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Center Channel Speakers

Keeping the left, right, and center audio of a movie separate is key to an immersive experience. This is where the center channel speaker comes into play. The center channel reproduces dialogue and other voices that you can think of coming from right in front of you. This sound must be as clear and detailed as possible. With so many different speakers on the market, choosing the perfect speaker for your needs can be overwhelming. But no worry; This comprehensive guide will show you how to choose the right center channel speaker for your home theater or audio setup. That might seem like a lot of information, but trust us – you won’t want to miss any of it!

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What is Center Channel Speaker?

A center channel speaker is the heart of any home audio setup. It’s responsible for playing all the voices in movies, TV shows, and music—much more than you might expect. The center channel will account for 60-70% of the total audio in an average home theater setup. (It could be as high as 80-90% in a high-end setup.) That’s why it’s crucial to get the right one for your needs. The center channel speaker sits directly in the middle of your soundbar or home theater system. It is responsible for recreating all the voices and background music at an equal volume.

How did we select the Best center channel Speakers?

For this article, we researched and analyzed over 150 center channel speakers, testing their performance and comparing them across a wide range of metrics. During this process, we learned a lot about what makes a speaker great, including the different technologies used, their performance in different situations, and which speakers are best for different budgets. We also checked each product’s customer reviews to ensure they’re worth their price. We are certain the speakers featured in this article are the best currently available and that you’ll find one perfect for your needs.

What specifications to look for in center channel speakers?

As mentioned above, there are many different things to look out for when buying center channel speakers. Some of the most important ones are mentioned below:

Type of Speaker

Two main types of speakers are used in home audio setups: Bookshelf speakers and floor-standing speakers. Bookshelf speakers are smaller, easier to position, and often have better sound—but they’re also more expensive. Floor-standing speakers are bulkier and take up more space, but they can also be more powerful and have a great sound. Some multi-speaker setups also include an in-wall speaker, which is mounted inside a wall and blends in with the décor.

Driver

A driver is the part of the speaker that moves back and forth to create sound. The driver’s size and design dictate the speaker’s sound quality and volume. The larger the driver, the better the audio quality.

Impedance

This is the amount of electrical resistance a speaker has measured in ohms. Your speakers’ impedance should match your receiver’s impedance to prevent any sound quality issues. Most center channel speakers are 8-ohm, but if unsure, check the product’s specs.

Frequency range

This is the range of sound the speaker can produce. The wider the range, the more consistent is the sound, even at max volume. Most speakers have a frequency range between 50-20,000 Hz.

FAQ’s

What size room do I need?

There are a few factors to consider when deciding how big of a speaker you need. First, larger speakers generally have a wider frequency range and can reproduce more bass. Second, your room’s volume should be a factor. If you have a small room with low ceilings, you want a relatively small speaker with a smaller bass range. Likewise, if you have a large room with high ceilings, you’ll want a bigger speaker with a wider bass range.

Can I connect two speakers together?

Many speakers come with a port or plug on the back, which can be used to connect two speakers together. Some high-end models even allow you to connect multiple speakers.

Can I connect my speakers to an old receiver?

You can use a mini-jack to connect your speakers to an old receiver, but you’ll have to match the impedance, which is often hard to figure out. Alternatively, you can buy an impedance matching transformer, which is much easier.

Can I just use a center channel speaker alone?

The center channel speaker works great on its own and still produces excellent sound. You can pair it with other speakers for an even better sound experience.

Can you use any speaker for the center channel?

For your center channel, you can use any speaker (aside from a subwoofer). Ideally, you should select a speaker with a horizontal cabinet design instead of a vertical or square one. Using speakers explicitly designed for center channels for a more impactful sound would be best.

Are center channel speakers good for music?

The center channel is excellent for dialogues but not music in a home theatre setting. All-channel stereo is entertaining for gatherings and amplifies the volume, but not much else. It’s responsible for rendering most of the action and conversation in a movie that takes place front and center on your screen.

Should Center speakers be louder?

No, if tuned correctly, the center shouldn’t be louder than the fronts. The center isn’t louder (or not as loud) due to the setup numbers. These modifications are available to help you compensate for variations in speaker model loudness.

Can you use bookshelf speakers for the front?

Bookshelf speakers are added to a typical home theatre surround sound system, which already has a powerful subwoofer. They can be used as fronts in addition to rears or surrounds for smaller systems (instead of floor-standing speakers).

Overall Outlook

The center channel speaker is an essential part of any audio setup. It is responsible for playing all the voices in a film and the background music. That is why finding the right one for your needs is necessary. The best center channel speakers are made from quality materials and have a wide frequency range and large drivers. Keep these things in mind when shopping for a new center channel speaker and you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home audio setup.