Review: Cambridge Audio Minx
Create big sound with these small speakers
Buying a surround-sound speaker system for the living room can be a precarious experience. While one half of a partnership may be looking for crispness of audio, rich bass and quality soundtrack reproduction, no matter what size or shape the speakers come in, the other half might want a minimal, non-obtrusive set regardless of sound quality. To meet in the middle, options have been minimal. Well, one-sided, really. The Bose Acoustimass range has spent a long, uncontested time filling this gap in the market. Until now. UK-based audio buff Cambridge Audio has just launched its Minx system; a sassy speaker set that comes in a variety of packages, including the S215 system reviewed here. Comprising five mini satellite speakers and one subwoofer, Cambridge Audio has borrowed some of the technology used in its premium end speaker systems to create a truly superb audio offering that should appeal to all.
The five speakers measure a compact 8 x 8cm square and, when combined with the small, yet punchy subwoofer, create a soundscape comparable to that of much bigger speaker systems. They connect to a 5.1 amplifier and can be attached to svelte speaker stands or wall mounted, depending on your preference or living space. Either way, they’re not going to take up much room. As bass frequencies can’t be located by the human ear, the sub-woofer can be placed anywhere.
A truly superb audio offering that should appeal to all
Movies and music are well catered for. Bass-y roars and flying glass shards can be differentiated in film soundtracks while individual instruments and vocals can be picked out in a range of musical genres, from classical to rock.
The system is finished in scratch resistant black or white high gloss and costs £350 for the S215 package. A dual-unit satellite system – the Minx S225 – is available for £700.
In short, the Minx is the best micro speaker system on the market today.
