Cerwin-Vega XD Series Desktop Monitor / Speakers Product Review

Xombiewoof Magazine Review of the Cerwin-Vega! XD Series Desktop Monitor / Speakers

Studio Review and Test of the XD5 Desktop Speakers and the XD8s Sub Woofer

Reviewed and tested by Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

Xombiewoof Magazine likes to find products that are just as good in the studio as in the home or home studio situations and vice – versa. It is difficult to get a quality sound for mixing down without going broke, and for most artists and musicians that are always one cup of ramen away from starving, that’s a hard to handle issue. We were contacted by Cerwin-Vega!, a member of the Gibson Pro Audio family of products, to do a review of a new line of desktop speakers that are designed with high quality audio and easy affordability in mind. We were a bit taken aback because no such animal (until now) existed.

It is so cool to be proved wrong!

Cerwin-Vega! XD desktop monitors are, by far, the best in their class. The XD Series is truly the next level in high performance compact sound systems. Whether you are creating media, gaming or being entertained - the superior sound of the Cerwin Vega! The XD line will maximize the experience. Constructed of real wooden cabinets, they ensure tight bass - essential for accurate media creation with equally efficient translation of Mid-Range and High Range sound patterns. Playing games? Let XD bring the roaring engines and exploding bombs to life. The ability to enjoy everything from watching videos, video gaming or mixing the fruits of your studio labors, the XD tweeter's crystal clarity delivers every single breath without distorting, and the bass is earth shaking without drowning out the unique sound qualities you want to hear.

With a total of three desktop models to choose from; right for any budget or footprint, and each with multiple input connections for easy setup. Add the XD8S Subwoofer with the desktop remote for extended low frequencies and convenient system control. We tested the XD5 Speakers and The XD8s Sub in several real world applications, connected to our computer, to a mixing board in the studio, to a Stanton SCS.4DJ Mixing Table and a live music “Head to Head” against a Guitar amp. In all situations the Cerwin-Vega! XD desktop monitors shined, and it beat out the guitar amp for clarity while doing complex note progressions! We had the Guitarists from PARLY in our studio to help with the companion video to this review and they were blown away with the quality of sound and by the affordable price, MSRP ranges between $299.99 and $350.00 for either the XD5 or XD8s, so it costs less for an entire setup than for some single monitors with compatible qualities.

XD5 Desktop Speakers

The XD5, 5" 2 Way Powered Desktop Speakers optimize the sound output while keeping the enclosure rather small by housing a large 5" driver. Clean sound is maintained by using low noise amplifiers that don't disappoint when the volume is set to high. When deeper bass is needed, turn on the signature “Vega-Bass” to enable the enhanced Bass Boost. The XD5 fully integrate with your entire sound system and outboard accessories. The XD5 has the capability to handle multiple inputs; you can switch instantly between your computer as a source or other more portable devices such as iPods, phones and other media players via the 1/8" stereo Auxiliary input. The XD5 also has a convenient headphone jack which allows you to "keep it down" while maintaining full control through the front panel power switch and volume adjustments.

Check The Specks! - The perfect companion for your computer

· Compact size without "compact" sound

· Appearance matches laptops and LCD monitors

· Magnetically shielded to prevent interference

· Rich and natural sound of a real wood enclosure

· 5" woofer / 1" tweeter

· 50 watts amplifier with built in crossover

· Perfect for music, gaming and media production

Technical Specifications:

Frequency Response: 60Hz – 21 kHz with Power Output (Watts): 50

Weight: 17.4 lbs. / 7.9 kg - Dimensions (HxWxD) 12.01" x 18.50" x 13.39" / 305 mm x 470 mm x 340 mm

 

XD8s Subwoofer

The XD8s fully integrates your entire sound system and outboard accessories with the included desktop remote control. The XD8s , like all in the XD line, has the capability to handle multiple inputs, and you can switch instantly between your computer as a source or other more portable platforms such as iPods, phones and other media players via the 1/8” stereo Auxiliary input.

When creating the XD8 speaker for desktop and computer applications, Cerwin-Vega was able to optimize the sound output while keeping the subwoofer enclosure small to integrate easily below your desktop or home environment. At the ultra-low level, where desktop monitors reach their physical limitations, the XD8s sub offers deep bass extension, allowing each system to go to a new level of performance. Unlike other desktop speaker systems, the Cerwin-Vega! XD Series is built with solid MDF wood enclosures, allowing it to deliver the same quality of bass as much larger home speaker systems. Signal purity must be maintained by using low noise amplifiers that don't disappoint when the volume is set to high.

If you are looking for extended bass response, high SPL and an optimally designed port for proper low frequency phase alignment and minimal turbulence, the XD8s is your match. In addition to the standard audio input and outputs, a volume knob, versatile crossover and polarity switch can be found at the rear of the sub for aligning its audio to any desktop monitors. A System Remote connection port is also on the sub for use with the included XD8s Remote Control, which allows for easy volume control of the entire system. Featuring a Volume knob and Mute/Bypass switch, it is also outfitted with an audio input jack.

Check the Specks! –like all the XD Line, The perfect companion for your computer's sound system

· Compact size delivers large Cerwin-Vega sound

· Includes desktop remote to control the entire system volume

· Magnetically shielded to prevent interference

· Rich and natural sound of a real wood enclosure

· Efficient high excursion 8" subwoofer

· 80 watts amplifier with adjustable crossover and phase

· Perfect for music, gaming and media production

Technical Specifications:

Frequency Response: 35Hz – 255Hz / Frequency Range: 32Hz – 390Hz

Amplifier Power: 80 W RMS

Weight: 18.5 lbs. / 8.4 kg Dimensions (HxWxD) 17.32" x 7.09" x 14.96" 440 mm x 175 mm x 380 mm

Our experience with these wonderful and well equipped speakers is the same as you will get! We put the XD5 and XD8s through every possible home studio and professional studio situation and live performance testing, hands down the best we’ve seen so far in this particular type of product.

Visit our YouTube page to see and hear for yourself the rich and vibrant sounds you will get with the Cerwin-Vega XD series Desktop Speakers

Visit http://www.cerwinvega.com/index.html for more information about this and other quality products available from Cerwin-Vega!

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