Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 Active Subwoofer Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This cambridge audio msx sub 300 review examines a compact active subwoofer designed for home entertainment. It delivers 300W of power handling to produce deep, authoritative bass. The unit measures 11 inches in width, height, and length, making it a cube-shaped addition to your setup. Weighing 22 pounds, it is built to move air with ease. This subwoofer aims to fill larger rooms with dynamic surround sound. It blends musical accuracy with raw power, guided by Cambridge Audio’s tuning heritage. The design prioritizes physical presence for films and texture for music.
What stands out
- 300W power handling for high-output performance
- Compact 11x11x11 inch cube design
- 22 pounds weight for stable placement
- Premium matte finish in black or white
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this subwoofer if you have a medium to large room and need substantial low-frequency impact. The 300W power rating helps it fill expansive spaces without distortion. It suits buyers who want a compact footprint that does not dominate the room. The refined matte finish allows it to match Cambridge Audio’s active stereo speakers visually. If you prioritize musical accuracy alongside cinematic weight, this unit offers a balanced integration for your home theater or hi-fi system.
Who should skip it
You might look elsewhere if you require a subwoofer with variable port configurations or external DSP controls not listed here. The data shows a fixed 11-inch cube form factor, which may not fit into tight corners designed for rectangular enclosures. If you need wireless connectivity options or app-based room correction, these features are not mentioned in the specifications. Additionally, those seeking a subwoofer with significantly higher power handling than 300W may find this model insufficient for very large, high-volume environments.
Verdict: The Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 offers a compact, high-power solution for integrating deep bass into home entertainment systems. Its 300W rating and cube design make it a practical choice for rooms needing authoritative low frequencies without a large physical footprint.
Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 Key Specs
Power Handling: 300W
This wattage indicates the amplifier can deliver substantial energy to move the driver cone. You get deeper, more authoritative low frequencies that fill larger rooms with ease. This power level supports dynamic surround sound for movies and adds physical presence to music. It ensures consistent performance without strain during high-volume passages, making it suitable for expansive home entertainment setups where you need reliable bass impact.
Speaker Type: Powered
A powered subwoofer contains a built-in amplifier, so you do not need a separate receiver channel or external amp. You connect it directly to your source or preamp output. This simplifies your setup and reduces cable clutter. It also allows for specific tuning and controls integrated into the unit itself. This design choice offers convenience and precise integration, ensuring the bass blends seamlessly with your existing stereo or surround sound system.
Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 11 inches
These cubic dimensions make the subwoofer a compact, space-efficient addition to your room. The square footprint fits easily into corners or behind furniture without dominating your living space. Despite its small size, the design aims to move air effectively for its class. This form factor is ideal for apartments or smaller media rooms where floor space is limited but you still require high-quality, controlled bass output for films and music.
Weight: 22 pounds
This weight suggests a solid internal construction that helps minimize unwanted vibrations during operation. A heavier cabinet provides stability, preventing the unit from shifting or resonating excessively when playing deep bass notes. It also contributes to a denser enclosure, which can improve sound quality by reducing cabinet coloration. You benefit from a stable foundation that maintains accuracy, ensuring the bass remains tight and controlled rather than boomy or loose.
Design and Build Quality
According to the listing, the Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 features a compact, cube-shaped design. Its dimensions are 11 inches in width, height, and length. This specific footprint allows it to fit into corners or tight spaces without dominating your room. The unit weighs 22 pounds, providing a stable base that minimizes vibration during high-output operation.
The finish is described as a premium matte option available in black or white. This design choice helps the subwoofer blend visually with your existing Cambridge Audio stereo speakers. The matte texture reduces glare and matches the refined aesthetic of the brand's other active speakers. This ensures the unit looks as polished as it sounds in any home theater setup.
As a powered speaker, the internal amplifier is housed within this compact enclosure. The 300W power handling supports the twin auxiliary drivers inside. This configuration delivers deeper, more authoritative low frequencies. The design prioritizes musical accuracy alongside raw power. You get a unit that is engineered to move air efficiently while maintaining a discreet physical presence. The build quality supports consistent performance across larger spaces without distortion.
Setup And Everyday Use
Setup begins with connecting the Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 to your receiver or amplifier. As a powered speaker, it requires a standard audio signal input. The 300W power handling ensures the internal amplifier can drive the twin auxiliary drivers without strain. This power level allows the subwoofer to integrate smoothly with your existing home theater system. You do not need an external amp, which simplifies your cable management and reduces clutter in your entertainment center.
The compact 11-inch cube dimensions allow flexible placement. You can position it in a corner or against a wall to maximize bass response. The refined matte finish helps it blend with your other Cambridge Audio speakers, whether you choose the black or white color option. This aesthetic consistency matters for everyday use, as the subwoofer becomes a visible part of your room decor.
Daily operation involves adjusting the advanced tuning controls. These adjustable settings let you balance the output with your main speakers. You can fine-tune the crossover and phase to match your room’s acoustics. This precision ensures the subwoofer delivers cinematic low frequencies for movies without overwhelming dialogue. For music, the tuning provides texture and timing in bass notes. The system handles larger spaces confidently, filling the room with dynamic sound. You get consistent performance whether watching films or listening to tracks, with the subwoofer providing grounded, controlled bass that enhances your overall audio experience.
Before you buy this subwoofer
The Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 is a compact, cube-shaped active subwoofer. Its 11-inch dimensions allow it to fit into corners or tight spaces. You should verify that your receiver or amplifier supports the connection type required for this powered speaker. The 300W power handling drives twin auxiliary drivers, so ensure your main speakers can handle the bass output without distortion. This subwoofer is designed to blend with larger home entertainment setups. It features a premium matte finish available in black or white. You may need to adjust the crossover settings to match your room size. The tuning prioritizes musical accuracy alongside power. Check your available space carefully, as the cube shape requires specific clearance. This unit suits those who want deep, authoritative bass without overwhelming their listening area. It complements the other 1 options by offering high power in a small footprint. Keep the area around the vents clear for proper airflow and longevity.
Check before you buy
- Verify receiver output compatibility for the powered speaker input.
- Measure corner space to ensure the 11-inch cube fits properly.
- Check if your main speakers can handle the 300W bass output.
- Confirm the matte finish color matches your existing audio gear.
The product at a glance
Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 Active Subwoofer
Best for: Compact high-power bass in larger rooms
- Power Handling
- 300W
- Speaker Type
- Powered
- Dimensions
- 11 × 11 × 11 inches
- Weight
- 22 pounds
View on Amazon: Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 Active Subwoofer Affiliate link
The Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 is a 300W powered subwoofer designed for larger rooms. It features twin auxiliary drivers and a compact 11-inch cubic footprint. The matte black finish matches other Cambridge Audio speakers. You get precise integration controls for balanced sound. This unit suits home theater setups where deep, authoritative bass is needed without overwhelming detail.
Pros
- 300W high-power handling for dynamic bass
- Compact 11x11x11 inch cubic design
- Twin auxiliary drivers for deeper low frequencies
- Premium matte finish for refined aesthetics
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity listed in specifications
- Limited to 11-inch dimensions for small spaces
- No remote control mentioned in data
Good fit if
- You need a subwoofer for a larger room
- You want a compact 11-inch cube design
- You prioritize musical accuracy and power
Skip if
- You require Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- You need a subwoofer with a remote
- You prefer a subwoofer larger than 11 inches
Verdict: Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 delivers 300W of power in a compact 11-inch cube. It fits buyers who want deep bass in a small footprint without wireless features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 Active Subwoofer |
|---|---|
| Power Handling | 300W |
| Speaker Type | Powered |
| Dimensions | 11 × 11 × 11 inches |
| Weight | 22 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Model | MSX SUB 300 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 a powered subwoofer?
Yes, it is a powered subwoofer. This means the amplifier is built directly into the cabinet. You connect it to your receiver or amplifier using a standard audio signal input. The internal 300W power handling drives the driver cone without needing an external amp.
What are the dimensions of the Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300?
The unit measures 11 inches in width, height, and length. This creates a compact, cube-shaped footprint. You can place it in corners or tight spaces without it dominating your room. The small size allows for flexible placement in various home theater setups.
How much does the Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 weigh?
It weighs 22 pounds. This weight provides stability during high-output bass reproduction. The solid build helps minimize unwanted vibrations. You can move it with relative ease, but it stays firmly in place once positioned in your listening area.
What color is the Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300?
It comes in black. This neutral color allows it to blend seamlessly into most home theater environments. The finish helps it remain unobtrusive in living rooms or dedicated media spaces. It matches well with typical black home theater equipment.
Does the Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 have wireless connectivity?
The product data does not mention wireless features. It relies on a wired connection to your receiver or amplifier. You must use an audio cable to send the signal. This design ensures a stable, interference-free connection for your low-frequency effects.
Is the Cambridge Audio MSX SUB 300 suitable for large rooms?
It delivers 300W of power handling, which supports dynamic surround sound. This power level helps fill larger rooms with deep, authoritative bass. The compact size does not limit its ability to produce substantial energy. You get deep bass without a massive cabinet.
What is the model number of this subwoofer?
The model is the MSX SUB 300. This identifier distinguishes it from other Cambridge Audio products. You can use this model number when looking for replacement parts or technical support. It confirms you are referring to the specific 300W powered unit.