The SX120 is the active subwoofer of the Cambridge Audio SX series, an affordable speaker line that also includes the SX-50 and SX-60 bookshelf models, the SX-70 centre channel and the SX-80 floorstander. Cambridge Audio presents it as the bass unit that turns an SX stereo pair or surround set into a home cinema system, and it also fits 2.1 music setups built around a stereo amplifier.
Key specs that matter
A custom-designed 8-inch (203 mm) long-throw woofer is powered by an integrated 70 W amplifier. Frequency response is rated from 34 Hz to 150 Hz. The active crossover is continuously variable from 50 Hz to 150 Hz, and input sensitivity is 180 mV for full power output. The cabinet is 300 mm wide, 300 mm high and 310 mm deep, and the subwoofer weighs 7.7 kg. Maximum power consumption is 100 W. Only one finish is listed, Black Matte, and Cambridge Audio covers it with a two-year manufacturer warranty.
Engineering and use context
Rigid MDF wrapped in black PVC forms the enclosure, the same treatment applied across the SX speakers, and its proportions were modelled with CAD to keep internal standing waves low. The woofer fires forward, while two reflex ports open on the rear panel, and Cambridge Audio credits the port design and the stiff cabinet with holding distortion down. Around the back are the crossover frequency and volume controls, a phase switch with 0 and 180 degree positions, and a three-position mains switch offering on, off and auto. In auto mode the unit wakes on an incoming signal and turns itself off after 30 minutes of inactivity. Spike feet are supplied to couple the cabinet to the floor.
Pairing
Connection runs through line-level sockets only - a stereo line input for an amplifier with pre-outs and an LFE input for an AV receiver with a dedicated subwoofer output. The rear-ported SX-50 bookshelf speaker is the most direct partner for a 2.1 system, and the front-ported SX-60 is the other bookshelf option in the line. For a full surround set, the SX-70 centre sits under the screen and the SX-80 floorstander, 98 cm tall and 16.9 kg, takes the front left and right positions. All SX models share the matte black PVC finish, with black cloth grilles that attach with push-in fixings rather than magnets. The SX-70 uses a sealed box rather than a port.
Alternatives
The Cambridge Audio Minx X301 is a subwoofer from the Minx range that uses a 300 W amplifier and an 8-inch passive radiator.