nuBoxx B-50

Box type, sound and recommended use

The nuBoxx B-50 is a versatile multifunctional loudspeaker. Positioned horizontally, it shines as an assertive centre speaker or as a sophisticated compact sound transducer for limited space. With a cabinet height of only 14 centimetres, for example, it fits comfortably under the TV and, with a little rear clearance, also nestles into small shelf compartments. When set up vertically, the D'Appolito arrangement with one woofer above and one below the tweeter produces an amazingly full and powerful sound.

The same bass-midrange driver is used here that is also used in the nuBoxx BF-10 wall-mounted speaker, but in a dual version. In combination with the generously dimensioned acoustic volume, this enables an even lower lower cut-off frequency of 60 Hertz (at -3 decibels) and thus full-fledged sound enjoyment with astonishing low bass. Thanks to the efficiency of 87 decibels, even not too powerful compact amplifiers can drive the nuBoxx B-50 to brilliant performances, but with a continuous power handling of 170 watts, it is not afraid of levels well beyond room volume.

As a centre speaker, the nuBoxx B-50 convinces with clear voice reproduction and wide dispersion. However, we recommend the nuBoxx B-50 not only as a pure centre speaker, but also as a flexible multi-functional speaker, which is at its best in combination with an additional subwoofer from the nuSub series. Especially in home cinema systems, the B-50 can be used in multiple ways, for example as a front and centre speaker, to enjoy a maximally homogeneous sound experience. At the same time, the harmonious tuning across the entire nuBoxx series favours the combination with other nuBoxx models in multi-channel sets.

In stereo music systems, the nuBoxx B-50 can be a recommendable alternative to the B-30 and B-40, especially when used as a satellite speaker with subwoofer support. Vertical placement offers optimised dispersion thanks to the D'Appolito arrangement.

Construction principle/housing

Two-way compact loudspeaker in bass reflex design. The 16-millimetre-thick cabinet walls are made of acoustically advantageous and robust wood-fibre material (MDF). Precisely calculated internal bracing and strategically positioned damping elements not only increase the mechanical stability of the construction, but above all suppress resonances that are harmful to the sound.The housing body and the baffle are coated with a high-quality, robust decorative film in black or white. The optional, removable front cover, which is available in various colours, is covered with high-quality acoustic fabric and adheres magnetically so that the elegant appearance is not impaired by visible mounting sockets. With the supplied elastic buffers, the box finds secure footing.

Chassis

The nuBoxx B-50 is equipped with a 26 millimetre tweeter (nuOva B) and two 123 millimetre bass-midrange drivers (B² technology).

All nuBoxx models rely on the same silk-fabric tweeter dome, developed on the basis of the advanced nuOva chassis of the nuLine series and christened nuOva B. A multi-layered damped rear chamber volume behind the oscillating system ensures a particularly harmonious frequency transition to the bass-midrange driver, while the carefully designed and precisely manufactured front panel with wide-dispersion sound guidance optimises the dispersion characteristics and fine detailing of the super-high frequency range above 7 kilohertz. As a result, the new nuBoxx tweeter sets standards in terms of resolving power and allows the audience to enjoy maximum listening pleasure even outside the narrowly defined "sweet spot".

When developing the 123-millimetre woofers with polypropylene cone, special attention was paid to a flow-optimised basket design to minimise flow losses and pressure build-up in the chassis. Furthermore, this design has a very positive effect on the thermal load capacity of the chassis. In combination with a particularly long excursion design of the oscillating system, a particularly high sound pressure level can be achieved with a simultaneously extremely compact cabinet design. The generously dimensioned drive also makes a significant contribution to the quality of this chassis. The remarkably powerful magnet system generates a high magnetic flux, optimising the efficiency and bass response of the speaker. All these design features result in a combination of deep and powerful reproduction - outstanding for this price range.

Crossover

The crossover separates the signal paths, linearises the driver systems and optimises the impulse and phase. As usual with Nubert, the circuit board is of above-average complexity and equipped with long-term stable film capacitors at the sound-critical points. A reliable protection circuit cuts off the amplifier current to the chassis and crossover in the event of an impending overload and then automatically resets itself to normal operation.

Connection terminal

All nuBoxx speakers are equipped with a completely redesigned connection terminal, which is precisely recessed in the lower area of the rear panel. The bi-wiring terminal of previous nuBox generations, which is rarely used in the entry-level class, has been replaced by two high-quality angled screw terminals with precision threads, which now also offer banana plugs a secure hold and an optimum contact surface.

More info in Technik »satt«

For all technically interested music and home cinema lovers who are not put off by hard facts and metrological details, Günther Nubert's „»Technik satt«“ offers plenty of technical correlations and electro-acoustic background knowledge as well as the topic of sound optimisation and insights into the development and history of Nubert loudspeakers and devices.