Soundbars/Soundbases

The aptly-named Cambridge Audio Minx TV is minimalist in several senses, with an absence of controls and displays on its body and a form factor that’s not much larger than a briefcase. It has, however, been stress-tested to support televisions up to 30kg, so its meagre 49cm width could prove the main limiting factor in terms of logistics.

It offers an optical, stereo phono and a 3.5mm aux input, all of which are outward-facing on the rear. It uses a 
single white LED, which is hidden behind the front stocking-like grille to indicate its power status (and this flashes during Bluetooth pairing), otherwise you have to use the remote to confirm or select inputs and sound modes. No wider than two fingers, the remote is titchy (easy to lose down the back of the sofa maybe) but its 12 buttons are at least clearly labelled. 

The Minx TV’s two 2.25in Balanced Mode Radiators use a pistonic effect to push sound all around the room. Along with the 50W subwoofer they are powered by a 100W digital amp and manage to generate a deceptively large sound for their size.

There are four EQ modes: TV; Film; Music and Voice. Differences between them aren’t as profound as expected but at least each one does seem suited to the genre its named after. Dialogue in Iron Man 3 can sound shrill but at least it’s distinct from the background noises. It can go loud without distorting but the Minx TV isn’t the most refined of performers, the collapsing water tower in the Marvel movie lacks the clarity heard elsewhere and higher frequencies have a harshness that grates a tad.

Music played back via Bluetooth is fairly pleasing; vocals are again a bit shrill but the bass in Spitfire by Public Service Broadcasting comes across nice and meaty. 

Cambridge Audio Minx TV, £200, www.cambridgeaudio.com

Verdict: 3.5/5