Page 8 - Performance SoundXPlosion

Testing the SoundXPlosion

The SoundXPlosion is a closed back design, which isolates the listener from outside noises. This is great in that it increases the signal to noise ratio; less noise, greater signal.  The drawback is that it is easy to have the enclosure resonate at certain frequencies if not damprned. I used Stereophile's Test Disc #2 playing through the DMX 6-fire to get a rough idea of its frequency response and to figure out where it resonated most. The SoundXPlosion will start to shake your head with a 25Hz test tone, albeit, very lightly. This tone is inaudible with the Grado SR125's. All is smooth and good up until the enclosure started to resonate at around 600Hz (the second D above middle C). The SoundXPlosion, or my ears, gave up at around 12,500Hz. The signal was lost in the din of the computer's fans.

Now, getting the proper channel balance is trickier. At default settings, the center channel will absolutely punch you in the face with volume, and the rear surrounds will need a healthy boost. If you like to tweak audio settings, and it is half the fun, you can achieve a harmonious balance with the SoundXPlosion in surround sound mode.

Overall, the SoundXPlosion is pretty good minus the bit of coloration. It is possible to get used to the coloration of the SoundXPlosion quickly, or use the EQ in the driver to lessen the resonance. Of course the ideal is to not have any coloration in your audio system at all, especially in the ear's most sensitive region.