Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

L/R Sensitivity:
86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Center Sensitivity:
86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

Surround Sensitivity:
85 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz

This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the SurroundBar L/R (purple trace), center (green trace), and surround (red trace). All passive channels were measured with grill at a distance of 1 meter with a 2.83-volt input and scaled for display purposes.

The L/R’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +1.20/–5.78 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. The –3dB point is at 238 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 119 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 7.38 ohms at 413 Hz and a phase angle of –50.29 degrees at 213 Hz.

The center’s listening-window response measures +1.17/–6.56 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. An average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal responses measures +1.36/–7.43 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3dB point is at 146 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 93 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 7.33 ohms at 408 Hz and a phase angle of –54.81 degrees at 179 Hz.

The surround’s listening-window response measures +5.17/–6.97 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3dB point is at 468 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 318 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 5.06 ohms at 468 Hz and a phase angle of –38.69 degrees at 213 Hz. Please note that with the psychoacoustic processing involved in the surround channels, flat response is not to be expected.—MJP