You love movies. You love great sound. You love a big, powerful home theatre. And, that’s why a center channel speaker is E-S-S-E-N-T-I-A-L for you.
A center channel speaker reproduces around 70% of the dialogue from movies and television, making it a crucial component of a home theatre system setup. Without it, you’re missing out on some very important details of what you’re seeing and, honestly, an unforgettable experience.
We’ve compiled a list of the 6 best center channel speakers in 2022 for people on a budget as well as those willing to spend, along with a few other helpful things.
In this article, you will find the following:
- In-depth reviews of the 6 best center channel speakers for a wide range of preferences
- Answers to frequently asked questions about center channel speakers
- Pros and cons of center channel speakers to help you choose better
Excited to find out more? Let’s cut to the chase and jump right into it!
Is A Center Channel Speaker Important?
The most essential speaker in a surround sound system is the centre channel speaker because it performs the majority of the work. In a movie, the majority of the dialogue and action take place front and centre on the screen, which means the centre channel is the one that reproduces it.
By only distributing the audio information between the left and right speakers when it is necessary, you allow each speaker to concentrate on a specific task and as a result, flawlessly reproduce their particular share of the soundstage.
How Do I Choose A Center Channel Speaker?
A centre channel speaker is a must for surround sound home stereo systems to reach their full potential. You should take extra caution when choosing a centre channel speaker since you don’t want to pick one that won’t work with your other systems. Here, we highlight all the elements to be on the lookout for so as to prevent any needless frustration while putting it all together.
1. Compatibility
Always get centre channel speakers that work well with the rest of your speakers. This is important because music will seamlessly transfer across speakers and because the other speakers’ acoustics will be identical to yours. Because of this, the sounds coming from various speakers will not be audible to you differently.
We strongly advise and urge you to get the centre channel speaker from the same supplier from whom you purchased the rest of your speakers. You can think that everything would go smoothly and brilliantly because you have already placed an order with the same business but this isn’t always the case. Thus, you should verify the series of your speakers before making a choice.
2. Cross-over frequency
Cross-over frequency refers to the process by which the signal is divided into several parts and supplied to various speakers, where it is translated into sound.
Depending on the frequency, this splitting and redirection are carried out; the signals with higher frequencies are transmitted to the tweeter, the signals with lower frequencies are supplied to the woofer, and the signals with medium frequencies are sent to mid-range speakers.
Since the changeover is unnoticeable and the overall collective experience is spectacular and astonishing, a higher cross-over frequency is often preferable.
3. Size
Large size is great since the overall sound is more amazing and lovely when the speaker is larger. Obviously, it depends on your budget, but if your space is spacious, don’t be afraid to invest in a more affordable centre channel speaker. Tower speakers that are 38 inches or larger are renowned and distinguished for the excellent sound they produce.
If purchasing them is not an option, you can also purchase 12 to 15-inch speakers, which also offer wonderful and powerful sound. Since 7-inch speakers take up less room but sacrifice acoustic quality, you should only buy them if you are short on space.
4. Placement
It is crucial and required to choose a centre channel speaker that complements and is in keeping with the stereo system’s and the room’s spatial arrangement. The left, centre, and right speakers should all be positioned in front of the listener, whether the surround sound setup is 3:1, 5:1, or 6:1.
In order to maintain the surround sound effect, the centre channel speaker should always be positioned above or below the television. The three speakers’ tweeters should all be at the sitting listener’s ear level.
5. Bi-wire Capability
Some high-end speakers have the capacity to operate on two wires simultaneously. This means that they feature separate sets of female connections, one for the tweeter and one for the woofer. Now, while this may have sounded a little confusing, having dual wire capability allows for an improved bass definition from the speakers and an enhanced experience.
6 Best Center Channel Speakers Reviews
1. Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35
Let’s start with the Signature Elite ES35 by Polk Audio.
Features
- Price: $399
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
- Power: 150 Watts
- Frequency Range: 70 Hz – 40k Hz
Why We Love It
- Wall mountable
- Effortless bass
- Detailed sound
Full Review
The ES35 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Polk Audio. It features a 1″ High-res dome Tweeter and a 6 x 3″ mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 66-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB and performs in medium-sized rooms the best.
The Polk ES35 has a Bass Reflex (ported) type cabinet and MDF with a wood-grain vinyl finish, making it more efficient than the sealed designs. It is also pretty low profile, which makes it great to mount on walls for a sleeker appearance.
What’s more, is that the bass is much more present in this center channel speaker which makes the voices sound fuller and more accurate and the ES35 is, unanimously, considered one of the best budget center channel speakers out there, showcasing their ability to complement your overall home theatre.
Buy On Amazon2. Sony SS-CS8
Next up, we’ve got the Sony SS-CS8.
Thanks to accurate instrument reproduction, placement, and even depth in relation to a wide soundstage, the Sony SSCS8 will instantly make your favourite audio tracks expand across your listening space.
Features
- Price: $36.88
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Power: 290 Watts
- Frequency Range: 55 Hz – 25k Hz
Why We Love It
- Magnificent sound profiling
- Incredibly precise frequency response
- High Dispersion Super Tweeter
Full Review
The SS CS8 is an understated device, blowing users’ minds with its unexpected and tremendous drive and performance.
The speaker’s two 4-inch woofers are backed by a 1-inch tweeter in a two-way speaker design and even when pushed to its absolute limit, the Sony SS CS8 speaker produces a frequency response that is incredibly clear owing to the speaker’s superior sound profile.
The Sony SS CS8 can be quickly linked to most home amplifiers and is particularly made to work with a wide variety of 5.1 surround sound systems, which honestly is a HUGE plus.
All in all, the power and intensity that the Sony SS CS8 offers should be really enjoyable to anybody who appreciates the immersive features of cinema surround sound.
Buy On Amazon3. Klipsch R-25C
Ready for something even more unique? Behold! The Klipsch R-25C.
Features
- Price: $129
- Sensitivity: 98 dB
- Power: 100 – 400 Watts
- Frequency Range: 82 Hz – 25k Hz
Why We Love It
- Sharp, crisp sound
- Sleek design
- Affordable price
Full Review
By including additional features that improve performance and installation flexibility, Klipsch unquestionably gives the new RC-25 centre channel the attention it demands.
This exquisite speaker creates a new value price point by continuing to provide fantastic sound and fashionable flare at an even more reasonable price.
The RC-25’s two 5.25-inch woofers and a 1-inch tweeter with a light titanium-dome diaphragm and a powerful, video-shielded Neodymium magnet provide accurate, subdued, and thrilling sound.
The tweeter is connected to a unique Tractrix Horn by Klipsch, which increases the driver’s already outstanding sensitivity while reducing ambient interactions that obstruct sound detail.
All in all, the Klipsch R-25C delivers precise dialogue along with a detailed and realistic sound.
Buy On Amazon
4. Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 Center
Looking for some center channel speakers specific to your style? Check out the Polk TL1 Center!
Features
- Price: $79
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
- Power: 10 – 125 Watts
- Frequency Range: 95 Hz – 22k Hz
Why We Love It
- Superior quality
- Affordable price
- Compact size
Full Review
The Polk Blackstone TL1 produces a soundstage that rivals any large system thanks to its two 2.5″ drivers, 0.5″ silk dome tweeter, and injection-moulded cones. Even when mounted against a wall or on a shelf, its aperiodic-tuned rear port extends the bass and improves the audio.
The Polk TL1 is specifically created to align the tweeter and mid-bass’ acoustic centres in the same plane, eliminating diffraction and distortions and guaranteeing the proper sounds reach you at the same time.
Regardless of how you want to set it up, the centre channel connects effortlessly to a receiver just like any other speaker and gives a great home theatre experience at an affordable rate. Given its superior audio, skilled engineering, high durability, and wide viewing angle, we’d say Polk Audio’s Blackstone TL1 center channel speaker is a pretty worthwhile purchase.
Buy On Amazon5. Micca MB42-C
Speaking of the best center channel speakers, the Micca MB42-C is definitely a solid pick.
Features
- Price: $59.99
- Sensitivity: 86 dB
- Power: 100 Watts (each)
- Frequency Range: 60 Hz – 20k Hz
Why We Love It
- Easy installation with compact size
- Reduces low-midrange distortion with dual carbon woofers
- Brilliant vocals
Full Review
If you want to enhance your home cinema system, the Micca MB42-C centre channel speaker is a great choice for home theater.
Although it is relatively small in size, the Micca MB42-C contributes significantly to improving vocal quality and ensuring that communication is more heard.
In addition, the speaker notably improves the system’s bass performance when it is attached, and because of its two 4-inch balanced woven carbon fibre woofers, its middle distortion is, honestly, not too bad either.
Moreover, the Micca MB42-C has full-size binding pins for straightforward wire connection and a silk dome tweeter for producing a clean treble. It, additionally, has a highly classy appearance because of its traditional cloth grill design and rounded edges, and its brilliantly compact design allows for pretty easy placement.
Buy On Amazon6. Goldwood AA35CB
Last in line is the Acoustic Audio AA35CB by Goldwood. This is hands down, the best center channel budget speaker out there. Don’t believe us? Check out the price for yourself!
Features
- Price: $36.88
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Power: 400 Watts
- Frequency Range: 70 Hz – 20k Hz
Why We Love It
- Clear, crisp sound
- Compact size
- Fills in mid-sections beautifully
Full Review
The AA35CB by Goldwood features a traditional passive speaker design that drives power from your amplifier.
The high-quality AA35CB has a frequency response of 70Hz-20 kHz with 92dB sensitivity at 8ohm and delivers full-range 2-way sound coverage with dual 3″ Polypropylene woofers and a 1″ soft dome tweeter.
Moreover, the speaker’s Black ABS-sealed cabinet with spring-loaded raw wire connectors makes the device durable and stylish, and produces pretty powerful sound, given its compact size of (H x W X D) 4.125″ x 9.625″ x 3.875″.
Buy On AmazonIs A Bigger Center Channel Speaker Better?
A centre channel speaker’s size will affect how focused the low-frequency sound is. However, the size of the space is crucial to this debate.
A smaller centre channel speaker won’t have the power to project sound farther away with strong dispersion if your space is large but it will suffice in a smaller environment.
If you don’t currently have left and right speakers but are considering upgrading your surround sound system by purchasing a larger centre channel speaker, we advise that you get them first. This is because when woofers are positioned apart from tweeters, the timbre accuracy also improves.
The mid-frequency delivery will get better as the drivers get bigger as well. This implies that, when properly installed, a larger centre channel speaker might have a better effect on the overall sound quality.
The thing with larger centre channel speakers, however, is that they require more space, and sometimes, there is only so much room you can offer.
So, to sum it up, before determining the size of your center channel speaker, you need to take into account the size of the room you wish to place your sound system in.
Read Also: One Of The 6 Best Car Speakers You Need Right Away
Conclusion
These are our recommendations for the 6 best center channel speakers for 2022. Each one focuses on offering a number of features and the ability to carry out a variety of tasks ranging from home comfort to bass-boosted music sessions. Not to mention, some of them are absolute life savers in terms of budget and affordability.
Let us know in the comments below if you’ve used any of the center channel speakers we’ve mentioned before and how your experience has been with them.
We would also love it if you’d share any other options in mind to give one’s sound system an edge.