Description
Big Sound Without Taking Over Your Space
Not everyone wants large floorstanding speakers, but going smaller often means giving up depth and weight. That’s usually the trade-off. The Cambridge Audio SX60 Standmount Speakers avoid that problem by delivering a fuller, more room-filling sound from a compact design that fits easily into everyday spaces.
They’re the kind of speakers you can place on a stand or shelf and forget about visually, but not sonically. When you’re planning a setup with a home theater design tool, these are the speakers that make sense in rooms where space matters but you still want a system that feels complete, not scaled down.
Balanced Sound You Can Listen to for Hours
What stands out with the SX60 is how balanced everything feels. The highs stay smooth, the mids come through clearly, and the bass has enough weight without becoming overwhelming. It doesn’t try to impress with one thing. Instead, it keeps everything working together so music feels natural.
The Cambridge Audio SX60 Standmount Speakers also handle different types of content well. Whether it’s vocals, movies, or background music, nothing feels forced. The front port design helps with placement too, so you’re not fighting the room to get a clean result. You just place them, dial things in slightly, and they do the rest.
Where They Fit in a Real System
These speakers work well in spaces where you want quality sound without building around large equipment. Living rooms, apartments, or secondary listening areas are where they really make sense. They give you enough presence to enjoy what you’re listening to, without taking over the room.
When you start to build your system, it’s about finding the right balance between size, performance, and placement. Through Dreamedia+, that process is handled with a full system approach, so everything works together instead of feeling pieced together. Speakers like this fit naturally into that kind of setup, where simplicity and performance meet in a way that feels easy to live with.
Key Features
6.5-inch woofer for full, controlled bass
1-inch silk dome tweeter for smooth highs
Balanced sound across music and movies
Front port design for flexible placement
Compact standmount design for easy integration
Cambridge Audio SX60 Standmount Speakers Review
Introduction
Cambridge Audio has a storied reputation in the audiophile community, known for crafting products with meticulous attention to audio fidelity. Standmount speakers, often referred to as bookshelf speakers, play a critical role in home audio setups, offering a blend of performance and size that makes them a popular choice for music enthusiasts and cinephiles alike. The SX60 standmount speakers from Cambridge Audio promise a no-frills approach to sound that prioritizes performance, aiming to deliver an immersive listening experience.
Design
Build Quality and Aesthetic
The Cambridge Audio SX60 speakers boast a solid Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) construction, ensuring durability and a reduction in unwanted resonance. The finish, available in black vinyl, may not win awards for innovation but offers a clean and understated look that should blend well with most home decor. The removable cloth-covered grilles add a layer of customization, allowing users to choose between a more traditional or exposed driver aesthetic, each subtly adorned with the Cambridge Audio branding.
Size and Placement Considerations
The SX60's front-firing reflex ports necessitate at least 30cm of space behind the speakers for optimal bass performance. This requirement means that while the speakers are compact, they may not be suitable for tight spaces where they would be pushed up against a wall. Cambridge Audio provides positioning guidelines, suggesting the tweeters be placed just below ear height and angled inwards by about 15 degrees to ensure the best possible soundstage and imaging.
Features
Advanced Driver Technology
At the heart of the SX60 speakers is a 6.5-inch mid-bass driver made from a treated paper cone, designed to provide a balance of stiffness and lightness for an accurate response. The soft silk dome tweeter, enhanced with a foam damper, aims to deliver smooth high frequencies without harshness. This combination of drivers is engineered for a natural and coherent sound across the frequency spectrum.
Acoustic Performance Specifications
The speakers boast a frequency response of 41Hz to 22kHz, which is quite respectable for their size. With a sensitivity of 89dB and a nominal impedance of 8Ω, they are relatively easy to drive, making them compatible with a wide range of amplifiers and receivers. The recommended amplifier power of 20-100W RMS ensures that they can handle both small and large listening environments.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The SX60 speakers feature small but sturdy terminals that can accommodate 4 mm banana plugs, stripped wire, or small spades, offering flexibility in terms of connection types. This versatility ensures that they can be integrated into a variety of audio systems with minimal fuss.
Customization Options
A notable inclusion is the foam bungs for the front port, allowing users to adjust the bass response to their liking. This feature is particularly useful for tailoring the low-end performance to the acoustics of the listening space, or personal preference.
Performance
Sound Quality
The SX60 standmount speakers are characterized by a confident and energetic sound signature, suitable for lively music genres. The top end is prominent without being piercing, the midrange is direct and articulate, and the bass is rich and tight. This well-rounded sound profile ensures that each layer of music is well represented, from the sparkling highs to the foundational lows.
Suitability for Different Music Genres
When tested with a variety of music genres, the SX60s shine with rock, pop, hip hop, and electronic music, where their upbeat sound and good grip on rhythm come to the fore. The speakers deliver a decent amount of detail, allowing intricate musical elements to be heard clearly. However, they may not be the first choice for classical music enthusiasts, as the sound can be less refined compared to some competitors.
Volume and Room Dynamics
At higher volumes, the SX60 speakers maintain their composure but can exhibit port chuff, which may detract from the listening experience in particularly bass-heavy tracks. They also require careful placement to prevent the bass from becoming overpowering, especially in smaller rooms or when placed too close to walls.
Limitations and Nuances
While the overall sound quality is commendable, the speakers are not without their faults. Some users may find that certain notes cause the cabinets to resonate, introducing unwanted coloration to the sound. Additionally, the sonic performance, while good, may not reach the heights of realism and refinement offered by some competitors in the market.
Comparison with Competitors
When placed side by side with competitors such as the Wharfedale Diamond 121s, the SX60s hold their own in terms of sound quality but may fall short in finish and aesthetic appeal. While they offer an incredible performance for their price point, those seeking a more special or exceptional design might look elsewhere.
User Experience
Setup and Use
Setting up the SX60 speakers is straightforward, with clear guidelines provided for optimal placement. The user manual offers valuable insights to get the most out of these speakers, making the installation process accessible to both audiophiles and casual listeners.
Listening Impressions
During extensive listening sessions, the SX60s consistently deliver a full, rich, and powerful sound that belies their compact size. The high-excursion woofer design contributes to a surprisingly good bass response, which is a highlight for speakers of this stature. The audio is clear and crisp, with a level of detail that makes listening to your favorite tracks a renewed experience.
Pros and Cons Recap
Pros:n- Energetic sound with good rhythm and detail.n- Solid build and quality components.n- Power and depth provide a good sense of scale.n- Exceptional performance at an affordable price.n- Compact design with customization options.n- Easy to drive with a variety of amplifiers.n- Bass adjustment with foam bungs.
Cons:n- Aesthetic may be too basic for some.n- Potential overpowering bass if not placed correctly.n- Not the most refined sound for classical music.n- Can be fatiguing with bright recordings.n- Resonance issues with certain frequencies.n- Port noise at high volumes.
Price and Value Proposition
Priced at £229 per pair, the Cambridge Audio SX60 speakers offer phenomenal value for money. In their price bracket, they compete well in terms of sound quality and power, making them an excellent choice for those on a budget who do not want to compromise on audio performance.
Final Thoughts
The Cambridge Audio SX60 standmount speakers are a testament to the brand's commitment to pure audio quality. They are well-suited to anyone looking to build a one-brand system or integrate them into a mixed setup. While they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing or refined-sounding speakers on the market, their performance, especially in the realm of energetic music genres, is hard to fault given the price point. For those seeking a compact, affordable, and powerful audio solution, the SX60s are a compelling option.
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