Cambridge SX50 Bookshelf Speakers

The Cambridge Audio SX50 are compact 2-way bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio (London, England), available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Cambridge Audio dealer in Buffalo, NY. Designed for smaller spaces such as bookshelves and bedrooms, the SX50 uses a 5.25" (135mm) treated paper cone woofer, a 1" (25mm) silk dome tweeter, a CAD-modeled MDF cabinet, and a precisely optimized phase-linear crossover, achieving a frequency response of 50Hz to 22kHz at 87dB sensitivity. Compatible with amplifiers from 10 to 100W, the SX50 delivers confident, detailed, and rich stereo sound in smaller rooms.

Rock Solid Foundations

Hi-fi speaker engineering starts with the cabinet. Computer-aided design (CAD) was used extensively to refine the SX50's internal structures to ensure that while the drivers are vibrating with your music, the cabinet isn't. This means that every millimeter of movement from the drivers is directed where it should be — at you.

Sound Reproduction

The SX50 features a 135mm (5.25") woofer made from treated paper. Hi-fi manufacturers have used paper for years, as its impressive strength-to-weight ratio is matched by excellent tonality — so music sounds rich, well defined, and real. The 25mm (1") soft dome tweeter, made from treated silk, handles the higher frequencies with the same balance of realism and refinement.

Two Drivers, One Voice

Cambridge Audio's engineering team took great care when designing the crossovers in the SX50, as they are responsible for ensuring that each driver receives the correct frequency. Accuracy of timing and stereo imaging depend on phase remaining completely linear, from top to bottom. The result is music that sounds engaging, energetic, and real.

Engineered, Front to Back

The SX50's rear panel features a bass reflex port that lets you fine-tune lower frequencies by adjusting the position of the speaker relative to the rear wall. Immediately below are a pair of high-quality speaker binding posts that accept thick cable with or without banana plugs.

Designed for Real Life

The SX50's clean, understated design allows them to sit in a variety of spaces. Leave the grilles on to protect the drivers or to help them blend in with your books. Alternatively, remove them to display the SX50's driver array and clean baffle design.

Key Features

• 1" (25mm) silk dome tweeter for refined high-frequency presentation
• 5.25" (135mm) treated paper cone woofer for smooth, even frequency response
• Precisely optimized phase-linear crossover for neutral, coherent stereo reproduction
• CAD-modeled rigid MDF cabinet reduces standing waves and minimizes internal vibration
• Rear bass reflex port for adjustable low-frequency tuning by wall proximity
• Dual high-quality speaker binding posts compatible with thick cable and banana plugs
• Detachable grilles; Matte Black finish

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

What Hi-Fi? praised the Cambridge Audio SX50 as "sprightly speakers with much to offer" for listeners seeking confident, detailed stereo sound at an accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Cambridge Audio SX50 speakers?

The Cambridge Audio SX50 are compact 2-way bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio of London, England, designed to deliver confident, detailed stereo sound in smaller rooms. The SX50 features a 5.25" (135mm) treated paper cone woofer, a 1" (25mm) silk dome tweeter, a CAD-modeled MDF cabinet with rear bass reflex port, and a phase-linear crossover, achieving 87dB sensitivity and 50Hz to 22kHz frequency response. The SX50 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Cambridge Audio dealer in Buffalo, NY.

How do the Cambridge Audio SX50 compare to the SX80?

The SX50 and SX80 are both 2-way bass reflex bookshelf speakers in Cambridge Audio's SX Series, sharing the same silk dome tweeter design and treated paper cone woofer philosophy. The SX80 uses a 165mm (6.5") woofer compared to the SX50's 135mm (5.25") driver, providing greater bass extension and output capability for medium to larger rooms. The SX50 is the more compact option suited to bookshelves and smaller spaces, while the SX80 provides greater dynamic scale at a slightly higher price. Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY stocks both models for direct comparison.

What amplifier power does the Cambridge Audio SX50 need?

The Cambridge Audio SX50 is rated at 87dB sensitivity with an 8-ohm nominal impedance and accepts amplifier power from 10 to 100W. This makes it one of the more flexible entry-level bookshelf speakers in its class, compatible with entry-level integrated amplifiers, AV receivers, and modestly powered amplifiers alike. Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY can recommend an amplifier matched to the SX50 for your listening room.

Are the Cambridge Audio SX50 suitable for a small room or desktop?

Yes. The SX50's compact footprint of 161 x 225 x 240 mm makes it well suited for bookshelves, smaller living rooms, bedrooms, and desktop near-field listening. The rear bass reflex port can be fine-tuned by adjusting the distance from the rear wall to optimize bass response for the space. The detachable grilles allow the SX50 to blend in discreetly or display the drivers. Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY carries the SX50 in Matte Black finish.

What is the frequency response of the Cambridge Audio SX50?

The Cambridge Audio SX50 has a frequency response of 50Hz to 22kHz, achieved through a 5.25" treated paper cone woofer handling the low and mid frequencies and a 1" silk dome tweeter covering the upper range. The rear bass reflex port reinforces low-frequency output by proximity tuning to the rear wall. At 87dB sensitivity, the SX50 is compatible with amplifiers from 10 to 100W. The SX50 is available for audition at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY.

What are the main features of Cambridge Audio SX Series speakers?

The Cambridge Audio SX Series is a line of 2-way bass reflex speakers featuring treated paper cone woofers, silk dome tweeters, CAD-modeled MDF cabinets, and phase-linear crossovers for neutral, accurate stereo reproduction. The bookshelf lineup includes the SX50, SX60, and SX80, each scaling in driver size and output capability while sharing the same design philosophy. All SX Series models are available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Cambridge Audio dealer in Buffalo, NY.

Where to buy the Cambridge Audio SX50 in Buffalo, NY?

The Cambridge Audio SX50 bookshelf speakers are available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Cambridge Audio dealer in Buffalo, NY. Visit vinylsound.com for current pricing and availability in Matte Black finish, or contact Vinyl Sound Buffalo to compare the SX50 with the SX80 and SX60.