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441K views 3K replies 209 participants last post by  Overthinker 
#1 · (Edited)
Photos Can Be Seen At Bottom Of First Post

Ongoing information for the Cambridge Audio Minx Systems.
(If you have info that can be added, please PM me)


Minx Speaker & Subwoofer Models:

Min 10 Speaker (Discontinued)

Frequency Response: 140Hz-20kHz
Power Handling: 15-50W Recommended
Drive units: 1 x 2.25" BMR
Dimensions (H x W x D): 78 x 78 x 85mm (3.1 x 3.1 x 3.3")
Weight: 0.43kg (0.95lbs)
Available Finishes: High gloss black & High gloss white

Min 11 Speaker (Second Generation Model) (Discontinued)

Frequency Response: 120Hz-20kHz
Power Handling: 25-200W*
Sensitivity: 85dB (2.83 Vrms input)
Drive units: 1 x 2.25" BMR
Dimensions (H x W x D): 78 x 78 x 85mm (3.1 x 3.1 x 3.3")
Weight: 0.42kg (0.93lbs)
Available Finishes: High gloss black & High gloss white
 
* Using a high powered amplifier lower down its volume scale results in lower distortion and better sound. Of course if you hear a distorted sound or mechanical ‘crack’ as the speakers hit their end stops, you are playing the speakers too loud and this may cause damage. With an AVR the Min11/21 speakers should be set to ‘small’ with a crossover frequency of 140Hz. In this configuration, power handling is considerable increased.

Min 12 Speaker (New For 2015 - Third Generation Model using 4th Generation BMR)

Sensitivity (SPL) : 86dB (2.83 Vrms input)
Frequency response : 150Hz-20kHz
Impedance : 8 Ohms compatible
Recommended Amp Power: 25 - 200W
Dimensions: (H x W x D) 78 x 78 x 85mm (3.1 x 3.1 x 3.3”)
Weight: 0.43kg (0.95lbs)
Finishes : High gloss black or High gloss white

Min 20 Speaker (Discontinued)

Frequency Response: 130Hz-20kHz
Power Handling: 15-75W Recommended
Drive units: 2 x 2.25" BMR
Dimensions (H x W x D): 154 x78 x 85mm (6.0 x 3.1 x 3.3")
Weight: 0.75kg (1.65lbs)
Available Finishes: High gloss black & High gloss white

Min 21 Speaker [Second Generation Model] (Discontinued)

Frequency Response: 120Hz-20kHz
Power Handling: 25-200W*
Sensitivity: 87dB (2.83 Vrms input)
Drive units: 1 x 2.25" BMR + 1 x 2.25" Longthrow Woofer
Dimensions (H x W x D): 154 x78 x 85mm (6.0 x 3.1 x 3.3")
Weight: 0.85kg (1.88lbs)
Available Finishes: High gloss black & High gloss white
 
* Using a high powered amplifier lower down its volume scale results in lower distortion and better sound. Of course if you hear a distorted sound or mechanical ‘crack’ as the speakers hit their end stops, you are playing the speakers too loud and this may cause damage. With an AVR the Min11/21 speakers should be set to ‘small’ with a crossover frequency of 140Hz. In this configuration, power handling is considerable increased.

Min 22 Speaker (New For 2015 - Third Generation Model using 4th Generation BMR)

Sensitivity (SPL): 88dB (2.83 Vrms input)
Frequency response: 120Hz-20kHz
Impedance: 8 Ohms compatible
Recommended Amp Power : 25 - 200W
Dimensions (H x W x D): 154 x 78 x 85mm (6.0 x 3.1 x 3.3”)
Weight: 0.75kg (1.65lbs)
Finishes: High gloss black or High gloss white

X500 subwoofer (Discontinued)

Power Output: 500W rms
Frequency Response: 23Hz (-6dB) - 200Hz
Crossover: Active - variable 50Hz-200Hz
Drive units: 1 x 10" subwoofer / 1 x 10" passive radiator
Dimensions (H x W x D): 365 x 320 x 350mm (14.3 x 12.6 x 13.8")
Weight: 11.7Kg (25.8lbs)
Finishes: High gloss black & High gloss white

X300 subwoofer (Discontinued)

Power Output: 300W rms
Frequency Response: 33Hz (-6dB) - 200Hz
Crossover: Active - variable 50Hz-200Hz
Drive units: 1 x 8" subwoofer / 1 x 8" passive radiator
Speaker Dimensions (H x W x D) 311 x 266 x 278mm (12.4 x 10.5 x 11.0")
Weight: 7.5Kg (16.5lbs)
Finishes: High gloss black & High gloss white

X200 subwoofer (Discontinued)

Power Output: 200W rms
Frequency Response: 39Hz (-6dB) - 200Hz
Crossover: Active - variable 50Hz-200Hz
Drive units: 1 x 6.5" subwoofer / 2 x 6.5" passive radiators
Dimensions (H x W x D): 219 x 210 x 222mm (8.6 x 8.3 x 8.7")
Weight: 5.0Kg (11.0lbs)
Finishes: High gloss black & High gloss white

New Subwoofers For 2015

X201

Power Output: 200W
Frequency Response: 36Hz (-6dB) – 200Hz
Crossover: Active – variable 50Hz-200Hz
Drivers: 1 x 6.5" subwoofer 2 x 6.5" passive radiator
Dimensions: (H x W x D) 219 x 210 x 222mm (8.6 x 8.3 x 8.7")
Weight: 5.0Kg (11.0lbs)
Finishes: High gloss black or High gloss white

X301

Power Output: 300W
Frequency Response: 31Hz (-6dB) – 200Hz
Crossover: Active – variable 50Hz-200Hz
Drivers: 1 x 8" subwoofer 1 x 8" passive radiator
Dimensions: (H x W x D) 311 x 266 x 278mm (12.4 x 10.5 x 11.0")
Weight: 7.5Kg (16.5lbs)
Finishes: High gloss black or High gloss white


Frequency Test Files that one can download to place on a Hard/Flash drive to test their satellites and/or subwoofer (Caution: play at low levels so as to not damage your satellite speakers):
 
http://www.realtraps.com/test-cd.htm


Official Minx Website:

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/series.php?SID=94
 
 
White Paper On Balanced Mode Radiator Design:
 
 
 
BMR_White_Paper.pdf 912k .pdf file
 
 
 

Previews:

[URL="http://www.howtospendit.com/#/articles/3076-cambridge-audio-minx-mini-speaker-system"]http://www.howtospendit.com/#/articl...speaker-system

http://www.t3.com/news/cambridge-aud...aunches?=49319


Reviews:
 
S325v2: http://www.hometheater.com/content/cambridge-audio-minx-s325v2-speaker-system
 
S222? (Dutch review translated in English for a pair of Min 21's + X200 Subwoofer)http://www.google.com/translate?lan...audio.nl/2012/02/cambridge-audio-minx-min-21/

S212: http://www.thehifijournal.com/review...Desktop-system

S215: http://www.hometheater.com/content/c...speaker-system (Includes Measurements)

S215: http://hometheater.about.com/od/loud...uct-Review.htm

S215: http://hometheater.about.com/od/loud...to-Profile.htm (Supplementary Photo Profile & Measurements via Robert Silva's Anthem Room Correction System measured by the Anthem Room Correction System)

S215: http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...inx-215-system (Includes Measurements)

S215: http://www.whathifi.com/review/cambr...udio-minx-s215
 
S215: http://www.whathifi.com/review/cambr...-minx-s215-new (Min 11 Review June 2012 Issue)

S215: http://www.cnet.com.au/cambridge-aud...-339310461.htm

S315: http://www.dvd-home-theater.org/camb...dio-minx-s315/

S325: http://www.avguide.com/review/cambri...system-tpv-102

S325: http://hometheaterreview.com/cambrid...stem-reviewed/

S325: http://www.trustedreviews.com/cambri...ew#reviewStart

S325: http://www.whathifi.com/review/cambr...udio-minx-s325

S325: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/aud...-950843/review

S325: http://www.e-gear.com/article/review...00-subwoofer/1

S325: http://www.tone.co.nz/reviews/home-t...peakers-review
 
 
Comparison Reviews (so far):
 
A Min 20 review comparing the Min 10 (Dutch review translated in English): http://www.google.com/translate?lan...-audio.nl/2011/03/cambridge-audio-minx-min20/
 

A nice article asking to "Respect The Minx" with specs and info:

http://www.avguide.com/article/cambr...spect-the-minx


Chris Marten's Blog regarding BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator) drivers:

http://www.avguide.com/blog/radical-...fferent-better

The Perfect Vision Editor's Choice "Greatest Value" Category: http://www.avguide.com/review/the-pe...ems-under-2500




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6
#27 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perpendicular
I Posted another review that I forgot about. It's from CNET Australia and in it (the review of the S215 system which uses five Min 10's), he tested in a 4 X 7 meter room which equates to approximately 16 X 23 Feet.


Also, in this review, he stated that they didn't dare try and crank the system up to "Reference Level". Maybe, he should have.
I'm intrigued by both the Minx series, and the Pioneers. In either case I would go with a different subwoofer. How well does your subwoofer blend with the Cambridge Audios, not just crossover-wise but tonally?
 
#29 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perpendicular
My plan is to add two more subwoofers that play in the 50-150 hz area.
So you're going to have 3 Min 10's trying to keep up with 3 subwoofers? Guess you like bass, huh? Hope you have a good relationship with your neighbors...
 
#30 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimWilson
So you're going to have 3 Min 10's trying to keep up with 3 subwoofers? Guess you like bass, huh? Hope you have a good relationship with your neighbors...
It helps when you have good neighbors plus live in a house.



In all seriousness, my plan is to add a couple of smaller subs, probably the X300 or equivalent, and have the Sunfire play the frequencies below 50 hz and the other two above 50 hz. Who knows?? By then, I may have new speakers.
 
#31 ·
Last weekend, I was playing some music at loud levels. For the most part, louder than I usually care to listen. At one point, I switched from one album to another and the volume just skyrocketed. I could hear the speakers being over driven but they did NOT blow after about 5 seconds on this very high volume. On top of that, they were being played with loudspeakers set to "Large" in my AVR.
 
#34 ·
"Using a single, BMR drive unit, the MIN 10 satellite speakers give pinpoint accuracy and are bursting with detail right up to high volume levels. BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator) technology combines the advantages of both flat panel and conventional speakers. This means that, unlike some small speakers, the MIN10 satellites are truly dynamic and won't turn harsh or brittle when the music or film action gets intense. As impressive as the big sound is, the fact that it comes from a box just 8cm cubed is astounding."


So true!
 
#35 ·
Hello Jimwilson and Perpendicular. I appreciate your comments regarding Minx speakers and Orb speakers....both on this and other AVS forums.


Please help this newbie decide on my sound setup, so I can make my purchase and get on with other things in life


I am about to install a 46" Panasonic plasma (Model tc p46s30) above my fireplace mantle shelf. The mantle is in the center of the long side of my 22 ft x 14 ft family room, with receiver and subwoofer located in one corner of the room. Surround sound has always annoyed me, and the explosions and background music tend to make dialog unclear.


My main goal is clarity of movie dialog, with music listening the secondary priority. I don't need or want booming or low, low frequency bass, but recognize the subwoofers importance. We want to confine our left and right speakers only to sit on our mantle on either side of the TV, so the speakers are only about 4 ft apart max, so not much separation.


To now, I was about to go with the Orb Classic Two system, consisting of two Orb Mod 2s and their Super8 subwoofer. But the wife hates the look of the softball shaped Orbs, and prefers the look of the 3" cube Minx small speakers and the smaller Minx subwoofer. So we are now considering the Minx S212 stereo, 2.1 system in lieu of the Orb Classic Two 2.1 system.


Would greatly appreciate your opinions on the following:


1. With my lack of any real speaker separation, am I just as well off staying with 2.1 sound, or am I missing significant sound improvement by not opting for 3.1 sound with a center channel? (With Orbs, I could use a Mod 1 for the left and right channels, and a Mod 2 for the center channel?)


2. If I "settle" for 2.1 sound, is my money better spent on only a 2.1 receiver? Seems to me, the 2.1 receiver for the same money would offer more quality than a 5.1 or 7.1 receiver, because it has less complexity. But 2.1 receivers are no longer commonplace.


3. With 2.1 sound, I can pick up an Onkyo Model TX 8050 receiver for $340, with internet capability, a front USB, 80 watts per channel, and a line subwoofer out. Is this too much or not enough receiver? If the kids turn the volume way up, I don't want the speakers to blow out!


4. Can you recommend an alternate receiver I should be considering for 2.1? I like the look of the Cambridge Topaz stereo receiver, but it does not appear to have the dedicated subwoofer out port. Could this receiver somehow be made to drive the subwoofer?


5. With 3.1 sound, we are forced into a more classical 5.1 receiver, but I will only use left, right and center channels. With the Orbs, I can easily change the wiring for 3.1, but it looks like the Minx setup will not be so easy for 3.1. Can you recommend a good 5.1 receiver, if I go with 3.1 sound. I would buy the 3.1 receiver, but only wire it for 2.1.


6. With the 5.1 receiver, will any sound quality be sacrificed by using it only in a 2.1 or 3.1 configuration?


7. I am not an Audiophile, and don't believe in spending 75% more for a 3% improvement in sound quality. I read an article where even high end audiophiles are returning to "simple" 2.1 equipment for the purest possible music reproduction...although I realize that dialog clarity is a whole nother consideration.


8. Forgetting nitpicking about who has the better subwoofer, and given the same speaker setup, would you rate the Orbs or the Minx higher for dialog and music clarity?


So what would you guys recommend in my situation?


Many thanks in advance,

Bill
 
#36 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


Hello Jimwilson and Perpendicular. I appreciate your comments regarding Minx speakers and Orb speakers....both on this and other AVS forums.


Please help this newbie decide on my sound setup, so I can make my purchase and get on with other things in life.

Thanks for the long Post!


Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


I am about to install a 46" Panasonic plasma (Model tc p46s30) above my fireplace mantle shelf. The mantle is in the center of the long side of my 22 ft x 14 ft family room, with receiver and subwoofer located in one corner of the room. Surround sound has always annoyed me, and the explosions and background music tend to make dialog unclear.

Have you tried surround with boosting the cc by 2 db? This is what I do and should help with dialog by lowering those loud explosions at the same time.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


My main goal is clarity of movie dialog, with music listening the secondary priority. I don't need or want booming or low, low frequency bass, but recognize the subwoofers importance. We want to confine our left and right speakers only to sit on our mantle on either side of the TV, so the speakers are only about 4 ft apart max, so not much separation.

Actually, I use Velcro and attach the speakers directly to the television.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


To now, I was about to go with the Orb Classic Two system, consisting of two Orb Mod 2s and their Super8 subwoofer. But the wife hates the look of the softball shaped Orbs, and prefers the look of the 3" cube Minx small speakers and the smaller Minx subwoofer. So we are now considering the Minx S212 stereo, 2.1 system in lieu of the Orb Classic Two 2.1 system.

The lady of my house loves the look of the Minx Min 10s too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


Would greatly appreciate your opinions on the following:


1. With my lack of any real speaker separation, am I just as well off staying with 2.1 sound, or am I missing significant sound improvement by not opting for 3.1 sound with a center channel? (With Orbs, I could use a Mod 1 for the left and right channels, and a Mod 2 for the center channel?)

I wouldn't say so. A 2-channel system with your speakers that close shouldn't pose a problem. Personally, I much prefer a cc for watching movies because it helps direct all the voices to the center of the screen, no matter where one sits.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


2. If I "settle" for 2.1 sound, is my money better spent on only a 2.1 receiver? Seems to me, the 2.1 receiver for the same money would offer more quality than a 5.1 or 7.1 receiver, because it has less complexity. But 2.1 receivers are no longer commonplace.

Gee, I've never heard of a 2.1 AVR. 5.1 has always been commonplace. I would budget a minimum of $599 for a good AVR. If you can afford up to $1,000, I'd definitly go for the Anthem MRX 300. You get a lot of bang for the buck.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


3. With 2.1 sound, I can pick up an Onkyo Model TX 8050 receiver for $340, with internet capability, a front USB, 80 watts per channel, and a line subwoofer out. Is this too much or not enough receiver? If the kids turn the volume way up, I don't want the speakers to blow out!

As above.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


4. Can you recommend an alternate receiver I should be considering for 2.1? I like the look of the Cambridge Topaz stereo receiver, but it does not appear to have the dedicated subwoofer out port. Could this receiver somehow be made to drive the subwoofer?

I don't know 2-channel integrated receivers very well. I'd stick with at least a 5.1 channel AVR in case you want to upgrade your amount of speakers, etc, in the future.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


5. With 3.1 sound, we are forced into a more classical 5.1 receiver, but I will only use left, right and center channels. With the Orbs, I can easily change the wiring for 3.1, but it looks like the Minx setup will not be so easy for 3.1. Can you recommend a good 5.1 receiver, if I go with 3.1 sound. I would buy the 3.1 receiver, but only wire it for 2.1.

Why would the 3.1 Minx setup be not so easy? Per my recommendation above.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


6. With the 5.1 receiver, will any sound quality be sacrificed by using it only in a 2.1 or 3.1 configuration?

Absolutely not. If anything, you may improve things by directing the wattage from the remaining unused channels. Like you really need it with the Minx!


Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


7. I am not an Audiophile, and don't believe in spending 75% more for a 3% improvement in sound quality. I read an article where even high end audiophiles are returning to "simple" 2.1 equipment for the purest possible music reproduction...although I realize that dialog clarity is a whole nother consideration.

For this, you would be bypassing HDMI for audio and using analog connections?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillTiernan /forum/post/20680523


8. Forgetting nitpicking about who has the better subwoofer, and given the same speaker setup, would you rate the Orbs or the Minx higher for dialog and music clarity?

Not sure, but my money is on the Minx sub.


Bill,


AVR's I recommend are Pioneer VSX-1021 $550.00 or Onkyo TX-609 $599.00.

Try not to make this any harder than it really is. Just have fun!!
 
#41 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by rayzine /forum/post/20878984


I am thinking about...

3 x Min20 for front left, right and central;

2 x Min10 for back surround;

x200


Is that OK for mixing Min10 and Min20? If so, how to set the crossover freq.? As it has a minx20 and minx10 icon. What level should I set?

Hey Jeffrey (aka Perpendicular); does this sound familiar?
 
#42 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by rayzine /forum/post/20878984


I am thinking about...

3 x Min20 for front left, right and central;

2 x Min10 for back surround;

x200


Is that OK for mixing Min10 and Min20? If so, how to set the crossover freq.? As it has a minx20 and minx10 icon. What level should I set?


THANKS!

Will you be using an AVR to set the crossover? The frequency response between the two are quite similar. So, setting the crossover can vary between 130 & 150 hz for both the Min 10 & 20. Normally, you would be safe to set all at 150 hz in your AVR.

Quote:
Originally Posted by JimWilson /forum/post/20879887


Hey Jeffrey (aka Perpendicular); does this sound familiar?

Yes, Swami....why didn't you answer the OP with all the knowledge you have obtained?
 
#48 ·
very good...thanks! i had talked to an authorized online store Cr--------- and the guy basically looked at the specs for the min 10 and told me i had too much power and not to get them.


So basically I didn't listen to the guy and ordered 3 Min 10s for the front stage and will be using a mission sub (made in canada still) to try it out first. If I like them and I'm very hopeful that I will, I'd like to add more Min 10s for either a 5.1 or 7.1 set-up. Then if the mission sub is not matched well, maybe get the sub from cambridge too.


Or do you think I should get one Min 20 for a center channel?
 
#49 ·
So, you're not getting a Minx Sub too. I didn't either and use a Sunfire Sub for which I feel is okay but know it will sound better with another Sub that plays higher in frequency. I've been looking at the Mirage & Energy Subs. Hopefully, your Mission Sub will be able to compensate for the lost frequencies under 150 hz.


I'm also thinking of upgrading to three Min 20's up front and moving two of my Min 10's to surround duty. If you can, I would do the same.


That sales person is probably afraid that you're going to blow the speakers but if you keep the crossover at no lower than around 150 hz, you should be able to play them at, or above, normal listening levels.
 
#51 ·
I'm never happy. Ask Jim.



No, I like the Min 10's but they do sound rather small in my size room. Now, I have the dilemma whether I want to update with the Minx or get another loudspeaker brand altogether. In other words, I've been weighing my options. IMO: I do feel the Min 20 is overpriced compared to the Min 10 which is about $20.00 too much. So, I'm considering getting something different in that $160.00 price range.
 
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