TANGENT SPECTRUM X4 - PAIR

The Tangent Spectrum range offers a contemporary design and style in a compact speaker.

The Spectrum X4 model is the smallest model in the line, featuring a 4″ woofer and a 25 mm tweeter.

Description

Tangent Spectrum X4 modern compact bookshelf speakers

The Tangent Spectrum X4 convey great care in construction and a feeling of quality absolutely above expectations. But the real surprise comes as soon as you connect them: powerful, detailed, great response to low frequencies. The quality/price ratio to which the Danish brand has accustomed us since the EVO series, exceeds any expectation with the current Tangent Spectrum X4. The design then, makes them attractive and suitable for any setting. Spectrum X4 are the entry step into the family of passive speakers but are already extremely precise from a sonically point of view and beautifully made, with satin white or satin black finishes, always with a wood-colored base.

Quality at the right price

The Tangent Spectrum X4 are a rare breed: budget passive speakers. Speakers in the very budget price range today are often very poor quality, plasticky, active and wireless. And many people buy their first audio system without ever knowing that there are speakers that need to be connected to an amplifier to work. Or without knowing the concept of an amplifier at all. The Spectrum X4 speakers need an amplifier to work: we recommend the Tangent Ampster BT2, stereo, wireless and very affordable.

The Tangent Spectrum X4 is compatible with any interior design: they measure 14 cm wide and double in height. The cabinet has rounded edges and a matt satin lacquer in black or white. A walnut veneer base plate gives it an appropriate touch of personality. The weight and finish are very satisfying to touch.

Spectrum X4, small but “mean” speakers!

The Spectrum X4 bookshelf or stand speakers are the smallest in the range but offer excellent performance, even astonishing for those who are not used to real HiFi speakers but listen to TV, radio, car radio, maybe micro systems from the 2000s...

The two drivers inside each speaker are a 4-inch midwoofer and a 1-inch dome tweeter: they are hidden behind protective metal grilles with a tone-on-tone finish. On the back are the bass reflex port and a pair of valid screw/banana terminals. The performance of the Tangents really belies their compact size, being able to handle up to 80 Watts of power with a sensitivity of 88 dB.

The Spectrum X4s are often paired with the new Ampster BT2 class D Bluetooth amplifier: the combination of amplifier and speaker of the same brand is in this case a guarantee of excellent results. Alternatively, the new Elipson mini WiFi amplifier is used. One final detail: the Spectrum X4s can also be wall-mounted.

They deserve a good placement

Due to their size and price, ideal for beginners and amateurs, the Tangent Spectrum X4 will probably be placed on a bookshelf or console. That's all well and good, but if you place them on a couple of stands with some distance from the wall (20-30cm) at the back and from the corners and tilt them a bit towards the listening position, they can demonstrate surprising qualities.

Sound quality

The Spectrum X4 have a pleasant and fairly neutral sound, no tonal range is particularly highlighted or neglected. The size of the cabinet and the small 4-inch woofer set the limits in terms of bass, but the reproduction of each frequency is more than good considering that these are ultra-compact passive speakers (and therefore without any DSP).

The speakers go down to 65 Hz and the threshold is reached very well up to high volume without distortion. The midrange is reproduced really well. Voices retain their individual character and this testifies to an effective low distortion. The same goes for the depth perspective achieved, which is surprisingly good. The stereo image is not as high and wide as on more expensive bookshelf speakers, but it is there.

The highs are not reasonably to be criticized. There may be a bit of harshness around 2-4 kHz on some recordings, but not enough to make listening uncomfortable. And considering the price, this is completely irrelevant.

All in all, the Tangent Spectrum X4 perform exemplary at low and medium volumes. Where limitations appear is when you turn up the volume, where the midrange clarity and panning are lost. This is not something to blame Tangent for, the speakers just obey the laws of physics! If you want more bass power and more volume, just move up to the Spectrum X5 or the flagship floorstander – the X6

Since passive speakers are rare in this price range, it is hard to find direct competitors. Comparable speakers tend to cost around double – the Spectrums are really hard to beat. In short, these speakers are significantly better than the price tag would justify.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Tweeter: 1 inch

Woofer: 4 inch bass reflex

Configuration: 2-way

Frequency range (+/- 3dB): 65-20000 Hz

Impedance: 4-8 Ω

Recommended amplifier: 20-100 Watts

Dimensions: W146 x H275 x D198 mm

Weight: 3.45 kg

PRICE REFERS TO THE PAIR OF SPEAKERS