The center channel speaker is an essential component of your home theater system.
It allows you to speak clearly and efficiently. It plays an extremely important role in your home theater system.
Choosing the wrong one could cause serious damage to your speakers.
It should be small enough to fit under your TV. Can you get exceptional sound and a low profile in one package? Let’s see.
| Picture | Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Polk Audio CS10 | 4.7 | Check Last Price |
  | Klipsch RP-504C | 4.9 | Check Last Price |
  | Micca MB42-C | 4.6 | Check Last Price |
  | Klipsch R-52C | 4.8 | Check Last Price |
  | Sony SSCS8 | 4.7 | Check Last Price |
  | JBL Studio 520CBK | 4.8 | Check Last Price |
  | Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL | 4.6 | Check Last Price |
  | Pioneer SP-C22 | 4.7 | Check Last Price |
The Polk Audio CS10 center channel speaker is a unique design with all the right components to ensure the highest quality sound. There is a dynamic balance tweeter and a Neodymium magnet structure. The 2 dynamic composite drivers handle the low tones.
A durable MDF enclosure and 5-way binding post connectors make it possible to produce clear, non-resonant audio. This low-profile center channel speaker is easy to mount under TVs. The cabinet’s sloped design makes it easier to turn the cabinet to direct audio content higher.
What We Like
- Speakers in the same line can be timbre-matched with them
- Sloped and low profile
- Reversible cabinet design
- MDF enclosure
- Best center channel speaker for placement flexibility
- Balanced dome tweeter
- 5-way binding pin connectors
- Eliminates resonance and vibrations
- Baffles with thick walls
What we don’t like
- A little deep
- Some people can feel heavy
The Klipsch RP-504C is a huge speaker. It is 6.8 inches tall and has more drivers than other center speakers. However, it looks great. This is the ideal solution for large TVs mounted at a lower height.
Although the RP-504C may be a bit more expensive, our audio engineers believe it is worth the extra cost because it includes all the technology necessary to deliver the best sound quality. Klipsch’s Tractrix Horn technology is used, along with signature copper spun ceramic woofers and linear travel suspension tweeters. It also has a very high-end finish.
What We Like
- Luxurious appearance
- Center speakers that are large but low-profile
- Excellent bass reproduction
- Ideal for large surround-sound theaters
- Tractrix ports
- Bass reflex
- Woofers made of copper spun cerametallic woofers
- Linear travel suspension tweeter
- High-quality sound
What we don’t like
- Heavy
- This is not the right pair for small TVs
Our sonic specialists must offer a lower price option to offset the higher-priced product.
The Micca-C can provide balanced sound at a reasonable price.
The cabinet houses a balanced woven carbon fiber woofer with excellent bass response. It also has a high-performance silk dome speaker for clear treble. The MB42C’s ported enclosure allows for a wider soundstage.
This low-profile center channel is neutral and complements your home theater system. It also has a beautiful wood finish.
What We Like
- Compact design
- Neutral exterior
- Good center channel speaker for smaller TVs
- Clear and loud sound
- The series has a tone match for bookshelf speakers
- Woofer made of dual carbon fiber
- Silk dome tweeter
- 5-way binding posts
What we don’t like
- Passive low-profile center channel speakers
- Not the maximum output power
4. Klipsch R-52C
The Klipsch units are known for their excellent speaker features. This dedicated center channel is no exception. The unit also includes Tractrix Horn Technology and signature spun copper woofers.
Sound distortion is what you won’t hear. The Klipsch R52C will blow your speakers to pieces. It supports other speakers in your system by improving the treble and bass.
For precise sound quality, the MDF cabinet has been reinforced to stifle vibrations. Modern cabinet design allows the speaker to blend seamlessly into your home’s interior.
What We Like
- Tractrix Horn Technology
- Woofers Spun Copper IMG
- These speakers can be used in conjunction with other home theater speakers
- Can provide surround sound experience
- Enhanced bass response
- MDF cabinet
- Closed-back design
- Removable grille
What we don’t like
- The RP-504C is not as powerful as it is.
- It can be a bit heavy
5. Sony SSCS8
The Sony SSCS8 is simple and discreet. Although it won’t draw much attention to your audio equipment it will be a focal point once it provides a clear voice and excellent sound quality.
The SSCS8 3-speaker bass reflex system features a foamed mica cell reinforced woofer and a foamed mica cellular reinforced woofer. The system also features a tweeter that provides balance to the heavy lows and a super-high-dispersion tweeter.
To provide subtle vocal nuances and minimize distortion, the crossover networks are attached directly to the cabinet.
What We Like
- Speaker for the center channel
- Excellent frequency response
- Super tweeter
- Accurate audio quality
- Human voices are the focus
- Foamed mica-cellular reinforced Woofer
- Optimized crossover networks
- Unassuming design
- Perfect match for all speakers in your system
What we don’t like
- Subwoofers provide better bass
- It’s not as intense as a studio monitor
6. JBL Studio 520CBK
Another great example of high-quality features in an affordable center channel speaker is the JBL Studio520CBK. There are 2 low-frequency transducers and a high-frequency compression driver.
A unique rear-facing bass port provides a deeper and more powerful bass response. To reduce audio loss, the MDF enclosure angles drivers slightly so that the sound is projected directly to your listening area.
The JBL Studio 520CBK can be used with surround speakers, bookshelf speakers, or any other component in your system that requires an extra boost.
What We Like
- Transducers for low frequency
- Vocal clarity and midrange
- High-frequency compression driver
- High-frequency horn
- MDF cabinet
- 2-way crossover network
- JBL weave design
- Double gold-plated binding posts
- Magnetically shielded
What we don’t like
- Drivers can be a little small
- It takes a lot of power
7. Yamaha NS-C210BL
Yamaha has been a trusted brand for many decades. The NS-C210BL will bring cinema-quality sound to your home.
This speaker is not just any speaker. It’s a dedicated channel with a clear sound image that will fit well into your home’s audio hub.
The 2-way bass reflex design of the center speaker will ensure a low-frequency response thanks to the aluminum cone-woofers. Balanced dome tweeters offset the woofers, which will enhance your content’s sound effects.
The slim, high-performing Yamaha NS–C210BL center channel speaker is low-profile and will fit your flatscreen.
What We Like
- Woofers made of aluminum
- Balanced dome tweeters
- Wide frequency range
- This TV stand is ideal for flat screens.
- The 2-way bass reflex design
- Lightweight and small
- Simple design
- Can be wall-mounted
What we don’t like
- It is not the best choice for large spaces
- Maximum power input is not very high
8. Pioneer SP-C22
The Pioneer SP–C22 is our final choice. Although it is last on the list, our experts were blown away by its smooth sound. Andrew Jones, a sonic specialist who can bring brighter sound into your home, is a few of the things you will find in the center speaker.
The Pioneer SP-C22 has a curved design, which is also functional. For better audio clarity, the curvature can reduce sound waves that are still standing.
Twin woofers can also be used together with one silk dome tweeter to ensure a frequency response of 55Hz to 20kHz.
What We Like
- Andrew Jones design
- Curved cabinet
- One tweeter and twin woofers
- These speakers can be used in conjunction with your front speakers
- Magnetically shielded
- 6-element crossover design
- Two wired connections at the back
What we don’t like
- A little heavy
- Available in 1 color
Low-profile center channel speakers with excellent sound relays and high power output will share some common traits, such as a wide frequency range, high maximum power output, or superior sound quality. To help you find the perfect unit for your space, our audiophiles have compiled a helpful list.
Size and design
You will have read our loyal readers to know that speakers are not all about size. It is possible to find speakers that are both low-profile and still produce great sound. What size is low profile for a center channel speaker?
According to our team, it is approximately 7 inches tall. Clear high, low and sub-bass frequencies will require some height. Because a bigger driver can move more air around which gives listeners the impression of louder sound, You can’t get great sound from a small channel if you have a larger driver.
We found a variety of designs, including reversible cabinets, center channels that have curved cabinets and large-sized drivers packed in them. You can aim your drivers higher with a center speaker that has a reversible box. This is useful for working with existing speakers.
Curved cabinets reduce resonance and make it easier for you to slide at least half the cabinet under your TV. Your space and your decor will determine the size and design of your cabinet.
Sound Quality
To ensure great sound quality, what drivers should the center speaker use? The drivers in the center channel may differ from one unit to the next, except for brand-unique technologies.
Although a three-way model is ideal, drivers should take care of the highs, lows and mids. However, since the center channel plays an important role in your system’s operation, the midrange is the most important.
Because a speaker in the center has the main task of highlighting and emphasizing human voices. This falls under the midrange portion of the sound spectrum.
Manufacturers will add proprietary technologies and brand-specific features, such as Klipsch’s Tractrix Horn or a dynamic balance array, to give you more value than other center speakers.
Impedance and Sensitivity
The loudness of your center speaker is directly related to your sensitivity. Your unit’s resistance to electrical current is your impedance. The better the rating for sensitivity (measured in decibels [1]), the higher it is. The impedance rating of your center speaker is a measure of how efficient it will be.
Experts recommend a sensitivity rating of 90dB as the best. Regular speakers might offer 85-88dB. The optimal sensitivity rating is over 100dB.
The impedance is the best. You will often see 2, 4, 6, or 8 ohms. Our team recommends 2 to 4 ohms depending on the amplifier power and front speakers.
Power
Power is also related to the volume of your center channel speakers. However, it also reflects how much power the unit can take. Two figures are used to show the power rating: the RMS power and peak power.
Our experts recommend that you pay attention to the RMS as it is the limit within which your speakers can be used for extended periods of time without causing any damage.
Peak power is for short bursts of energy and not long-term. It tends to be greater than the RMS.
Compatibility
The central channel speakers are intended to be an additional component and support for an entire system. Compatibility refers not only to the connection, but also to the sound and aesthetic compatibility of the system.
The speakers from some of these models can be tuned to match with others of the same brand or line, making it easier to streamline your system. Although mixing and matching brands can be effective, it doesn’t optimize performance.
You must also ensure that your low-profile center channel speakers can be connected to the rest of your system. To check if they are compatible, you can look at the connections ports on all of your devices.
You can’t go wrong when you have speakers from the same brand. All of them will have the same or similar finish and will look seamless. If the speakers look well integrated into your system, it’s fine to have low-profile center channel speaker from a different manufacturer. Avoid monochrome and simple designs to ensure that nothing stands out, unless you really want it.
Material Durability
While you won’t find a waterproof speaker in your center, there are some that can be made with tough materials. You should look for thick baffes which not only give strength but also dampen resonance and vibrations.
MDF cabinets are made from the finest materials. Our experts recommend MDF cabinets because they offer a strong housing that is stable, boosts sound signals and can be used for other purposes.
How to set up a Center Channel Speaker
You can mount the speaker on a TV stand, or on the wall. This is how you set up center channel speakers. Our sound team recommends placing the speaker either above or below your TV, just like the soundbar.
The center channels are typically a plug-and play design. This means that you only need to connect it to your amplifier, if needed, and then to the rest. Some units have banana plugs while others use 12-16 AWG bare wires.
FAQ
Is a center channel speaker necessary?
If you desire enhanced speech quality, balanced sound, and better sound quality, a center channel speaker is essential. The difference you will notice in your voice quality and the audio delivery to your ears will be more consistent.
Can you use a soundbar to act as a central channel speaker?
A soundbar can be used as a center channel speaker. However, it’s not recommended as it was not designed to do so. Because it has three channels that can be used as speakers, the soundbar cannot be used as a dedicated speaker. It will produce a muddy sound.
Can any speaker be used as the center channel speaker?
You can technically use any speaker to be a center channel speaker. But it is best to use one with a horizontal design. It is not common for speakers to be made in this manner, so it can be challenging. You might not find the technology to make regular speakers work as well as center speakers.
Our top pick for a low-cost center channel speaker:
The Polk Audio CS10 is the best low-profile center channel speaker.
This speaker is able to handle most rooms with its excellent frequency response and high output power.
To bring out more real sound and clarity in your listening environment, the drivers are housed within a reversible MDF cabinet.
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