Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Satellite Sensitivity: 81.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the Soundware XS satellite (purple trace) and SoundWare XS subwoofer (blue trace). The passive loudspeaker was measured with its grille at a distance of 1 meter with a 2.83-volt input.

The satellite’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +7.97/–3.73 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. An average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal responses measures +8.34/–3.49 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3-dB point is at 182 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 170 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 5.38 ohms at 544 Hz and a phase angle of –53.65 degrees at 288 Hz.

The subwoofer’s close-miked response, normalized to the level at 80 Hz, indicates that the lower –3-dB point is at 53 Hz and the –6-dB point is at 46 Hz. The upper –3-dB point is at 166 Hz with the Crossover control set to maximum.—MJP