Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Satellite Sensitivity: 85.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Center Sensitivity: 89 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the X12 satellites (purple trace), SUB300 subwoofer (blue trace), and X22 center channel (green 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 X12’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +0.96/–5.64 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. The –3-dB point is at 59 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 48 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 5.77 ohms at 205 Hz and a phase angle of –35.02 degrees at 111 Hz.

The X22’s listening-window response measures +1.22/–3.38 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. An average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal responses measures +1.35/–3.21 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3dB point is at 83 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 55 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.49 ohms at 326 Hz and a phase angle of –48.68 degrees at 139 Hz.

The SUB300’s close-miked response, normalized to the level at 80 Hz, indicates that the lower –3-dB point is at 29 Hz and the –6-dB point is at 27 Hz. The upper –3-dB point is at 172 Hz with the Lowpass control set to Flat and Extended Bass mode engaged.—MJP