 11-1/16-inch)
Height172.0mm ( 6-3/4-inch)
Weight9 kg (19.8 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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