Enjoying various types of music at home has not been a problem for me in spite of the ever-changing sound technology industry.
In the previous decade, the stereo-surround audio speakers dominated my home theater experience, separating the recorded sound featured in music and movies into two channels.
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If you’re short of time and just want the results, here are our 3 best high-end center channel speakers:
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- Most versatile: Polk Audio S35 (View on Amazon)
- Best for home theatre: Klipsch RC-42 II (View on Amazon)
- Most economical (by almost 50%): Yamaha NS-C210BL (View on Amazon)
These huge right and left channel speakers delivered stereo-surround sound beside my TV right at the heart my living room.
But as technology evolved and consumer preferences change, innovations yielded the center channel speaker.
With the desire to heighten my music entertainment and home theater viewing experiences, I adapted to this shift and availed one of the best high-end center channel speakers.
This high-performing sound device does not disappoint, considering the crystal-clear details, impactful bass, and fast natural mid-range it delivers.
Hence, house parties have been more enjoyable as my guests and I enjoyed DJ Paul Oakenfold and DJ Tiesto’s electrifying electronic dance music.
Furthermore, my family members and I have relished classic films’ prize-winning cinematic themes.
Among them are Ennio Morricone’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” Disney’s animated musical, “Frozen,” and other action-packed movie series such as “James Bond,” “Mission: Impossible,” and “Indiana Jones.”
As I no longer use my previous audio speakers, I still get to enjoy the immersive, room-filling surround sound, though this time, it is much more seamlessly blended, thanks to the best high-end center channel speaker.
Here are three of today’s highly-rated pieces of sound equipment that consumers will also find worthy of purchasing:
THE MOST VERSATILE:
The Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker
The Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker
As a music and cinema consumer, I have always desired to stay updated with the latest in sound technology.
I discovered the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker as among the most dependable.
This best high-end center channel speaker delivers high-fidelity and more vibrant music and sound experiences.
Product Description
I found the tall and slim design of the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker attractive, and I am confident that other buyers will also feel enticed with this attribute.
It makes this premium piece of sound equipment easily fit in spaces that other center channel speakers cannot.
Furthermore, this product features several drivers. It has six pieces of three-inch, round mid-range, mica-reinforced polypropylene cones. Plus, it has a one-inch, circular Terylene tweeter.
With an overall frequency of 53 Hertz to 40 kiloHertz, this product measures 6.1 inches in diameter, 24.4 inches wide, and 4.1 inches high.
I appreciate how the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker brings the huge surround sound theater and music encounters at the comforts of my cozy living room.
Quality of Sound
I tried using the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker by playing some acoustic guitar songs like the famous “Change the World” by Eric Clapton and some ’90s throwback music like Babyface’s “When Can I See You.”
It surely amazed me with its delivery of clear, detailed, and high-end sounds. I felt as though I was in the actual concert hall or studio with these legendary artists singing right in front of me and strumming their guitars passionately.
Plus, with minimum support of 40 kiloHertz, the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker perfectly reproduces the latest high-resolution music files with the optimized audio extension.
Costing of the Center Channel Speaker
The Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker’s price is not unfriendly to the interested buyers’ budget. It falls right below the $200-price range.
I must say that, with its versatility, the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker is worth its price.
Customer Feedback
I was curious about what the customers who availed the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker think about their purchase.
They find its slim appearance gorgeous the same way I did. Moreover, they felt wowed by the clarity this speaker system offered, mainly when used for movie-viewing purposes.
Click Here To Check Price & Polk S35 Reviews On Amazon
Some buyers felt inconvenienced by the static sound that the model they bought came with, but I think these were factory defects.
The seller did not intend them and, so, these negative comments do not tremendously impact the worthiness of this center channel speaker.
Advantages of the Center Channel Speaker
What I appreciate the most about the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker is that it is undoubtedly all-around.
Its Dynamic Balance acoustic array benefit offers optimized sounds for TV, music of various genres, and films.
Therefore, aside from acoustic music, I also appreciate its optimal delivery of cinematic themes.
For instance, when I watched classic films “Indiana Jones,” and listened to the provocative cantata, “O Fortuna” by Carl Orff, I admittedly felt awed with the fantastic sounds.
My movie nights are, indeed, perfect because of the crisp, lucid, and home theater-filling sound the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker delivers.
These benefits make it deserving of the high-resolution certified rating.
Disadvantages of the Center Channel Speaker
I was expecting a reasonably decent delivery of bass sounds from the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker.
When I listened to Destiny’s Child’s high-bass song, “Lose My Breath,” I discovered some undesirable boominess with some voice ranges.
Thus, I think that those looking for enhanced, bass-boosted sounds for their Beyoncé and Jay-Z music-listening experiences might not get what they are expecting from this speaker.
Overall Impressions
The Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker is a recommended purchase for music and film aficionados.
Aside from its strikingly bold and stylishly dramatic design ideal for cozy home settings, this high-quality speaker allows consumers to listen to various music genres in a whole new way.
Its cost may be a little higher than other models, but I think it is still worthy of buying.
It is because consumers will surely love its delivery of huge, dependable surround sound that optimizes their home theater and sound systems.
Therefore, with its reliability and versatility, I believe the Polk Audio Black Signature Series S35 Center Channel Speaker deserves a rating of 98/100.
Click Here To Check Price & Polk S35 Reviews On Amazon
THE BEST FOR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE:
The Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker
The Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that I received the best home theater experience from the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker.
This best high-end center channel speaker is small and compact. It is among the most affordable center channel speakers, perfect for movie-viewing purposes.
For instance, hearing the opening song of the critically acclaimed James Bond film “Spectre” by Sam Smith titled, “Writing’s on the Wall,” made me experience a genuinely cinematic feeling.
Product Description
The Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker measures 9.1 X 16 X 5.4 inches. It is rectangular, and I found it a little bit heavy at 12.57 pounds.
Nonetheless, it was not a significant issue for me since I was after the delivery of no-comprise audio encounters.
Quality of Sound
Listening to upbeat pop songs like “Loyal” by Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Tyga, and French Montana was fun with the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker.
At high volume, I noticed the minimum distortion. Chris Brown’s pronunciation of the lyrics was crisp and lucid that I could rap with his every word.
Watching the famous 1997 movie, “Jerry Maguire,” was also quite entertaining because, through this speaker, I viewed the cast speaking their lines very intelligibly.
It made me chuckle out loud to watch the scene featuring the hilariously famous “Show me the money!” line that Tom Cruise’s character exclaimed.
Aside from the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker’s delivery of exceptional clarity, I also experienced superb booming bass and engaging soundstage.
Costing of the Center Channel Speaker
Buyers will not frown with the product cost when purchasing this best high-end center channel speaker, especially if they choose the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker.
Most of these devices fall above the $150-range and below the $300-level.
The Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker is a good buy because I guarantee that it will not cause a severe dent on the audiophile’s budget.
Customer Feedback
Clarity is the primary advantage that buyers of the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker praised about, and I could not agree more.
I gathered that they heard a much clearer and fuller sound with this piece of sound equipment as compared to their previous speakers.
Some buyers used the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker with their other speaker systems, yielding more fantastic sounds.
Click Here To Check Klipsch Price & User Reviews On Amazon
I read that these customers experienced these advantages, primarily when they used the speaker to watch 4K films, soccer games, and their favorite TV programs.
Advantages of the Center Channel Speaker
At any volume, the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker is efficient, seamless, and delivers clear sounds. The lucidity is, indeed, the principal plus factor here.
The main theme of “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” which interpolates Giacomo Puccini’s timeless “Nessun Dorma” aria, sounded terrific that I think I was in an actual movie theater when I watched the famous Tom Cruise film.
I found my eyes glued to my high-definition TV as I loved how the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker made the music fill my living room with zero-distortion sound.
Disadvantages of the Center Channel Speaker
I gathered that what buyers did not appreciate about the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker is its size.
This piece of listening equipment, indeed, fills up a large space in living rooms.
Nevertheless, I believe that interested buyers who are after sound clarity and depth will not find this issue too troublesome at all.
Overall Impressions
Cinephiles and audiophiles alike will enjoy having the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker.
This piece of sound device makes the consumption of movie themes and music unquestionably worthwhile. The price is not onerous on the budget as well.
Above all, its delivery of clear sound of movie themes and dialogues is among the primary reasons why this product is a must-have.
The Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker is, indeed, the best high-end center channel speaker for watching movies, giving a delightful home theater experience.
Therefore, with its reliability for home theaters, I believe the Klipsch RC-42 II Black Center Speaker deserves a rating of 96/100.
THE MOST BUDGET-FRIENDLY:
The Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker
The Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker
For budget-conscious audiophiles, I am sure that they will feel enticed to avail the Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker.
Along with its affordable price, I believe they will also reckon it as giving good value for their money because it does not fail in delivering premium-quality sounds.
Product Description
The Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker’s elegant finish is undoubtedly eye-catching.
Buyers will find it perfectly complementary to the interior layout of their living rooms. I find the slim design of this piece of sound equipment awesomely matching to my flat-panel TV.
With measurements of 5.2 X 13.4 X 4.2 inches, it is effortless to place this sound device anywhere in my living room as well.
The Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker is lightweight at 4.4 pounds, so moving it around my home theater was not taxing at all.
Quality of Sound
Blu-Ray discs and digital broadcasting are now the norms, and I appreciate how the maker of the Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker has adapted to these new technological developments.
I discovered that this premium-quality speaker offers a high-quality sound that complements high-definition or HD music and movie sources.
It surely did not disappoint me with its delivery of clear sounds.
The new aluminum woofers and the balanced dome tweeters of the Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker reproduce extra-rapid response as well.
I feel convinced that it assures cinephiles and audiophiles the best possible, full, and dynamic HD sounds.
With a frequency response from 65 Hertz to 45 kiloHertz, this two-way bass-reflex center speaker delivers a sound that is clean and detailed.
Thanks to its magnetic shielding advantage, watching Rod Stewart’s acoustic performances of the songs from his album, “The Great American Songbook,” delighted myself and my family because of the more realistic sound staging this speaker offered.
Costing of the Center Channel Speaker
Money-savvy consumers will consider the Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker worth purchasing. This top-class speaker system’s price falls right below the $100-range.
This costing makes it among the best high-end center channel speaker that is undoubtedly budget-friendly. I do not think it deserves to be overlooked considering these benefits.
Customer Feedback
I learned that the Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker wowed buyers because of its small dimension, making it fit appropriately under a TV with limited space.
They also appreciated how the dialogues in movies were soft and delivered without the harsh treble.
On the other hand, some of the customers experienced inconveniences that this product entailed, like an unpleasantly boomy mid-range and having a cheap look.
Nonetheless, I found very few of these complaints.
Overall, I learned that the buyers loved this high-quality speaker’s delivery of exceptionally lucid and sonorous sound, giving the buyers zero fatigue on their ears.
Plus, at around 50% less $$$ than the others, its costing is undoubtedly friendly on their budgets.
Advantages of the Center Channel Speaker
I consider the Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker as among the best high-end center channel speaker because, first of all, it is not that expensive enough to be called “high-end.”
Hence, with its affordable price, I get two values, which are more savings and more quality.
The sound I have received is also very clear, genuine, and clean. Therefore, when I listened to Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande’s perky music, I automatically got my needed mood boost.
Disadvantages of the Center Channel Speaker
I do not feel anything negative about the Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker, considering that it is budget-friendly.
The full and dynamic HD sound does not disappoint as well. I did not encounter any of the defects and inconveniences that some consumers voiced out about this product.
Hence, I believe this speaker is worth buying because it certainly works to optimize one’s home sound and entertainment systems.
Overall Impressions
For cinephiles and audiophiles who are money-savvy and looking for great value for their money, I highly recommend the Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker.
Its costing is certainly not harmful to one’s budget, and its figure is ideal for various home designs.
Therefore, with its budget-friendliness, I believe the Yamaha Black NS-C210BL Center Channel Speaker deserves a rating of 95/100.
Purchasing one of these best high-end center channel speakers did not disappoint me, considering the value they delivered.
I guarantee the buyers that they will enjoy their favorite music, TV programs, movies, and other entertainment content more if they make the right choice with the speakers, and this guide will help them.
Happy shopping for the best high-end center channel speakers (on a budget!)!
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.