The power of a good center channel speaker can not be over emphasized, apart from the maximum audio and video satisfaction it gives, you can as well enjoy the fact that it is affordable and not too expensive. If you’ve been looking for the best center channel speakers under $500 for maximum audio and video satisfaction, just check out one of the following speaker:
Best Quality: NHT C Series C-LCR
The C series represents a fresh look from the traditional sets of NHT audio speakers, it takes the best features from the classic lines of speakers and makes little improvement to the quality of the audio output.
The C series offers incredible audio detail, powerful dynamics, and home theatre benefits, aesthetically pleasing design suitable for home and studio functions, along with modernized cosmetic look to it. Optimized for use with the 3 and 4 models, the 3-C uses two 6.5” aluminum cone woofers and NHT’s new midrange/tweeter assembly to create a huge listening area. Has a frequency response of 73 KHz – 20 KHz, with dimensions of 178mm X 556mm X 210mm, light weight at 10KG each. It is designed for maximum performance even in the largest rooms, it is ideal for high performance multi-channel music and movies.
It is rugged, yet sleek to handle cabinet resonances and finished in a high glossed piano black.
Best Design: Klipsch RP-440C
Experience conversational level audio performance with the reference premiere 440-C Ebony colored center speaker. Four 4” centered speakers spun with copper and cerametallic woofers, would deliver music and vocals fee of distortion and cone breakup, it has a new and improved 90 X90 TraTrix horn tweeter features a circular throat around an advance titanium diaphragm with Kliptsch’s signature 1’ size for outstanding intelligibility and sparkling clear highs, improving the high frequency response with a range of 59 Hz – 25 KHz and impedance level of 8 ohms, while also delivering a dynamic sound, and enhancing the imaging capability of the speaker. Captures everything from softly whispered dialogue to powerful special effects. The design reduces reflections that can color the sound, and boosts dynamics for efficiency and powerful “front-row” sound, that remains clear at all volume levels.
Most Compact: Polk Audio TSx 250C
Captures it all, from the softest whisper to the loudest explosion, Polks audio TSx 250-C center channel speaker brings you the detail and clarity you require fro home theatre realism clarity you need for lifelike home theater realism. This center channel speaker’s two 6-1/2″ Dynamic Balance woofers and 1″ silk/polymer dome tweeter deliver powerful sound that puts you right in the middle of the on-screen action. A frequency response of 58HZ – 24 kHz, with an impedance of 8 ohms. And its reversible, angled-top design means you can invert the speaker for placement on a low shelf, directing the sound toward your ears for better performance. Polk specially designs TSx series speakers using advanced manufacturing techniques and high quality materials. The speakers a light weight, about 18.5 lbs. , sleek to the touch, have undergone extensive testing to eliminate resonance points ensuring that the audio output is free from noise, clear and distortion less.
ELAC Uni-fi UC5
The Elac Uni-fi UC5 paints a center stage for music and film with a 3- way, bass reflex design that uses the same concentric driver that makes to uni-fi series outstanding. Experience crisp clear dialogue and engaging special effects with this top-notch clean and tidy center channel speaker. It provides both the power and performance needed at your home theatre. Created by the famous sound design guru, Andrew Jones, you can count on it to bring put the most soothing audio you can experience at center stage. The UC5’s detailed sound is due to the custom-designed concentric driver which places the 1” soft dome tweeter directly in the center of a 4” aluminum mid-range cone creating an oneness in the source of the sound. The speakers place the teeters and the midrange in different locations on the front baffle, causing the sounds to reach your ears and slightly different times, incorporating, subtle intriguing details. The UC5 uses two custom-designed 5-1/4” aluminum cone woofers to supply articulate bass that blends in precisely with the concentric driver. With a frequency response of 48Hz – 25 KHz sensitivity of 85dB, you can be sure that the wind rustling against a hay stack would be well represented.
Best Sound: Klipsch RP-250C
Klipsch has successfully left its customers wondering what the next possibility might be whilst also craving the inevitable greatness that comes after. Klipsch’s latest reference premium series is sure to even further please home theater enthusiasts with its winning combination of solid construction and powerful performance The Klipsch RP–250C features a dual 5¼“woofers plus Klispch’s signature 1” horn tweeter with flared openings in its cabinet that project the sound waves towards your listening area and prevent them from spilling out in all directions haphazardly. The Horn design enhances bass and decreasing turbulence, and lower port noise in the best way possible provides a wider sweet spot with more precise instruments and vocals for crisp natural effects that will bring your home movies, TV and music to life. The Audio technology is based on Klipsch’s classic reference series, with important enhancements that provide ‘more intense listening experience. Frequency Response of 60 Hz – 25 KHz, and an impedance of 8 ohms with a sensitivity of 96dB along with its newly developed titanium voice coil formers that allow linear movement for higher efficiency, lower distortion, and extended LF response.
Klipsch RC-62 II
The Klipsch RC 62 II is over engineered at everything it does, in every possible way, it possess a high end choice in center channel design, delivers realistic balanced home theatre sound, prevents TV interference by having magnetic shield drivers, possess dual 6.5” cerametallic subwoofers for tight bass and clear low frequency audio output. Standing at 8” by 23.5” by 12.5” the reference II boasts incredible features like the re-engineered sound quality, a new system built specially to capture your emotions. The Klipsch RC 62 II boasts high efficiency with low distortion, controlled directivity, flat frequency response, and wide dynamic range all which contribute to its stunningly powerful and accurate sound. The speakers utilizes the Tractrix horn technology for lifelike sound, more output using less energy, improved reliability, reduced distortion, and a large soundstage. Light weight, yet rigid cerametallic cones aids to better dampen and prevent distortion. Titanium tweeters with linear travel suspension-trickle down technology provide an open, natural sound, giving you a studio feel.
JBL Studio 235C
Measuring 194mm by 645mm by 249mm with a weight of 26.3lb, the JBL studio 235C is a beautiful dual 2.5 way 6.5” center channel loudspeaker with frequency response of 55Hz – 22 kHz and sensitivity of 91 dB from wherever you hear it, at whichever angle, the JBL studio 235C shines as a dynamic accurate center channel loud speaker. Unmatched cinematic sound developed for users to have the exact same experience from every angle. The design is simple, nevertheless, couldn’t be more perfect for bringing depth and cinematic nuance into everything you hear on screen. Tested relentlessly in all conditions possible, pitted against competitors, the studio 235 C wins the crown for accuracy. It has mid-range drivers designed to accentuate the power of every sound, be it word, whisper scream, moan, humming, you name it. A rear fitted bass port heightens your senses and deepens your appreciation for tight and accurate bass.
It has a 1” high frequency driver for crisp, clean and powerful highs with low-distortion and wide dynamics, Dual 6.5″ PolyPlas drivers for enhanced clarity and realism and tight, extended bass response, Solid cabinet construction with soft-rounded edges and no visible fasteners.
Best Value: Klipsch R-52C
Having dimensions of 7.25” by 18.75” by 7.25” and a weight of 14.8 lbs. , the Klipsch R–52C is an accurate speaker that delivers audible audio no matter what may be possibly going on in the background. Its exclusive Tractrix Horn technology and aluminum tweeters deliver the most impressive high-end response and greater extension, enhanced imaging and powerful dynamics. This creates the cleanest, most natural sound possible. A Linear Travel Suspension minimizes distortion for enhanced, detailed performance. LTS Tweeters have been a hallmark of previous Reference lines, as well as flagship Klipsch Palladium series, making it a core component of some of the best speakers in the world. Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer is exceptionally light while being extremely rigid – providing remarkable low frequency response, with minimal cone breakup and distortion. When paired with the Tractrix Horn-loaded LTS tweeter, it provides speaker efficiency highest in its class, also provides Contemporary aesthetic with absolute durability that results in a seamless integration into any décor.
Slim Design: Polk Audio Signature S35
The Polk Audio Signature S35 was designed for versatility, with both horizontal and vertical placement options. Performs well as left right or centered speaker, can be wall mounted, or simply rested against your TV / stand. It basically fits into the décor of any living room. It’s a great choice for high impact sound and detailed high resolution stereo music. Its sleek and stylish design makes it an attractive addition to your gadgets. It’s made especially for natural low distortion sound. It is housed in a cabinet with a 1’ doe tweeter for clear and detailed highs and realistic reproduction of vocals. It has 6 highly efficient 3” dynamic balance woofers made of lightweight materials. The non-resonant cabinet and anti-diffraction grille provide an acoustically inert structure for reduced sonic interference. It has a frequency response of 53Hz – 40 kHz, and a sensitivity of 88dB, with an impedance of 8 ohms. It stands at 16” by 16” by 8” in dimension and weighs 14lbs.
Best Budget: Klipsch RC-42 II
KLIPSCH RC-42 II is Center channel speaker carries on the reference series tradition with dimensions of 16” by 8’ by 16’. It has a beautiful black ash wood grain vinyl finish. It has a clear and engaging audio stage, it reveals every word in detail, reveals every sound, every effect, even the most subtle whispers. It can be tilted to aim it precisely at your listening position. It has a titanium tweeter placed inside a flared opening usually called the Horn, it helps disperse the sound evenly across the listening area. The shape and slope of the horn has been redesigned so the soundtracks sound more “open” with improved dynamics and efficiency. The KLIPSCH RC-42 II uses a light and rigid cerametallic woofer to produce smoother mids and tighter bass. The cones are used to dampen any unwanted vibrations and to reduce distortion. It has a frequency response of 88Hz to 24 KHz, a sensitivity of 95dB and impedance of 8 ohms.
