Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

L/C/R Sensitivity: 89 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Surround Sensitivity: 84 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the LCR950 L/R (purple trace), SUR95T surround (red trace), and MX250 subwoofer (blue 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 LCR950’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +5.01/

–3.06 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. An average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal responses measures +5.08/–3.25 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3-dB point is at 80 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 68 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.24 ohms at 186 Hz and a phase angle of –42.58 degrees at 111 Hz.

The SUR95T’s three-face averaged response measures +2.37/–2.55 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3-dB point is at 81 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 66 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.96 ohms at 4.5 kHz and a phase angle of –35.71 degrees at 108 Hz.

The MX250’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 43 Hz. The upper –3-dB point is at 148 Hz with the Low Pass Filter control set to maximum.—MJP

* The limited bass extension observed in our standard measurements of the MX250 subwoofer precludes this system’s selection as a Top Pick.—SCB