A center channel speaker is a vital part of a surround sound system, providing dialog and music clarity. It helps to anchor the soundstage, allowing the other speakers in the system to blend better and produce a more lifelike experience.
This device is usually placed directly above or below the television. If your TV is wall-mounted, then the speaker should be too. The ideal placement is at ear level when you are seated in your viewing spot.
In this article, we will guide you through a comprehensive process of picking a center channel speaker that best suits your needs.
The Types of Center Channel Speakers
First and foremost, we would like to point out that there are three types of center channel speakers: passive, powered, and wireless. Each of these has its own set of pros and cons.
- Passive center channel speakers are the most basic and traditional type. They require an amplifier or AV receiver to function and are, therefore, more complicated to set up than powered or wireless models. On the plus side, they tend to be more affordable and offer better sound quality.
- Powered center channel speakers have a built-in amplifier and do not require any external power source. This makes them easier to set up and usually more portable than passive models. However, they are usually more expensive.
- Wireless center channel speakers connect to the rest of your surround sound system wirelessly, using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This is the most convenient option, as it does not require any cables or extra components. However, wireless speakers tend to be more expensive than their wired counterparts.
Now that you know the three main types of center channel speakers, let’s take a look at some of the key features you should keep in mind when making your purchase.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Center Channel Speaker
When shopping for a central channel speaker, it's important to keep in mind that not all models are created equal. There are many factors that can affect a speaker's sound quality, so be sure to consider the following before making your purchase. Selecting a center channel speaker, pay attention to its size, power handling, and sensitivity.
- Size: The size of the speaker is one of the most important factors to consider. If you have a large room, then you'll need a bigger speaker to fill it with sound. Conversely, if you have a small room, then a smaller speaker will be sufficient.
- Power handling: The power handling of a speaker refers to the amount of power it can handle without being damaged. If you have a powerful amplifier, then you'll need a speaker with high power handling. However, if you have a weaker amplifier, then you'll need a speaker with low power handling.
- Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a speaker refers to how much sound it produces when given a certain amount of power. A higher sensitivity means that the speaker is more efficient and will produce more sound with less power. Conversely, a lower sensitivity means that the speaker is less efficient and will require more power to produce the same amount of sound.
Best Center Channel Speakers: Our Top Picks
Now that you know what to look for in a center channel speaker, let's take a look at some of the best models on the market. All these products were chosen based on our own personal experience and the opinions of other experts in the field.
Best Overall: Klipsch Center Channel Speaker
Klipsch R-52C is a powerful and versatile detailed center channel home speaker that delivers clear and precise dialogue for your movies and music. It has a frequency response of 62 Hz – 24 kHz and is equipped with a 1" aluminum tweeter and dual 5.25" copper-spun high-output IMG woofers. The R-52C produces a rich sound with low distortion and can fill smaller to medium rooms with ease. It's also relatively easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware. Overall, the Klipsch R-52C is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality center channel speaker.
The sensitivity of this speaker is Sensitivity 95dB at 2. 83V/1m. 2-way center channel speaker with high-output IMG woofers and a 1" aluminum tweeter.
Pros:
- Clear and precise dialogue.
- Low distortion.
- Easy to set up.
- Comes with all the necessary hardware.
Cons:
- Not best for large rooms.
In Wall Center Channel Speaker: Polk Audio 255c-RT
Polk audio 255C-RT is an in-wall center channel speaker that produces a very decent sound for your movies and music. It has a frequency response of 48 Hz – 20 kHz and is equipped with a 1" silk/polymer tweeter and two 5.25" polymer woofers. The Polk 255c-RT produces a rich sound with low distortion and can fill smaller to medium rooms with ease.
The sound produced by this speaker is very clear and loud, and the deep bass is also very profound. However, one potential downside is that the speaker may require more power than some amplifiers can provide. Overall, the Polk 255c-RT is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality in-wall center channel speaker.
The sensitivity of this speaker is 89 dB at 2. 83V/1m. 2-way center channel speaker with a 1" Silk/Polymer tweeter.
Pros:
- Clear and loud sound.
- Deep bass.
- Can fill smaller to medium rooms with ease.
- Two 5.25" polymer woofers.
Cons:
- May require more power than some amplifiers can provide.
Center Channel Speaker for Music: Yamaha NS-C210BL
Yamaha audio NS-C210BL is a 2 way bass reflex center speaker that is designed for music lovers. It has a frequency response of 55 Hz – 20 kHz and is equipped with a 7/8 inches balanced dome tweeter and two 3" cone woofers. The Yamaha NS-C210BL produces a very clear and natural sound that is perfect for listening to music.
The slim design matches flat panel TVs perfectly and can be easily mounted on a wall using the included brackets. Overall, the Yamaha NS-C210BL is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality center channel speaker for music.
Pros:
- Clear and natural sound.
- Slim design.
- Can be easily mounted on a wall.
- Includes brackets.
Cons:
- Bass may not be as deep as some would like.
Compact and Efficient: Definitive Technology Center Channel Speaker
Definitive Technology Procenter 1000 is a compact center speaker that is designed to be very efficient. It has a frequency response of 50 Hz – 20 kHz and is equipped with two 4.5-Inch Cast basket drivers and a 1-Inch Silk Dome tweeter. The Procenter 1000 produces a very clear and precise sound that is perfect for dialogue-heavy movies and TV shows.
The frequency response is 47Hz - 30kHz.A/V receivers.
Due to the glossy black finish, the speaker will easily match your room style. Overall, the Definitive Technology Procenter 1000 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality and efficient center channel speaker.
Pros:
- Very clear and precise sound.
- Perfect for dialogue-heavy movies and TV shows.
- Compact design.
- 1-inch pure aluminum dome tweeter.
Cons:
- May not be best for music listening.
Best Budget Pick: Dayton Audio
Dayton Audio MK442 is a great budget option for those looking for a high-quality center channel speaker. It has a frequency response of 80 Hz – 20 kHz and is equipped with a 1" aluminum tweeter and two 4" woofers. The MK442 produces a clear and concise sound that is perfect for movies and TV shows.
The 3/4" tweeter offers the airy top end that is crucial for crisp dialogue, while the 4" woofers provide tight, accurate bass. The overall sound is very crisp and great-sounding.
The Dayton Audio MK442 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality center channel speaker on a budget.
The speaker is very easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware. Overall, the Dayton Audio MK442 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality center channel speaker.
Pros:
- Clear and concise.
- Easy to set up.
- Comes with all the necessary hardware.
Cons:
- Not the most heavy-duty option.
Slim Center Channel Speaker: Polk Signature Elite ES35
Polk Signature Elite ES35 is a slim center channel speaker that is designed for those looking for a high-quality and sleek option. It has a frequency response of 35 Hz – 40 kHz and is equipped with a 1" Silk/Polymer tweeter and two 5.25" Bass/Midrange drivers. The ES35 produces a clear and accurate sound that is perfect for dialogue-heavy movies and TV shows.
The 5.25" drivers provide tight, accurate bass, while the 1" tweeter offers the airy top end that is crucial for crisp dialogue. The overall sound is very well-balanced and perfect for small to medium-sized rooms.
The Polk Signature Elite ES35 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality and sleek center channel speaker.
The speaker is very easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware. Overall, the Polk Signature Elite ES35 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality center channel speaker.
Pros:
- Clear and accurate sound.
- Sleek design.
- Very easy to set up.
- Comes with all the necessary hardware.
Cons:
- Bass might not be as deep as some would like.
Top Wired Option: JBL Studio 520CBK
JBL studio 520CBK is a 2-way dual 4-inch center channel speaker that offers a wide frequency response of 35Hz - 20kHz. It is equipped with Transducers with PolyPlas cones and a 1-inch CMMD Lite high-frequency driver.
The JBL 520CBK is designed to produce a clear and accurate sound that is perfect for dialogue-heavy movies and TV shows. The overall sound is very well-balanced and perfect for any room size.
The ABS Bi-Radial High-Frequency Horns offer the airy top end that is crucial for crisp dialogue, while the 4" woofers provide tight, accurate bass. The speaker is very easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware. Overall, the JBL 520CBK is an excellent choice for those looking for a great wired center channel speaker.
Pros:
- Clear and accurate sound.
- Very easy to set up.
- Comes with all the necessary hardware.
- PolyPlas cones.
Cons:
- Some may find the sound to be a bit harsh.
Most Versatile Wireless Option: SAMSUNG HW-S61B
SAMSUNG HW-S61B is the Amazon exclusive 5.0CH all-in-one wireless soundbar that offers a wide frequency response of 35Hz - 20kHz. It is equipped with 4 built-in speakers and 2 wireless rear surround sound speakers.
The HW-S61B is designed to produce a clear and accurate sound that is perfect for dialogue-heavy movies and TV shows.
The speakers are equipped with the Alexa built-in and Bluetooth 4.2 technologies that offer the airy top end that is crucial for crisp dialogue, while the 4" woofers provide tight, accurate bass. The speaker is very easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware. Overall, the SAMSUNG HW-S61B is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile wireless center channel speaker.
Pros:
- Clear and accurate sound.
- Very easy to set up.
- Comes with all the necessary hardware.
- 4 built-in speakers.
- 2 wireless rear surround sound speakers.
- Alexa built-in.
- Bluetooth 4.2.
Cons:
- On the pricey side.
Best Center Channel Speakers: Our Verdict
Center channel speakers are an important part of any home theater setup. They provide the clear and accurate dialogue that is essential for enjoying movies and TV shows. There are many great center channel speakers on the market, but the Polk Signature Elite ES35 and the JBL 520CBK are our top picks.
The Polk Signature Elite ES35 is a slim center channel speaker that produces a clear and accurate sound. It is very easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware.
The JBL 520CBK is a 2-way dual 4-inch center channel speaker that offers a wide frequency response and a great sound. It is equipped with Transducers with PolyPlas cones and a 1-inch CMMD Lite high-frequency driver. The speaker is very easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware.
If you are looking for a versatile wireless center channel speaker, the Samsung HW-S61B is an excellent choice. It is equipped with 4 built-in speakers and 2 wireless rear surround sound speakers. The overall sound is well-balanced and perfect for small to medium-sized rooms.
If you are on a budget, the Dayton Audio T652 is a great choice. It is a 2-way dual 6.5-inch center channel speaker that offers a wide frequency response of 38Hz - 20kHz. The speaker is very easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware.
