Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

L/R Sensitivity:
91 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Center Sensitivity:
91 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Surround Sensitivity:
85 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the Mod2 L/R (purple trace), Super Eight subwoofer (blue trace), Mod2 center channel (green trace), and Mod1 surrounds (red trace). All passive loudspeakers were measured with grilles at a distance of 1 meter with a 2.83-volt input and scaled for display purposes.

The L/R Mod2’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +2.84/–2.04 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. The –3dB point is at 195 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 164 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.28 ohms at 617 Hz and a phase angle of –47.35 degrees at 241 Hz.

The center Mod2’s listening-window response measures +2.30/–1.98 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. An average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal responses measures +2.67/–2.54 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3dB point is at 193 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 163 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.31 ohms at 645 Hz and a phase angle of –47.44 degrees at 240 Hz.

The Mod1’s listening-window response measures +4.48/–2.13 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3dB point is at 191 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 160 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 7.44 ohms at 656 Hz and a phase angle of –50.94 degrees at 254 Hz.

The Super Eight’s close-miked response, normalized to the level at 80 Hz, indicates that the lower –3dB point is at 33 Hz and the –6dB point is at 31 Hz. The upper –3dB point is at 164 Hz with the crossover switch set to Disabled. —MJP