Are you done with your poor sound system but daunted by the subject of center speakers? We’ve had more than a few speakers backfire – or fall off – leaving us with no center channel speaker and terrible sounding music or movies. Worry no more! Getting the best center channel speaker in your home theater is as crucial as getting the best sound quality for many of us.
That’s why we’ve made a list of the best speakers that balance both phenomenal performance and long-lasting durability so you don’t have to. These speakers offer crystal clear sound, leading to years of seamless audio drama.
The list contains the best center channel speaker under $1000. Therefore, consider reading through all the items we have listed to help you find the best product that will suit your taste. Read on to find out the benefits of each speaker and how it can affect the sound quality of your home theater system.
Table of Contents
What to Look For in the Best Center Channel Speaker?
We based the list on specific parameters to assess the quality of each speaker and made sure each one passed our evaluation. Moreover, every center speaker on this list has the highest rating on the following benchmarks.
Speaker Sensitivity:
When it comes to center channel speakers, power is a crucial factor. Therefore, we used this parameter to judge each center speaker for quality surround sound. A center speaker with a low maximum power rating will produce more low-frequency bass at normal listening levels.
You can get by with a receiver that doesn’t have much power; however, a high-sensitivity speaker is a better choice for a center channel speaker. Therefore, all of the center channel speakers on the list have a minimum of 90 dB sensitivity rating.
Material Construction:
The materials used in the center speaker’s construction dramatically affect the sound quality. If the casing is made of inferior material, you will observe sound distortion and, ultimately, poorly detailed sound.
Moreover, speakers are made of different materials. Generally speaking, metal tweeters often have a more “live” sound. Hence, the high frequencies are rich and full of air, creating the sound you hear.
Power Range:
The center channel may not be the highlight in your home theater system, but it should be good enough to produce good results. While the RMS wattage of your receiver may not directly affect this aspect of your system, knowing what you can expect does help in making an informed purchase decision. Therefore, checking for the more extensive recommended power range is necessary.
Impedance:
Impedance is the amount of resistance the center speaker can cause to an amplifier. Audiophiles characterize the speakers that have 4-ohm impedance as low-impedance speakers.
Generally, you can use such center channel speakers with receivers providing large amounts of continuous current. Consequently, we ensured that the speakers on the list have at least an 8-ohm impedance to avoid this situation.
Cost:
Finally, the cost is the most critical factor we considered while curating this list. As the list suggests, we have only added the best center speakers for your sound system that fall under $1000.
Therefore, we made a side-by-side comparison of several speakers and focused on the cost without compromising the quality.
Top 8 of the Best Center Channel Speakers Under $1000
Let us get into the details of each speaker and know why they deserve to be on the list:
1. Best Rated: Definitive Technology CS-9060
- Integrated 8-inch Powered Subwoofer
- Intelligent Bass Control
- Aluminum Dome Tweeters
- Balanced Double Surround System
Definitive Technology’s high geared CS-9060 center speakers deliver exceptional deep and powerful bass for which they are famous for. It is a result of a robust subwoofer housing in the compact cabinet of this speaker.
A total bass impact is produced due to the 150W 8-inch drivers. Combined with the rest of the main speakers, the CS-9060 can spread a precise three-dimensional soundstage to your home theater.
Moreover, a 1-inch dome tweeter with two 4.5-inch midrange flanking results in perfectly sounded highs and mids. Also, the aluminum dome tweeter is fixed with a silk surround after heat treatment to improve the nature of sparkling highs. Overall, thanks to the balanced double surround system driver, movie dialogues sound crisp and never muddy in these speakers.
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 12 x 20.8 x 6 in |
| Driver Size: | 4.5” BDSS Drivers |
| Weight: | 26 lbs |
| Power Range: | 50W-300W |
| Sensitivity: | 91 dB |
Product Rating
Speaker Sensitivity: 9
Material Construction: 7
Power Range: 8
Impedance: 7
Cost: 9
Pros
- Have intelligent bass control
- Rich and clean sound
- Aluminum dome tweeters
- Five years warranty
Cons
- Heavier than the average center speaker channel
- Speaker enclosure needs dusting often
Why We Like It: To conclude, we are moved by the quality of enriched sound and bass performance that this model of Definitive Technology presents. The speakers are easy to set up and have a minimalistic design that increases aesthetic and value to the overall home theater experience.
2. Best Overall: Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D – Compact 5.1
- Annealed Aluminum Dome Tweeters
- BDSS Mid-Bass Drivers
- Linear Response Wavegiude
- Compact Satellite Speakers
With the Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D, you are all ready to enjoy the movies with your A/V receiver in pure surround sound. Each channel in these speakers is made to receive 10W to 150W, while the center speaker can accept 10W to 175W of power. Moreover, the subwoofer works on 250W of power using an 8-inch passive radiator and an 8-inch driver for the optimal bass.
These center speakers are comprised of 1-inch annealed aluminum dome tweeters and BDDS mid-woofers. They have an optimal impedance range of up to 8 ohms, which means the speakers will efficiently use the power. Moreover, you can securely wall-mount these speakers using the threaded inserts on the rear of satellites and center speakers.
The Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D 5.1 channel will deliver high acoustic performance during your family entertainment time. Additionally, its upgraded drivers are enclosed in the minimalistic design providing crisp resolution and tighter bass.
Product Specs
| Frequency Response: | Front, Rear: 65 Hz to 30 kHz; Center: 55 Hz to 30 kHz |
| Dimensions: | 16 x 13.5 x 24 in |
| Driver Size: | 3.25” mid-woofer BDDS |
| Weight: | 36.5 lb |
| Power Range: | 10W-250W |
Product Rating
Speaker Sensitivity: 9
Material Construction: 9
Power Range: 8
Impedance: 9
Cost: 7
Pros
- Secured wall mounting
- All speakers have acoustically transparent grilles
- Speaker terminals are nickel-plated
- A compact subwoofer that provides powerful bass
- Can fit in limited spaces
Cons
- The subwoofer might bounce and produce a rattling sound
Why We Like It: These center speakers give the best overall experience due to detailed stereo imaging and crystal-clear high acoustics. The speaker’s casing is made of MDF, which ensures durability. Additionally, we enjoyed the premium sound with superior power, paired with sleek details to complement any décor.
3. Best Value: Klipsch RP-250C
- 90x90 Hybrid Tractrix Horn
- All New Tractrix Port
- Spun Copper Cerametallic Woofers
- Strong, Flexible Removable Grille
- Dolby Atmos Ready
The Klipsch RP-250C is packed with 90×90 Tractrix horns, similar to the ones seen in the RP-504C speakers. The improved version of the horns provides a broader dispersion area.
With magnetically attaching grilles, the cleaning of baffles is convenient, lowering the diffraction of high-frequency sounds. Also, the horns are made up of rubber material, so there is no resonance.
On the other hand, additional features specific to the RP-250C speaker include an MDF cabinet with a 1-inch titanium tweeter, and 5.25-inch spun copper cerametallic cone woofers.
The cerametallic woofers present minimal breaking and distortion of the cone, thus maintaining the system’s rigidity. Also, the center speakers have a more comprehensive power range of 100W to 400W with 96 dB sensitivity ensuring the cleanest and most natural sound delivery.
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 10 x 18.5 x 6.9 in |
| Driver Size: | 5.25” cone woofers |
| Weight: | 18.41 lbs |
| Sensitivity: | 96 dB @ 2.83V/1m |
| Power Range: | 100W/400W (Cont/Peak) |
Product Rating
Speaker Sensitivity: 9
Material Construction: 8
Power Range: 7
Impedance: 8
Cost: 8
Pros
- Built-in elevation
- Compact size
- Theater-quality dialogue delivery
- Efficient power usage
- Tabletop as well as bookshelf placement
Cons
- The sound quality isn’t the greatest and can do better
Why We Like It: Klipsch has developed these RP-250C center channel speakers intending to provide a realistic music touch to the listeners – and we second this. Additionally, these speakers are compact, providing you with an easy placement in a limited space of your room corner. Moreover, the Dolby Atmos integration makes this speaker the best choice when you want an engulfing sound hemisphere.
Related: Dolby Atmos: Everything You Need To Know
4. Klipsch RP-504C
- Spun-Copper Cerametallic Woofers
- 5-Way Binding Posts
- Flexible & Removable Grille
- 2.5-Way Speaker Design
The Klipsch Reference Premiere series is the way to go if you want proven and tested speakers. Klipsch is a seasoned veteran with 70 years worth of high-performance technology under its belt. They have perfected their craft and remain among the top speakers and acoustics brands.
Their RP-504C model features the hybrid tractrix horn technology, which delivers high-frequency acoustic energy directly to the listeners. Indeed, the sound coming from these center speakers is powerful enough to move you. Also, these speakers addressed the problems of unwanted reverberation caused by the indirect bouncing of sounds. Moreover, vented tweeters fix the issue of undesirable harmonics resulting in enhanced clarity.
A noteworthy feature of the Klipsch Reference Premiere series is its spun copper cerametallic woofer that offers minimal sound distortion. Furthermore, it shows more considerable power handling and is optimized for a central speaker.
The 5.25-inch drivers can accept 150W of continuous power with a peak of 600W. In addition, you can connect the RP-504C center channel speakers with your surround sound system using five-way binding posts with color coding. Meanwhile, the removable grilles work with magnetic powers allowing you to attach and detach them easily.
Product Specs
| Power Handling: | 150W/600W (Cont/Peak) |
| Dimensions: | 31 x 14.46 x 6.8 in |
| Drivers: | 5.25” spun copper woofer |
| Weight: | 41.6 lbs |
| Sensitivity: | 97 dB @ 2.83V/1m |
Product Rating
Speaker Sensitivity: 9
Material Construction: 7
Power Range: 8
Impedance: 9
Cost: 7
Pros
- Cast aluminum feet
- Rich sound across the bandwidth
- Aesthetic appearance with scratch-resistant finish
- Five high-performance speakers
- Convenient wall-mounting option
- Incredible bass
Cons
- Large in size
Why We Like It: This high-profile brand is an expert in providing crisp acoustic entertainment and an unbelievable center presence. We love how the Klipsch Rp-504C speakers spread the sound into the air and enhance the feel of any room or event. Additionally, you can spice up the pleasure of watching your favorite movie with these speakers.
5. KEF Q350
- "Sit anywhere" Uni-Q Sound
- CFD Designed Port
- Uni-Q sound taken to the next level
- Q Series Optimised
The KEF Q350 center channel speaker is the embodiment of refinement. The company has redesigned its Q300 model into a cleaner design, and the KEF Q350 was born. The KEF Q350 center channel speakers have 6.5-inch Uni-Q drivers.
Additionally, each driver has a 25 mm vented aluminum dome tweeter. You can also snap on the grilles magnetically on this speaker. Further, the tweeter has a tangerine waveguide that uniformly disperses the sound. The drivers can soak up the displeasing sounds with the damped tweeter loading tube.
With a 15W to 20W power handling, the KEF Q350 speaker exhibits modulations with greater precision and ambient details. Thus, you can hear a rich sound with the perfect bass and thumping beats, along with a menacing texture when using the KEF Q350 speakers. Also, these speakers are well-known for working in harmony with any main speakers in a well-timed manner.
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 14.25 x 8.26 x 12.04 in |
| Driver Size: | 6.5” Uni-Q driver |
| Speaker Type: | Two-way bass reflex |
| Power Range: | 15W-120W |
| Mounting Type: | Bookshelf |
Product Rating
Speaker Sensitivity: 8
Material Construction: 7
Power Range: 8
Impedance: 7
Cost: 8
Pros
- Stunning clarity and details
- Sleek and minimal appearance
- Even sound distribution
- High-frequency and tighter bass
- Articulate treble performance
- Sturdy cabinets
Cons
- Not good at low volumes
Why We Like It: We are impressed by the mature presentation of the bookshelf speakers with an exact delivery of different sound flavors. The price of these center channel speakers is another reason we gave these speakers a thumbs up.
7. Polk Audio 5.1 Theater System
- Massive Sound From 15 Speakers
- Powered for Extra Bass & Punch
- Equipped With Polk’s Proprietary Dynamic Balance Technology
- Compatible With Most AV Receivers
You can appreciate premium acoustics and a fantastic home theater experience with these value-priced Polk Audio 5.1 speakers. Overall, this 100W powered 10-inch subwoofer gives off explicit bass with an extra punch. It can fill small to medium-sized rooms with valuable music depth and quality.
The Polk center channel speaker pairs well with the most AV home theater receivers, leaving you with plenty of setup choices. Also, you can use the Polk 5.1 channel system while upgrading your setup up to 7.1. Increasing it to 9.1 would also not hurt.
This theater system features a set of 15 speakers, each bookshelf having a 5.25-inch driver and 0.75-inch tweeter. Moreover, the center channel speakers have two drivers of 5.25-inch with a 1-inch tweeter.
At the same time, each tower presents a 1-inch tweeter, 6.5-inch driver, and two bass radiators to produce heart-thumping bass. Moreover, this theater system’s speakers are designed with Polk’s dynamic balance technology. It offers less distortion with an added three-dimensional surround sound dispersion.
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 10.63 x 7.25 x 6.5 in |
| Driver Size: | 5.25” |
| Bass radiators: | 2, 6.5” |
| Mounting Type: | Bookshelf |
Product Rating
Speaker Sensitivity: 8
Material Construction: 6
Power Range: 7
Impedance: 7
Cost: 6
Pros
- High-quality room-filling sound
- Extended durability
- Compatible with AV receivers
Cons
- May lack wires to connect the speakers
Why We Like It: We recommend the Polk Audio 5.1 home theater system due to its broad compatibility with other system channels. Additionally, these center speakers can fill up your room with ambient plumpness of audio and television sounds.
8. Polk Audio Signature Series S35
- American HiFi Home Theater Slim Center Speaker
- High-Resolution Audio Performance
- 4”- Tall Slim Profile
Polk Audio Signatures Series S35 speakers have a dramatic and bold appearance, further enhanced by the exquisite sound quality. The manufacturer used its patented power port technology in the S35 speakers to ensure a more profound and tighter bass response.
In addition, the center speakers have turbulence-smoothing diffusers that eliminate sound disfigurement. Hence, you can enjoy rich television, music, and movie audio with these speakers.
The Polk S35 center channels offer full compatibility with various setups, including 9.1, 7.1, 5.1, 3.1, 2.1, 2.0 channels. Moreover, you can also arrange an all-inclusive home theater system using the Polk Signature series speakers.
You can also make these speakers a central addition to your current setup. You can experience cinematic vibes with its six 3-inch drivers and a dynamic balance acoustic array. Additionally, each driver in the system features a 1-inch terylene tweeter dome.
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 6.1 x 24.4 x 4.1 in |
| Driver Size: | Six, 3” |
| Weight: | 14 lbs |
| Overall Frequency: | 53 Hz-40 kHz |
| Power Range: | 150W |
Product Rating
Speaker Sensitivity: 7
Material Construction: 8
Power Range: 6
Impedance: 7
Cost: 9
Pros
- Three years warranty
- Compatible with 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 9.1 setups
- Both horizontal and vertical placement options
- You can place this on a television stand or wall-mount
Cons
- It might not work well on lower volumes
Why We Like It: The Polk Audio S35 is one of the most reviewed center channel speakers, and we get the hype behind it. The non-resonant MDF cabinets make these speakers sturdy and well-built with a sleek overall design. Also, these speakers come with a five-year warranty, so enjoy it to its full potential.
9. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
- Bluetooth Wireless
- Studio Sound Quality
- Optical and Coaxial Inputs
- Remote Control
You can pair the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 center channel speakers with your amplifier to create a balanced stereo sound. The speakers are made with a 1-inch cloth dome tweeter and 6.5-inch woven Aramid fiber cone woofer.
They work best on receiving power up to 120W from the amplifier. Moreover, you can expect a frequency response of 44 Hz to 35 kHz. There are no diffraction modes linked to these speakers. Also, directivity control is improved with the waveguide.
The woven Aramid fiber woofers of these Debut 2.0 B6.2 have smoother responses due to the optimal delivery of low-frequency sounds. You can rest assured that there will be no undesirable coloration due to cabinet vibrations.
Earlier, manufacturers avoided coloration and reverberation by maintaining the strength and stiffness of the cabinets. In addition, the bass port is designed in the front of the cabinet, allowing you to place speakers on bookshelves.
Product Specs
| Dimensions: | 10.6 x 7.7 x 14.8in |
| Speaker Type: | 6.5” Woven Aramid-Fiber Cone Woofer |
| Weight: | 16.3 lbs |
| Driver: | 6.5” Woven Aramid-Fiber Cone Woofer |
| Power Range: | 120W |
Product Rating
Speaker Sensitivity: 9
Material Construction: 8
Power Range: 8
Impedance: 7
Cost: 8
Pros
- Works well on high and low volumes
- Unmatched sound performance
- Unbeatable for the price factor
- Attractive design
- Nice bass response
Cons
- Lack of full resonance
Why We Like It: The Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 bookshelf speakers are affordable without compromising acoustic performance. Therefore, you can attach them with your favorite amplifier to listen to deep bass songs. That is a big plus in our book.
Buyers Guide: What Factors Should the Best Center Channel Speaker Have?
There are a few technical and standard features that you should track while buying your speaker. Therefore, we came up with some essential points that you must not overlook as a new buyer.
Compatibility
It is not enough to just choose the center channel speaker you like out of a whim. You need to ensure that they’re compatible with your existing center and surround speakers. If your speakers are compatible with each other, then you would not encounter any difference in acoustics. Hence, you should consider buying center channels from the same manufacturers as your other speakers to achieve excellent compatibility.
There are instances where the channel center you bought looked and sounded great at first glance. It was even easy to install, so you think everything works out. Then, you decide to upgrade your speakers, and that’s where the problem comes up.
At that point, you realize that your new center channel has toned down your whole 5.1 setup! Why does this happen? It is because the center channel was not designed for your speaker’s fronts, rears, woofers, or tweeters system. Accordingly, you need to ensure the compatibility of various speakers from different series. However, if you can’t decide on the product, you can reach out to the manufacturer’s customer service.
Crossover Frequency
Crossover refers to splitting a signal to be directed to multiple locations. This splitting is characterized based on frequencies. For example, the high pitch frequencies are sent to the tweeter, and the lower pitch frequencies proceed to the woofer. Thus, you should look for the high crossover frequency as the switch might be undetectable.
Configuration Ratio
During your research, you will be encountering ratios like 3:1, 5:1, 6:1, and 7:1. These ratios tell you how many surround sound speakers and subwoofers your system has. To sum up, the first number is the surround sound speakers, and the second number is the number of subwoofers.
Magnetic Shielding
Magnetic shielding is a commonly used technology to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) from items near the speaker. Moreover, it is there to stop your expensive center channel speakers from harming any nearby electronic equipment. Additionally, it can prevent the end-user from damaging the speakers since it emits loud noises that could crack the speaker’s plastic case.
Placement
A center channel speaker is essential for combining spatial configuration and stereo set. It should suit the room’s spatial arrangement and the stereo system. Regardless of left, center, or right surround sound, you’ll need to place the left, center, and right speakers in front of the listener. Moreover, if you want to experience the best sound, your center channel speaker should be above or below the television, not in front of it. However, tweeters should be near the listener’s ears.
Size
One of the best things a speaker can be is that it can be big and eye-catching. Don’t be shy about buying a more prominent center channel speaker if you have a large room. Besides, it’ll make your sound that much better.
Tower speakers are renowned for their incredible sound, but they can be pretty expensive. Moreover, avoid 7-inch speakers because they take up less space but make it difficult to hear the acoustics. Fortunately, you can purchase 12-inch or 15-inch speakers, which create a delightful and robust sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best center channel speaker design?
A center channel speaker needs to be “acoustically invisible” to not distract from your speakers. When searching for a middle-level speaker, look for three-way design audio speakers with a vertically-aligned tweeter. Also, look for a midrange that resembles a full-range speaker closely. In this case, the center channel will give off a more dispersed sound field. In addition, it will also improve the tracking of the acoustic image across the front stage.
When choosing a speaker for your television, select one with a wide range of sound. It should be able to fill in the center channel without any problems. Thus, a horizontally aligned speaker will have more flexibility with placement and produce high-quality sound.
What acoustic properties do the best center channel speakers have?
Audio quality is a must in any home theater. Hence, the best center channel for this use should have a broad and flat frequency response that retains quality at higher volumes without causing distortion.
When building your home theater, it is vital to remember that the center stage speaker is ambiguous in placement. It makes it all the more important to avoid any irregularity in sound output. Also, the most crucial thing to consider in a home theater is that everyone can hear it audibly.
It means that regardless of anyone’s position in the room, they can listen to the same crystal-clear sound. Moreover, to make your center speaker perform to its full potential, you need to plan its placement and positioning.
Are center speakers worth it?
If you want to have a unique acoustic experience from your home theater, purchasing center speakers will be worth it. Center channels are the most influential speakers in any surround sound setup.
These speakers process 70% of the audio content while handling vocals and dialogues in movies and soundtracks. Also, center speakers link the front left and front proper channels to streamline the acoustic performance of objects between all channels.
Which channel is best for speakers?
The audio channel depicts the sound route coming from or going to a point. When searching for surround sound channels, you will often come across digits like 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 9.1, and so on. These numbers show the number of the main speakers and subwoofers in a surround system. For example, 2.1 denotes two main speakers and one subwoofer.
Generally, surround system channels above 5.1 are considered better. However, if you want to have the ultimate home theater experience, you might purchase a 9.1 channel. In addition, this type of theater surround system has ten channels, including nine speakers, one subwoofer, and two front-height speakers. On the whole, all the components aid in fulfilling an iconic room-filling sound.
Which speaker is best for the center channel?
The Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D wins hands down as the best center channel speaker under $1000. If you want an unmatched experience when it comes to theater-level acoustic execution, then this speaker system is the way to go.
You Might Be Interested:
Budget Center Channel Speaker Under $300 Reviews
Best Center Channel Speaker Under $500
Conclusion
Center speakers are necessary for a high-resolution audio performance. Without them, you can’t feel yourself digging into your favorite soundtrack. The movies you watch won’t be as great without the power of excellent acoustics. There are a lot of speakers in the market, but don’t settle for less if you want the best. However, don’t forget to look for the factors mentioned above while researching. Have you decided which speaker to pick? We hope you’ll find the best one to boost your system’s audio output and give you the best vibe.
Expert Tip
If you want to use an acoustically transparent projector screen to watch television, then put the center channel speaker behind your television at ear height or higher. It will be the most realistic sound experience when watching in a bedroom or living room.
Did You Know?
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer introduced the first-ever film industry-standard, two-way loudspeaker in 1937. Its name was “The Shearer Horn System for Theatres.”
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John Fleming is the senior editor for Audiophilez.com, covering everything from headphones to smart speakers. He is a graduate of Music Production and Technology. Before Audiophilez, John began his career as a staff writer for two different magazines, where he became a skilled storyteller across different mediums. When he isn’t writing, he can be found biking, reading books, and playing the piano.