Cambridge Audio Minx Loudspeaker Discussion Thread - Page 3

Have you seen this Thread?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1124011

A few months ago, I started to read it, wound up on page 40, and haven't finished the Thread. I may need to re-visit it. My goal, when I added two more Subs to the Minx, I was going to use my Sunfire Sub to play <50 only. I think it's a great idea. So, my dilemma now is, should I add two more Subs and either Min 10's or 20's? Or, go to a different brand of speaker altogether? Since, I already have the Min 10's, I'm leaning towards keeping them. IMO: One has to be careful when using 3 Subs with the Min 10 because you don't want to overpower the small speakers with bass. So, sticking with two smaller 6" driver Subs would be the better match. With a Min 20 system, experimentation would be the key to obtaining the best blend.

Either model would work but I'd go with the bigger X300 or comparable Subwoofer.
Especially, since you're planning on Min 20's for the front three.

I really like the way classical music sounds on my system.
Of course, I have a Subwoofer that plays down to a rated 18 Hz +/- 3 db which helps.

Edited by Perpendicular - 12/5/12 at 9:13am

Sorry, but aren't we all just a bunch of Geeks in this hobby?

I guess, it's really a matter of your size room and how many Subwoofers one can get away with using. I'm from the "Old School" where I feel using two Subwoofers are better than one. Yes, the gap. You really need the correct "Woofer" to cover what the Minx satellites are deficient in. Most "True" Subs are meant (designed) to be played below around 100 hz, sometimes lower.

Yes they can play lower than 100 hz. All Subwoofers play below 100 hz, 80 hz, 60 hz and 50 hz. Just how much lower that particular Sub will go depends on the design. The Minx X200 is rated at 39 hz -6 db, then drops off below that point. The Home Theater review measurements comes in at 34 hz -6 db. Each and every room will show a different frequency response but these measurements are in the ballpark, so to speak. The Cambridge Audio Website lists the X300 with a 33 hz -6 db rating. Not sure if there are any measurements from any of the magazine reviews yet. Yes, smaller Subwoofers have their limitations on how low they will go. If you listen to a lot of classical music and/or want lower bass response, check out the X500 or similar Sub with a 10" driver.

Added "The Hi-Fi Journal" review of the S212 (used as a desktop system) to the first Post.
Also, added informative "White Paper" link for the BMR driver used in both the Min 10 & 20.

Added DVD Home Theater review of the S315 system to the first Post.

For those following this Thread, Yesterday, I ordered two Mirage MM-8 Subwoofers to go along with my Min 10s and Sunfire True Subwoofer. I plan on utilizing the Sunfire Sub only for the frequencies below 40 hz. I'm not sure where I'll end up with the crossover setting on the Mirage Subs (150 or 200 hz). It'll be a blast figuring that one out. The reason why I opted for the Mirage Sub is because, frankly, I did not like what I was seeing in the measurements of the X200 and wanted something with an 8 inch driver. And I did say measurements, not specs. A couple of magazine reviews were showing the X200's upper limit -3db level at just over 100 hz. I wanted something out to, at least, 200 hz. Instead of paying $600 for the X300 (8 inch driver), I saw the Mirage MM-8 on sale at Vanns, and picked up two for less than $600.00. I consider this a bargain and I'd like to thank Zach, over at Vanns, for the wonderful customer service. I really didn't feel the X300 measurements were going to read much differently than the X200's upper limit spec. Anyway, my Subs should arrive by weeks end.

Welcome to the Minx club! I'm happy to hear you went with a larger Sub versus the X200. You should be much happier. We look forward to your photos! Remember, two things. Be sure to let the speakers "Burn-in" to reach their full potential, and while listening, remove the front grills and compare the difference with them on and off.

Earlier, I stated that the Min 10 and, especially, the Min 20, may be overpriced. After thinking I may have damaged one of the drivers on my Min 10, I took it apart to see how easy it was going to be to replace it. After seeing how it was constructed from the inside out, I now feel that these little cubes are a bargain. Regarding that driver I thought I damaged.....the next day after playing music really loud, I heard that bad scratchy sound one hears when the driver starts to fail. The next day, I tested it again and, unfortunately, it was still there. That was on Sunday, a week ago. That following Monday, I called the North American distributor and the gentleman gave me two options. Send the speaker in for repair (Canada) or he'll send me out a driver to replace myself. I chose to replace the driver myself. On Saturday, I decided to watch a couple of music videos knowing all along my left channel was damaged and I shouldn't play the system to loud. Well, guess what? That didn't work. I ended up cranking it up but not too loud. Though, loud enough to where the speaker should have started to distort but it didn't. I was a bit perplexed so I ran a bunch of tests to see if I could hear the speaker distort. No matter what I tried the speaker would not distort. I was flabbergasted! I now call the Minx miracle speakers. I will keep my ear on the situation. At least, tomorrow, I will have a spare driver just in case anything happens again.

BTW: Getting back to what's on the inside of a Minx. Upon opening the unit up, I discover the driver (dual voicecoil), a passive filter network, wiring (of course) and some pretty thick damping material. I will try to open one up again and take some photos to Post.

I think you should be fine with the X300. I mean, how low do you want it to play? Although, I have not heard any of the CA Subs, personally, I decided to go with another brand for two reasons. Price, I could get two comparable X300's for the same price. The other issue I had is that I want something to fill that "Hole" that is missing with sub/sat combos so I chose a sub that has a -3 db upper limit of over 200 hz. I figured, if I do end up crossing the Min 10's at 200 hz, at least, the Subs will be capable. Besides, you can never have too much bass and multiple subs (two or more) are always better than using just one. If I were you, I'd call Vanns and see if you can get them to sell you two Mirage MM-8's for $600.00. Ask for Zach and tell him I sent you.

I'm happy you upgraded to the X500. I was going to say, do it, but decided to stay out of it and let you make your own decision. On the flip side, I would have gone with two X300's but you already know that.


This is true but I finally did make up my mind with a little nudge from you.

I feel it is. What are your options? Are you using the crossover on the Sub or AVR? The markings on your Sub should show 130 hz but when using your AVR, it can vary.

So, apparently, all the Minx models crossover settings are different? The X200 is 140 hz for the Min 10 & 130 hz for the Min 20.

No, what AVR brand & model is it? Normally, one would set the crossover on the sub at Max or Bypass, and the AVR at whatever frequency you want to use. Question is, what are the options on the AVR?