Name: Cambridge Audio Minx X201
Brand: Cambridge Audio
SKU: 779X201W
Price: 449.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (89 reviews)

Overview

by Crutchfield's Dave Bar

Awesome bass from a hideaway sub

At just under 9" cubed, it's hard to find a subwoofer this powerful that's smaller than the Minx X201. What's so great about that? Its diminutive size will make this sub incredibly easy to place in your living room. Under a side table, in a corner, next to your entertainment stand — you can place it almost anywhere without sacrificing your style. And like all Cambridge Audio Minx speakers, the X201 is carefully designed to deliver the purest sound, whether you're enjoying a live classical concert or an adrenaline-pumping car chase.

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Awesome bass from a hideaway sub

Engineered with passion

The Minx X201 uses a 6-1/2" forward firing driver made of a single piece of super-strong, aerospace-grade aluminum for amazing punch and attack. It's paired with dual passive radiators that add some serious mid-bass boost. Cambridge Audio's software engineers specially designed the sophisticated Digital Signal Processor (DSP) in this sub, allowing it to pump out sensational bass from such a compact enclosure. You may even be fooled into thinking the X201 is several times its size.

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Product highlights:

Featured in our article: Best home theater subwoofers for 2023
200-watt RMS amplifier
6-1/2" front-firing woofer and dual 6-1/2" passive radiators
one-piece, aerospace-grade aluminum cones move air with incredible efficiency
frequency response: 36-200 Hz (-6dB)
continuously variable 50-200 Hz crossover
specially designed DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for big bass from a small enclosure
adjustable phase control
line-level/LFE subwoofer inputs and outputs
auto on/off mode
scratch-resistant high gloss lacquer finish
8-1/4"W x 8-5/8"H x 10-1/16"D
weight: 11 lbs.
warranty: 5 years speaker, 3 years amp
MFR # C10984

What's in the box:

Cambridge Audio Minx X201 owner's manual

Powered subwoofer
Grille (installed)
6' AC power cord
Installation Guide
Important Safety Instructions

Featured review

Needed a subwoofer with a small footprint. The Minx X201 fit the bill so I gave it a try. It's a perfect pairing with the small bookshelf speakers. It's very tight and musical. While it won't rattle the walls, it is very musical and has just enough punch. Highly recommend.

Stephen from Webster, TX

See all 89 reviews

Customer Q&A

Can I connect this sub to a Leak 130? Will it work?

It would be possible to connect the LEAK 130's RCA preouts to the input of the Minx X201. This would work nicely.

Reviews (89)

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Details

Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Features & specs


Enclosure	Passive Radiator
Woofer Size (inches)	6 1/2
Woofer Composition	Aluminum
Firing Direction	Front
Amplifier Output (watts)	200
Frequency Response	36-200 Hz
Connections
Preamp-Level Inputs	Stereo RCA/LFE
Speaker-Level Inputs	No
Speaker-Level Outputs	No
Wireless	No
Controls
Low-Pass Crossover Freq	50-200Hz
High-Pass Crossover Freq	None
Phase Switch	Yes
App Control	No
Remote	No
Other Info
Height (inches)	8-5/8
Width (inches)	8-1/4
Depth (inches)	10-1/16
Weight	11 lbs
Speaker Parts Warranty	5 Years
Speaker Labor Warranty	5 Years
Amplifier Parts Warranty	3 Years
Amplifier Labor Warranty	3 Years

Product Research

Features

200W Amp w/ DSP: The Cambridge Audio X201 powered subwoofer is equipped with a 200 watt (RMS) amplifier with digital signal processing. Cambridge Audio's software engineers have designed a sophisticated Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to provide real-time control of equalization and dynamic range processing for the maximum possible performance while preventing drivers overloading or distorting. This allows the Minx X201 powered subwoofer to handle more power and play louder.

6.5" Woofer + Dual 6.5" Radiators: The Cambridge Audio X201 powered subwoofer uses a front-firing, one-piece, aerospace-grade aluminum 6.5" cone woofer powered by the built-in 200W amplifier and twin side-firing, one-piece, aerospace-grade aluminum 6.5" auxiliary bass radiators. The X201 powered subwoofer uses an ABR system rather than having either an enclosed box (which would require even more power) or a ported design (which would require a bigger cabinet). The result is an extremely efficient and powerful active subwoofer housed in a tiny cabinet.

Controls: The Minx powered subwoofer offers complete rear-panel control of volume, crossover frequency, and phase.

Volume Control: The Cambridge Audio X201 powered subwoofer has a rear-panel rotary volume control to adjust the volume of the subwoofer relative to the other speakers in the system.
Crossover Frequency: The X201 powered subwoofer offers a continuously variable low-pass filter, adjustable from 50-200 Hz.
Phase Adjustment: The powered subwoofer's phase adjustment allows you to adjust the subwoofer's phase between 0° to 180°. If the bass sounds muddy or unclear, adjusting the phase control can sometimes strengthen the bass performance.

Connections: The Cambridge Audio X201 powered subwoofer is fitted with stereo RCA inputs and outputs.

RCA Inputs: The powered subwoofer has gold plated left & right RCA line-level inputs for use with receivers having a subwoofer or stereo preamp output that do not contain their own low-pass crossover. The left channel RCA input doubles as the LFE input, if your receiver has an LFE output and a built-in low-pass crossover.
RCA Outputs: The powered subwoofer's gold-plated left & right RCA line-level outputs allow you to connect (daisy-chain) a second powered subwoofer. These RCA outputs pass-through a full-range audio signal and are unaltered by the powered sub's volume, crossover, or phase control settings.

Auto On/Off: The X201's Auto On/Off feature will switch the powered subwoofer On and Off automatically by signal detection.

Accessories

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Q&A

14 questions already asked

Will the Cambridge Audio Minx X201 subwoofer connect/work with a Yamaha R-N303 receiver?

robert Jan 07, 2023

1 answer

This subwoofer could not be connected directly to the R-N303. It would be necessary to either select a subwoofer with speaker-level inputs or use a line-output converter such as the Russound ADP-1.2 linked below: www.crutchfield.com/p_543ADP12/item.html

zachary Jan 08, 2023 (Staff)

If I'm connecting this to my Denon DRA-800H, do I need a Y cable, or just one cable to the LFE/Sub?

gratefulhops Jan 07, 2023

1 answer

A Y-adapter will not be necessary. A single-channel connection between one of the two subwoofer RCA outputs of the DRA-800H can go to the LFE input of this subwoofer.

zachary Jan 08, 2023 (Staff)

Does it come with any cables? Looking to fit it into Rec Out on the amp.

fhayes Jan 18, 2022

3 answers

It did not come with cables. I bought a cable for " sub out " on my amp when I bought the Minx.

steve Jan 18, 2022

Doesn't come with cables, doesn't go into Rec Out on the amp.

thomas Jan 18, 2022

I don't recall if mine came with them. But I would never use supplied cables regardless. They are usually of very cheap construction and nicer ones can be had for not much money. Note that rec out on many amps are not controlled by the level control so be sure to check that first.

seth Jan 18, 2022

Is it sealed or ported?

quand Jun 12, 2019

4 answers

The Minx X201 is sealed.

michael Jun 12, 2019

Sealed. The sides are the "radiators" that flex with the movement of the driver. The driver is behind the grill.

lucas Jun 12, 2019

It's actually sealed and ported. The woofer is pointing forward (not visible, behind the cloth grill) and ported on both, adjacent sides. However, the ports are equipped with flexible aluminum port inserts (visible in the photos) that serve to capture the sound and rebroadcast it. I had not seen this done before, but it works very well in this particular application. I have a larger, down-firing Infinity sub downstairs that I like a lot. That being the case, I was concerned about whether or not the relatively small size of the Minx could reproduce a good bass sound. To my surprise (and relief) it's capable of holding its own against the big boys. So, unless you're wanting to constantly rattle the windows and doors, this little guy should be able to make you happy.

randy Jun 12, 2019

The unit is sealed and has an active and passive radiator. Amazing sound for a unit this small.

lawrence Jun 12, 2019

Would this pair well with CA SX-50?

jeffrey May 18, 2018

3 answers

Unsure - however, I have it hooked up directly to Sony AE1 OLED TV and it fills out the "screen speaker" wonderfully as it can easily extend up to 180hz (high for a sub) to fill in low sounds the TV cannot produce.

brian Jun 03, 2018

It should. No bookshelf speaker can reproduce the lower audio frequencies as richly as the Minx X201. It's designed to just that and it does so superbly. My application is the same setup; Polk bookshelf speakers with Minx for the lows, and I'm very well pleased. As a side note, for the ultimate ability in matching your system to the room it's located in, I highly recommend the addition of an audio equalizer placed on the input of your main power amp (Tape Monitor functionality on vintage systems). Properly tuned, this will add a new dimension to your listening pleasure.

randy Jun 03, 2018

My regrets, I can't specifically answer your 'pairing' question. Honestly, I don't know what CA SX-50 is... I purchased this cube for its compact size (1st priority) and sound quality (2nd priority) vs more traditionally sized boxes and finally purchase cost (3rd priority). This cube met all 3 criteria. I'm very satisfied with my purchase and 3 months later I wouldn't change my decision.

john Jun 03, 2018

Can I use the RCA out to go into an amp to drive bookshelves?

richard Jul 08, 2016

1 answer

I am not seeing any mention of this subwoofer's crossover being active on those outputs. This means that if you use the RCA inputs, you should be able to then use the RCA outputs to send the audio to another device amp to power the speakers. However, if the amp has RCA outputs as well, you may want to run the signal to it first and then to this subwoofer. That would prevent any potential issue of the RCA outputs being limited by the crossover in this subwoofer. I hope this helps! My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101

jason Jul 11, 2016 (Staff)

Is it apartment friendly (e.g. will I get evicted for noise violations)? :)

jeff May 02, 2016

3 answers

Keep in mind that low frequency sound waves propagate through walls, floors and ceilings more noticeably than mid and highs. This little sub sounds so good that you'll be temped to crank it up. Just remember to have mercy on your surrounding neighbors.

randy Feb 14, 2018

Well it depends on how loud you play it...it will get loud enough to be noticed. Just turn the volume down.

bruno g Nov 09, 2017

This should work for an apartment. It is not overpowering but it is smooth.

douglas May 03, 2016

Will this sub work well with a bluesound node? Pairing with a set of KLH model 5s

victor May 30, 2023

1 answer

The Cambridge Audio Minx X201 would work very well, Victor. The Minx can reach lower frequencies than the KLH are capable of playing, and it has an extremely small physical size that can fit almost anywhere. Do not forget to grab the SVS SoundPath mono RCA in the link below so you can connect to your Bluesound Node's subwoofer output! The link below is for the 6.5-foot version, we have them available in longer lengths if needed to fit your specific setup. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_946SPRCA2M/SVS-SoundPath-RCA-Audio-Interconnect-Cable-2-meters-6-5-feet.html

bo May 31, 2023 (Staff)

Can I connect this sub to a Leak 130? Will it work?

mark Feb 18, 2023

1 answer

It would be possible to connect the LEAK 130's RCA preouts to the input of the Minx X201. This would work nicely.

zachary Feb 19, 2023 (Staff)

Have 8.5 inches of vertical space for this item. Could an owner confirm that this thing will actually fit?

andrew Mar 12, 2022

4 answers

It might be possible but ... I just 'taped' mine to be sure I am being accurate. The actual enclosure is 8 1/4" x 8 1/4", but with the bottom feet it becomes 8 7/8" high. I guess you could 'trim' the bottom feet a bit to fit, but I would hesitate to remove them completely to prevent unwanted vibrations wherever you are placing it. But, perhaps I am being too conservative ... I will say that it is a 'solid' performer and punches above its weight ... Mine is in a 12' x 12' room with 9' ceilings sitting on the floor which is ceramic tile over a slab foundation. I have never played music that approached spec volume limits. I do also like the variable crossover settings and there are 'icons' for the matching single and dual speaker Minx Min speakers. Right now it is paired with Minx Min22s on Minx Floor Stands, but should I want to change out the stereo pair for a different set in the future, the variable crossover can be set to a different point.

david Mar 12, 2022

Mine is 8.5 inches tall including the isolating feet, if not a 1/16th over. It would be tight. The feet do not seem to be detachable either.

jason Mar 12, 2022

It's going to be tight - I measured it twice, - it should just barely fit. I would say go ahead and buy it it (it's a very nice sub), but note the controls are on the back and there is no remote. Btw, Crutchfield is excellent with their returns, if it doesn't work out.

conrad Mar 12, 2022

I have the unit and it is great at filling in some bass for a 5.1 system in our family room. Re height mine is 8 and 9/16". Maybe try it and if it doesn't fit use the free 30 day return policy ? There are 4 little rubber feet on the bottom but they do not look to be easily removable. Good luck.

laurie j Mar 12, 2022

Can I use this sub woofer with my ONYKO A Receiver TX-SR383?

joseph Nov 21, 2020

2 answers

Yes you can (Sub Out on receiver to LFE/Sub in on the Minx.

stephen Nov 23, 2020

As long as your receiver has a "subwoofer" out ... Yes! Mine is connected to a vintage Pioneer Technics receiver ...

david Nov 22, 2020

Please share your recommended settings?

goke89 Aug 22, 2018

2 answers

In my case, I have a Denon x4200, so I leave it all to the Audessey Room Correction to set the crossover frq. and level. I set the filter all the way up (200Hz I think) and set the level at 12 o clock. The receiver does the rest. For manual settings it will depend on the model and placement of your main speakers. The sub sounds very good. Low and tight. It is small so you might need a bigger sub or multiple (recommended) sub to fill a large room. My Home Theater is 16x12' and its plenty. Highly recommend.

bruno g Aug 22, 2018

I don't understand crossover frequency, so I just plugged it in and ran with the factory settings.

morris Aug 22, 2018

It's not working - I can't identify where I could be going wrong. I'm using a proper subwoofer cable; indeed, I have tried out two different brand-new cables. I'm connecting the subwoofer cable from the "SUB OUT" on my receiver, and plugging it into the Left RCA input, as the instructions indicate. The unit is powered, the LED indicator light on the back is on, the volume is not zeroed out, and I've tried going up and down the phase and freq crossover dials. There is simply zero output. Do I just have a dud unit?

david Mar 11, 2018

4 answers

This answer may not help the person from the original post, but maybe future purchasers. Many new receivers have settings for your speaker configuration - this turns off/on some of the outputs and allows the amplifier to optimize for the speakers you are using. For example, if the setting is configured for 2.0, the center channel, rear surrounds, and subwoofer outputs will not work. So if you plug speakers into your receiver (including a subwoofer), and you don't get any sound - check to see if your receiver has a speaker configuration setting. (I certainly know many of the newer Sony receivers do this).

brian Feb 25, 2023

I would probably say yes. The exact same thing happened to me with my first subwoofer. Frustrating, but they promptly sent a new one out that works perfectly and I sent the original one back, no problems at all! The 2nd J it works perfectly. Good luck, thx!

dale Mar 26, 2018

I have no problem taking signal from Pre-amp out to the sub. I assume you can verify both that your subout circuit works and that you have sufficient gain in the signal? Can you connect to other output channels to test it?

brad Mar 25, 2018

If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.

kristina Mar 25, 2018 (Staff)

Do the feet screw on and off, are they swappable?

david Feb 13, 2018

6 answers

It did not see any readily visible screws on the feet.

jay Feb 21, 2018

No, they are fixed to the bottom

kevin l. Feb 14, 2018

My best guess is that they're probably glued on since there are no visible screws. They made of a relatively soft material much like silicon that absorbs the vibrations produced by the sub and successfully keeps it from dancing across the floor. The feet are not the least bit "sticky" and have had no ill effect on my hard wood floor. With the speaker facing the front, both sides ported, and controls & connections on the back, there's really no other suitable place for the feet.

randy Feb 14, 2018

Yes

jack Feb 13, 2018

No. It looks like there are stick on rubber feet. You can get some ISO Pucks that work really well.

bruno g Feb 13, 2018

Swappable with what?

steven j Feb 13, 2018

SHOW MORESHOW LESS