The Cambridge Audio SX-80 Floorstanding Speakers are designed to provide high-quality audio reproduction for home listening environments. These floorstanding loudspeakers are part of the Cambridge Audio range, known for its exacting standards in audio engineering. The manual emphasizes that the performance of the loudspeakers is highly dependent on the connected system, recommending Cambridge Audio amplification and high-quality speaker cabling to realize their full potential.
Function Description:
The SX-80 Floorstanding Speakers are passive loudspeakers designed to be connected to an external amplifier. Their primary function is to convert electrical audio signals into sound waves, delivering a full-range audio experience. The speakers are engineered to handle a wide frequency response, making them suitable for various music genres and home theater applications. They feature a multi-driver design to accurately reproduce different frequency components of the audio signal, ensuring clarity and detail across the sound spectrum.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Sensitivity (SPL): 87dB. This indicates the sound pressure level produced by the speaker at one meter when supplied with one watt of power. A higher sensitivity means the speaker can produce a louder sound with less power from the amplifier.
- Frequency Response: 40Hz - 20kHz. This range covers most audible frequencies, from deep bass to crisp highs, ensuring a comprehensive sound reproduction.
- Impedance: 8 Ohms. This is a crucial specification for matching the speakers with an appropriate amplifier. An 8-ohm impedance is a common standard, making these speakers compatible with a wide range of amplifiers. The manual highlights the importance of matching impedance to prevent overheating and potential damage to both the amplifier and speakers.
- Drivers:
- 2 x 6.5" (165mm) woofers: These larger drivers are responsible for reproducing low and mid-range frequencies, providing rich bass and clear vocals.
- 1 x 1" (25mm) silk dome tweeter: This smaller driver handles high frequencies, delivering detailed and smooth treble.
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 10 - 100 Watts. This range suggests the optimal power output from an amplifier to drive the SX-80 speakers effectively without causing damage.
- Porting: 1 Rear. The rear bass port helps to enhance low-frequency output, contributing to a deeper and more impactful bass response.
- Speaker Dimensions (H x W x D): 950 x 200 x 276mm. These dimensions indicate the physical size of the floorstanding speakers.
- Weight: 13.1kg (28.8lbs). This weight suggests a sturdy construction, which can contribute to better sound quality by minimizing unwanted vibrations.
Usage Features:
- Multi-Driver Design: The combination of two woofers and one tweeter allows for a crossover network to split the audio signal into different frequency components, directing them to the appropriate drivers. This ensures accurate and detailed sound reproduction across the frequency spectrum.
- Bass Port: The rear-mounted bass port enhances the low-frequency output, providing a fuller and more resonant bass.
- Speaker Connection Terminals: The speakers are equipped with +/- speaker connection terminals on the rear panel for connecting to an amplifier using high-quality speaker cable. The manual stresses the importance of matching the polarity of each connection for optimal sound.
- Positioning Flexibility: The manual suggests positioning the speakers so that the distance between them and the listening position is equal. However, it also encourages experimentation to find the best solution for a specific room's acoustics and layout.
- Included Accessories for Installation: The package includes plastic feet, steel spikes, steel washers for spikes, and nuts for spikes, allowing for stable placement on various floor surfaces.
- Foam Bass Tuning Bungs: These bungs are provided for situations where the speakers are placed close to a wall. Inserting them into the rear bass port can reduce the low-frequency output, helping to mitigate excessive bass resonance that might occur in such placements.
Maintenance Features:
The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features but implies general care for audio equipment.
- Secure Connections: Regular checking of all connections between the amplifier, loudspeakers, and source equipment is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent distorted or inconsistent sound.
- Correct Polarity: Verifying the polarity of loudspeaker connections is important for proper sound reproduction.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section to address common issues such as "No sound through one or both channels" and "Distorted or inconsistent sound." This guide helps users diagnose and resolve basic problems by checking amplifier status, input source selection, connection security, polarity, and volume control settings.
In summary, the Cambridge Audio SX-80 Floorstanding Speakers are designed for discerning audio enthusiasts seeking a robust and high-fidelity listening experience. Their technical specifications highlight a balanced approach to sound reproduction, while the usage features offer flexibility in setup and tuning to optimize performance within various room environments. The emphasis on proper system matching and connection polarity underscores the importance of careful installation for achieving the best possible audio quality.
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