Полочная акустика — Cambrige Audio MINX MIN12

The MINX MIN12 is a compact satellite speaker from Cambridge Audio, described by the company as not much bigger than a Rubik's Cube. It is sold singly at a US price of USD 99. The MINX range is Cambridge Audio's line of small lifestyle speakers and subwoofers, and the MIN12 is its smallest satellite. It is designed for use with a subwoofer in stereo or surround systems, on a table, shelf, stand or wall.

Key specs that matter

One 2.25 inch Balanced Mode Radiator driver of the fourth BMR generation sits in each cabinet. Frequency response is 150 Hz to 20 kHz, sensitivity is 86 dB for a 2.83 V input, and nominal impedance is 8 ohm. Cambridge recommends amplifiers rated between 25 and 200 W. The cabinet measures 78 x 78 x 85 mm and weighs 0.43 kg. Buyers choose black or white, each with a glossy lacquer.

Engineering and use context

A BMR driver works as a conventional piston at lower frequencies and switches to a bending mode higher up, which Cambridge credits with 180 degree dispersion and a wider listening area than a conventional speaker offers. For the fourth generation the magnet was enlarged to raise efficiency, and driver excursion grew from 2.2 mm to 4 mm. Cambridge says these drivers give a stronger lower midrange for better integration with a subwoofer and move more uniformly across their surface. The enclosure is moulded from high gloss ABS with die cast aluminium reinforcements, which keeps the weight low enough for wall placement. Binding posts on the back accept banana plugs or bare wire. Mounting accessories include a flush wall bracket, an adjustable wall bracket, floor stands and table stands.

Pairing

With the response ending in the upper bass, a subwoofer is required to cover the bass, and Cambridge lists the MINX X201 and the 300 W X301 as matching subwoofers in the same range. Several MIN12 units can serve as front, centre and surround channels around an AV receiver, and the nominal impedance places no unusual load on typical receivers or integrated amplifiers. The modest lower limit of the power recommendation means even modest amplifiers are acceptable. Wall brackets let the satellites sit flat against a surface next to a television. The small size also suits a desktop system with a compact amplifier and a subwoofer under the desk.

Alternatives

The Cambridge Audio MINX Min 22 is the larger compact speaker in the same MINX range, priced at USD 129 each.