Xscace Speaker System review

The moment you unpack the Xscace Cane slim array speakers and Acacia subwoofer, it’s clear that build quality is a priority here. The Cane speakers are sculpted from what feels like a solid billet of aluminum, dense and immaculately finished. This isn’t just for show either—rigid enclosures mean reduced resonances and better acoustics. And even though the design screams minimalism, subtle gold accents on the Acacia sub’s feet lend a premium flourish. Each Cane speaker houses four micro-drivers, arranged in a line array format that’s as much about controlled dispersion as it is about maintaining slim proportions. And if you have a larger room or simply want more output, Xscace offers a “Quad Cane” configuration—essentially doubling up the number of drivers per side. The Acacia subwoofer, meanwhile, opts for a passive design. It’s built around a 10-inch passive driver that feeds into a slot-loaded port and a slim chassis that is easy to wedge into any corner or gap between furniture, making the subwoofer more decor-friendly without compromising bass output. Xscace claims a low-frequency reach of 40Hz, and while placement plays a big role in achieving that, it’s impressive for such a slim chassis.

The Air Amp is where everything ties together. A hybrid of streamer, DAC, amplifier, and preamp, it’s as compact as it is competent. There’s a no-nonsense front panel with a multifunction knob and a small, basic display. Sure, it’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. More importantly, it’s got all the connectivity bases covered—from HDMI ARC for TVs to analog inputs and USB support. It even comes bundled with a remote for more traditional setups. The accompanying GoControl app allows you to group speakers into different zones, tweak basic EQ settings, and control streaming playback. It’s not Sonos-slick, but it’s perfectly usable. Output-wise, the Air Amp delivers 80W into 4 ohms, enough to drive the compact Canes without breaking a sweat. But make no mistake: this is not a high-headroom audiophile amp. It’s built for clarity, simplicity, and integration—not brute force.

One of the highlights of the Xscace system is just how clean and simple the setup is. The Cane speakers and Acacia passive sub connect directly to the Air Amp, making wiring neat and cable management easy. Wall mounting the Cane speakers is tool-free and a dream for those who don’t want their living room looking like an AV lab. The design blends into modern decor, making it especially attractive for spaces that prioritize aesthetics or minimalism.

Surprisingly capable in its performance, dialogue intelligibility is excellent, which makes this system a compelling alternative to traditional soundbars when paired with a TV. When used over HDMI ARC, voices are crisp, centered, and never muddy, even at lower volumes. The bass integration is seamless. Many sub/sat systems struggle with an audible disconnect between the subwoofer and satellite speakers, but not here. Xscace has clearly invested in getting the crossover and DSP right. The transition between the Cane speakers and Acacia sub is smooth, lending a cohesive sense of scale to the presentation.

That said, there are limits. While the system can reach satisfying SPL levels for casual music listening and TV viewing, it doesn’t deliver the same room-filling energy or imaging depth of a traditional bookshelf or floorstanding speaker setup. Soundstage width is respectable, but height and depth are limited by the size and orientation of the drivers. Still, tonal balance is excellent. The system never sounds harsh or tinny, even at higher volumes. The voicing is rich and smooth, with just enough sparkle to keep things lively. You won’t get earth-shaking bass, but you will get a tight, musical low-end that’s perfectly suited for most modern living rooms. And perhaps most importantly, it’s fatigue-free. Not surprising, since the Cane measures almost flat from 100Hz all the way to 10kHz! Add the unique dispersion characteristics of the line array configuration and you fill up a large space without significant reduction in output as you start moving away from the speaker. You can listen to this system for hours without feeling like your ears need a break. That’s a rare trait these days, especially in compact systems trying to punch above their weight.

The Xscace speaker system is for a very specific kind of listener. If you’re the kind of person who counts speaker grilles as visual clutter and won’t tolerate large boxes disrupting your minimalist interior, this is exactly the kind of system you’ve been waiting for. It’s not going to win any audiophile shootouts against similarly priced floorstanders or reference stereo setups. But that’s not what it’s trying to do. This is about high-performance sound in a low-visibility package, and on that front, Xscace absolutely delivers. Think of it as the audio equivalent of stealth wealth—understated, refined, and confident in what it brings to the table. Or, more accurately, what it doesn’t bring—like unsightly wires, black boxes, or audio gear that dominates your room.