PSB's New Imagine X Loudspeaker Lineup Unveiled

[admin]

PSB's recently unveiled their new Imagine X loudspeaker lineup; consisting of four models ranging from the Imagine XB bookshelf ($499/pair) to the Imagine X2T three-way tower ($1,298/pair), PSB claims this new line packs the performance of their original Imagine lineup with pricing comparable to the lower tier Image line. Naturally, there is an important compromise: the attractive look of the Imagine series is replaced with basic cabinetry. Nonetheless, high end performance at a more affordable price is something sure to catch the attention of budget conscious audiophiles.

Read about the PSB Imagine X Loudspeaker Lineup

Are you a PSB fan? Let us know if you find these new products interesting or if you prefer product offerings from another Canadian speaker brand in this price range.

 

[slipperybidness]

So, dealers will most likely be clearing out old stock!

If anyone is in Central TX, you may want to consider these sales on the Image line:
Clearance Center and Consignment

 

[3db]

PSB's recently unveiled their new Imagine X loudspeaker lineup; consisting of four models ranging from the Imagine XB bookshelf ($499/pair) to the Imagine X2T three-way tower ($1,298/pair), PSB claims this new line packs the performance of their original Imagine lineup with pricing comparable to the lower tier Image line. Naturally, there is an important compromise: the attractive look of the Imagine series is replaced with basic cabinetry. Nonetheless, high end performance at a more affordable price is something sure to catch the attention of budget conscious audiophiles.

Read about the PSB Imagine X Loudspeaker Lineup

Are you a PSB fan? Let us know if you find these new products interesting or if you prefer product offerings from another Canadian speaker brand in this price range.

I'd be interested in a comparison between the Imagine and the ImagineX towers and comparabel bookshelves.

 

[zieglj01]

Well, the PSB Imagine X bookshelf tends to fall short of the higher-end Imagine line.

The Imagine XB bookshelf measurements are on the irregular/shaky side
Sound and Vision
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/psb-imagine-xb-speaker-system-test-bench

The higher-end Imagine B bookshelf
http://www.stereophile.com/content/psb-imagine-b-loudspeaker-measurements

Also, this is the Imagine Mini
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/psb-imagine-mini-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well, the PSB Imagine X bookshelf tends to fall short of the higher-end Imagine line.

Perhaps in terms of frequency response measurements. But if they sound just as good and cost much less, then I think most PSB fans would welcome the change.

 

[3db]

Well, the PSB Imagine X bookshelf tends to fall short of the higher-end Imagine line.

The Imagine XB bookshelf measurements are on the irregular/shaky side
Sound and Vision
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/psb-imagine-xb-speaker-system-test-bench

The higher-end Imagine B bookshelf
http://www.stereophile.com/content/psb-imagine-b-loudspeaker-measurements

Also, this is the Imagine Mini
http://www.soundandvision.com/content/psb-imagine-mini-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures

Compared to the Imagine B and the Mini, it appears that Imagine XB is rough in its measurements. There was no mention in the review about the sound quality only that it was able to handle comfortably loud situations pretty well. It also costs a lot less than the Imagine series as well.

 

[zieglj01]

Compared to the Imagine B and the Mini, it appears that Imagine XB is rough in its measurements. There was no mention in the review about the sound quality only that it was able to handle comfortably loud situations pretty well. It also costs a lot less than the Imagine series as well.

I understand about the cost factor - I just wished they kept the Image name, or chose
another series name - even the thinner boxes will cause change in the sound.

I am just a bit surprised at the measurements - with the roller coaster effect from 5 khz

In the end it all comes down to the owner - and I have preferred PSB over Paradigm in the past.

 

[zieglj01]

Perhaps in terms of frequency response measurements. But if they sound just as good and cost much less, then I think most PSB fans would welcome the change.

I hope to hear them one day - however, I would be surprised if they sound as good

It looks like maybe, a little more crossover work could/would help

I did mod the inside cabinet, of the Image B2 speakers in the past.

They still, should be a clear step above the Alpha series.

PSB will always be a popular brand - and they do make some nice stuff

 

[Dargent0628]

I wonder how the XBs would compare to my Image B5s. Worth an audition down at SAE when they come in.

 

[GIEGAR]

I wonder how the XBs would compare to my Image B5s. Worth an audition down at SAE when they come in.

Very little difference, if any, I'd say Dargent. They share the same tweeter, same woofer (except dual magnet), same crossover point/type, and same internal volume and claimed specs are identical. The difference you'll hear will be dominated by the different room <-> speaker interaction between SAE's audition room and your own room. Almost certainly a sideways move for you, from the already very good Image B5's.

I don't see a sub in your equipment list. If you haven't got a sub, I highly recommend you concentrate your funds/efforts in that area as your next step.

 

[Dargent0628]

Thanks I'm ready to pull the trigger on a sub...looking at an HSU and a Dayton Titanic on Craig's here in Chicago

 

[GIEGAR]

^ Good work!

Edit: Ahhh... just found your thread on subwoofer board. You were miles ahead of me! (Not uncommon.)

 

[zieglj01]

I wonder how the XBs would compare to my Image B5s. Worth an audition down at SAE when they come in.

I would stick with the B5 - some info here
http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/nad-psb-ht-03-10.html

Your call

 

[Dargent0628]

That's a great article! Oh I'm very happy with the B5/C5 LCR setup. Still agonizing over the sub decision...

 

[3db]

I reread the review on them and despite the poorish measurements, S&V were quite taken by their performance. There response was on par with. The 5x time more expensive Dynaaudio speakers that they reviewed later on.

 

[Dargent0628]

Well, just ordered the Dayton 1200 with the wireless kit. I decided the positive reviews here and around the web plus the 45 day return policy trumped any used equipment I might find in my price range. In five or so days I'll be doing the crawl! I've been living with a POS Sony SAWM250 for a couple of years, and a couple of weeks ago I got so disgusted with it I just disconnected it and ran the B5s full range. Listening to some Ray Brown right now at -35db and they actually have a nice sweet low end--I'm very very excited to hear what a decent sub might contribute.

 

[3db]

Well, just ordered the Dayton 1200 with the wireless kit. I decided the positive reviews here and around the web plus the 45 day return policy trumped any used equipment I might find in my price range. In five or so days I'll be doing the crawl! I've been living with a POS Sony SAWM250 for a couple of years, and a couple of weeks ago I got so disgusted with it I just disconnected it and ran the B5s full range. Listening to some Ray Brown right now at -35db and they actually have a nice sweet low end--I'm very very excited to hear what a decent sub might contribute.

Congrats

 

[skads_187]

For surround duty to a imagine t2 and c fronts, what would be ideal a used 700$ imagine b or a new imagine xb?

 

[3db]

The Imagine B would be in the same family as the Imagine B where the Imagine XB is a replacement for the now defunt Image series. If listening to multichannel SACD, I would get the Imagine B for better timbre matching. If you plan on only surround use, you can get away with the XB with no problem at all.

 

[3db]

Here's a subjective review on the Imagine X speaker line up..

http://hometheaterreview.com/psb-imagine-x-speaker-system-reviewed/