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9 Best Center Channel Speakers for Your Home Theater in 2023

Article By: Ava Olivia Published On: June 12, 2023 , Last updated on : November 23, 2023 | Reviewed by : Editorial Board
best center channel speaker

The center speaker for surround sound is one of the most important elements in a home theater. The best center channel speaker will make you feel like you are interacting with the character in real life even though it is on your screen. Besides movies, you can enhance the experience of listening to music with a center speaker for your home theater system.

What are center channel speakers for?

Center channel speakers are essential for creating a realistic and immersive sound experience. They help to ensure that dialogue is clear and understandable and that sound effects are accurately placed in the sound field. Center channel speakers can also improve the overall sound quality of a home theater system by providing a wider and more balanced soundstage.

Buying guide for the best center channel speakers for home theater

There are a lot of center channel speakers for home theaters on the market. However, the best center channel speaker for you will be the one that caters to your specific needs. As a result, you need to look for a couple of things to find the best center speaker for yourself.

Compatibility

First and foremost, the center channel speaker you have in mind needs to be compatible with the rest of the speakers in your home theater. For example, if you have a wireless system, you need to get a center channel speaker with wireless connectivity.

Dolby Atmos support

Dolby atmos support usually drives up the cost of any speakers. However, you can find some cheap center channel speakers that accommodate Dolby Atmos by foregoing other features. At the same time, you will find some expensive speakers that do not have Dolby Atmos support.

Sound quality

As you can guess, sound quality is directly proportional to the price tag of the speaker. The best center channel speaker for your specific home theater will be the one that has the best sound quality within your budget range.

Loudness

The loudness of the center channel speaker will come into play when you want to get the speaker for listening to music or for parties. However, if you simply want a center channel speaker for seeing movies in your home theater, loudness will not have much significance.

Size and form factor

A center channel speaker’s size and form factor is important for a few reasons. First, the size of the speaker will affect the sound quality. Larger speakers can produce lower frequencies, which is vital for creating a realistic soundstage. Second, the form factor of the speaker will affect how it is placed in your home theater system. Center channel speakers are typically placed below or above the television screen, so you will need to choose a speaker that will fit in the space you have available. In our take on the best center channel speakers, we have included speakers with different form factors to keep variable options for you.

Watch the video below to learn how to position your center channel speaker according to its features to get the best sound.

Price

Center channel speakers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend. For example, center channel speakers in the $100-$200 range are a good option for those on a tight budget. They offer decent sound quality but may not be as immersive as more expensive models. Mid-range center channel speakers provide a good balance of sound quality and value at a $200-$500 price point. According to our hands-on experience, these speakers are a good option for those who want a noticeable improvement in sound quality over budget speakers without breaking the bank. Finally, we have high-end speakers in the $500-$1,000 range. These offer the best sound quality and performance. These are the most suitable option for audiophiles who want the ultimate in-home theater audio.

Polk Signature Elite ES35

Polk Signature Elite ES35

The Polk Signature Elite ES35 is the best center channel speaker for surround sound systems on the market if you can afford it. Not only does it have an outstanding sensitivity, but an amazing sound quality as well.
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Klipsch R-52C

Klipsch R-52C

The Klipsch R-52C is the next best speaker if you are under a budget. Even though it is cheaper, it does not sacrifice quality to bring down its price point. Besides having superior sound quality, it also has a strong magnetic grill that enhances its durability.
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Polk Audio T30

Polk Audio T30

If you are a fan of Polk but are under a strict budget, you can go for the Polk Audio T30. It has a natural and well-balanced sound. Polk is able to achieve this superior quality at this price point because of the brilliant tuning of their audio.
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Sony SSCS8

Sony SSCS8

The Sony SSCS8 is one of the only center channel speakers that are both affordable and support Dolby Atmos at the same time. However, they had to sacrifice the bass quality of the speaker to accommodate it.
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Klipsch RP-504C

Klipsch RP-504C

The Klipsch RP-504C is among the best home theater center channel speakers on the market. However, it comes later on our list because of its price-feature ratio. But if you can afford it, the Klipsch RP-504C is definitely the best you can get.
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Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL

Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL

The Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL is perfect for people who prefer listing to music on their home theater system. This is because of its excellent two-way bass reflex feature, which significantly improves the quality of the songs.
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Acoustic Audio Psc-43

Acoustic Audio Psc-43

The Acoustic Audio Psc-43 is the most affordable device on our list. However, it does not have the durability or sensitivity to bring you the speaker in this price range. They are able to achieve this by making the speaker more low profile.
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Pioneer SP-C22

Pioneer SP-C22

The Pioneer SP-C22 is the best for people who like to keep their speakers out of sight. This is because it is able to perform just fine even when kept inside a cabinet. However, you need to spend a little extra to get an audio amplifier for it.
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KEF T301C

KEF T301C

The KEF T301C gets rid of any unwanted resonance of sound from your surround sound system. Its sensitivity and sound quality are also outstanding. However, the lack of Dolby Atmos support in this price range hurts its ranking.
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Best center channel speakers for home theater | Top 9 picks

The best center channel speakers for a home theater will have superior features to its competitors on the market. However, when we take their price tag and your budget into consideration, it gets a little complicated. To help you select a speaker for yourself, here are the best home theater center channel speaker reviews.

List of the best center channel speaker

  1. Polk Signature Elite ES35
  2. Klipsch R-52C
  3. Polk Audio T30
  4. Sony SSCS8
  5. Klipsch RP-504C
  6. Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL
  7. Acoustic Audio Psc-43
  8. Pioneer SP-C22
  9. KEF T301C

Polk Signature Elite ES35

1.Polk Signature Elite ES35Sensitivity: 89 dB

Dimensions: 24 x 6 x 4 inches

Dolby Atmos support: Yes

The Polk Signature Elite ES35 is the best all-rounder on the market for center channel speakers. Since you can connect it wirelessly or with wires if required, you can pretty much integrate it into any home theater system. Right after you unpack the speaker from the box, you will appreciate its elegant look. Polk has been keeping their design up to mark from the beginning, and the ES35 is certainly the outcome of its fantastic work in the design department.

The classy look of this center channel speaker will fit elegantly with any room setup and will perfectly blend with the environment. Moreover, wireless connectivity means there is no need for cable management; thus, it is super easy to pair with any device. Apart from that, the ES35 features a Dynamic Balance acoustic array, precision crossovers, and Power Port bass-enhancing technology. These technologies combine to deliver a wide, spacious soundstage with excellent imaging. The highs are clear and detailed, the mids are smooth and natural, and the bass is deep and powerful.

Besides being the only wireless center channel speaker, it also has some of the best features on the market. Not only does it support both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X AVRs, but it also has a distortion-free and cleaner bass sound. It is the best Polk Center channel speaker for home theater.

Pros:

  • Wireless connectivity
  • Elegant and classy look
  • Distortion-free and clearer bass
  • Complete support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X AVRs
  • Clear, detailed sound with deep, rich bass

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive

The Polk Signature Elite ES35 has an elegant and classy look. It has a wood grain finish so that you can enhance the aesthetic of your furniture in your home theater. All these features, combined with the looks, make the Polk Signature Elite ES35 the best center channel speaker if you can afford it.

Quantitative Measurement

Loudness: 9/10
Sound Quality: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
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Klipsch R-52C

Klipsch R-52CSensitivity: 95 dB

Dimensions: 7.62 x 18.75 x 7.3 inches

Dolby Atmos support: No

If you are looking for the loudest center channel speaker on the market, the Klipsch R-52C is the one for you. Besides being loud, it is also the best Klipsch center speaker. That is relevant because Klipsch speakers dominate the market for the best center channel speakers.

Most center channel speakers on the market have one thing in common; they tend to have the loudest output. However, being the loudest does not mean its sound quality is great to hear. What we love about the Klipsch speaker is its optimization of sound output without being a Dolby Atmos-supported speaker.

The Klipsch R-52C has a sensitivity of 95 dB, which means it is very loud. However, its sound quality does not take a hit even if you hit max volume. Additionally, it has a high dynamic range, so you can make out the difference in loudness as you change the volume. One other place we found the speaker excels is in its design. The compact size of the system makes it very convenient to put any place in your room. We really wished Klipsch included the Atmos support in this otherwise excellent center channel speaker.

Pros:

  • Small and compact
  • Strong magnetic grill
  • Dolby Atmos-support
  • Outstanding loud and clear sound
  • High dynamic range for different volumes

Cons:

  • Only works well when combined with other Klipsch speakers

On the positive, the Klipsch R-52C is affordable as well, making it the best budget center channel speaker. The only drawback is that it only works well when the other speakers in the home theater system are also from Klipsch. Other than that, it is the best center channel speaker for your home theater if you are under a budget.

Quantitative Measurement

Loudness: 10/10
Sound Quality: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 10/10
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Polk Audio T30

Polk Audio T30Sensitivity: 90 dB

Dimensions: 8.5 x 19 x 6.5 inches

Dolby Atmos support: Yes

The Polk Audio T30 is an affordable and loud center channel speaker that also comes with Dolby Atmos support. As a result, it is able to deliver crystal clear vocals from both movies and songs, making it the best center channel speaker for dialogue.

Polk has been consistent in manufacturing budget-friendly speaker systems with high-end audio enhancement features. Here we have the T30 that has in every aspect competitive feature compared to the Polk Signature Elite ES35 we put at the top. Our top choice has the advantage of being a bigger-sized system to naturally give it an advantage over the T30 speaker. Otherwise, the T30, despite being a smaller size speaker, delivers stunning audio output performance.

By taking advantage of the Dolby Atmos support, the Polk Audio T30 is able to produce a natural and well-balanced sound at the cost of customizability. This means that Polk has fined tuned the speaker to be able to produce a clear sound even though it is among the affordable speakers.

Pros:

  • Versatile design
  • Easy setup process
  • Durable construction
  • Delivers crystal-clear vocals

Cons:

  • Limited customization options

The Polk Audio T30 has an easy setup process, so you can easily integrate it with your home theater system and get it up and running out of the box. Its outstanding sound quality, loudness, and ease of setup combined make it the best center channel speaker for home theater.

Quantitative Measurement

Loudness: 10/10
Sound Quality: 10/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
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Sony SSCS8

Sony SSCS8Sensitivity: 86 dB

Dimensions: 19.7 x 10.7 x 8.7 inches

Dolby Atmos support: Yes

The Sony SSCS8 is another affordable center channel speaker that supports Dolby Atmos. If you want an affordable center channel speaker specifically for watching movies in your home theater, this is the perfect speaker for you. We tested the device extensively and found the reason behind its superb performance. It’s the clever design choice Sony made before manufacturing this affordable speaker.

Bascically, Sony implements a fantastic set of woofers and tweeters in it to make sound reproduction outstanding. The bottom placement of the woofer also means the bass is deep and soothing to your ear. If you can position it in a perfect location in your room, the SSC8 has the capacity to match any premium center channel speaker.

Besides having a sleek and minimalistic design to fit your aesthetics, it also integrates and works well with speakers of other brands. Kudos to Sony for making this decision, as we were disappointed with the Klipsch R-52C, which is otherwise another great sound system.

Pros:

  • Clear, detailed sound
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Sleek and minimalistic design
  • Integrates and works well with any setup
  • Supports Dolby Atmos at an affordable price

Cons:

  • Bass quality could be better

While the Sony SSCS8 is great for movies, it underperforms when playing music. This is because Sony sacrificed bass quality to bring you this speaker at this price point. Other than that, it is one of the best center channel speakers for watching movies.

Quantitative Measurement

Loudness: 9/10
Sound Quality: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
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Klipsch RP-504C

Klipsch RP-504CSensitivity: 97 dB

Dimensions: 11.4 x 31 x 6.8 inches

Dolby Atmos support: Yes

The Klipsch RP-504C is one of the top-rated center channel speakers and is rightfully so. If you can afford it and make space for it, the Klipsch RP-504C is, without a doubt, the best center channel speaker on the market. Besides having outstanding sound quality, it is able to produce that sound while consuming lower power at greater efficiency. So, it will help reduce your electricity bill.

The Klipsch RP-504C has a furniture-grade finish, so you can effortlessly add it to your home theater and enhance its aesthetics. However, it is a bit bulkier than other center speakers, so you need to ensure that you have space for it under your TV before buying it. It comes later on our list because of its price tag, which hurts its price-feature ratio.

Pros:

  • Very well-built and furniture-grade finish
  • Better sound at lower power consumption
  • Excellent sound quality for movies, TV, and music
  • Lots of connection options for better compatibility
  • Wide soundstage with clear and accurate dialogue

Cons:

  • Bulkier than its competitors’ speakers

This is the second Klipsch device in our take on the best center channel speaker. If the previous entry, the Klipsch R-52C, does not match your expectation,  the RP-504C is definitely the one you are looking for. Apart from being great at the sound output, the RP-504C efficiently utilizes its big size to feature many connectivity options to boost its compatibility perk.

Quantitative Measurement

Loudness: 10/10
Sound Quality: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 9/10
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Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL

Yamaha Audio NS-C210BLSensitivity: 86 dB

Dimensions: 5.2 x 13.4 x 4.2 inches

Dolby Atmos support: No

The Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL is perfect for people who want to listen to music with a surround sound system. This is because of its outstanding two-way bass reflex features that enhance your musical experience. Additionally, it enhances the sound of songs without clashing with other speakers in the home theater system.

The Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL is a two-way bass reflex center channel speaker that is designed to provide clear and detailed sound for movies and music. It features dual 3.1″ cone woofers and a 0.9″ balanced dome tweeter, and it can handle up to 120W of power. The speaker has a frequency response of 65Hz-45kHz, and it is available in black or white.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Excellent dialogue reproduction
  • Outstanding two-way bass reflex speaker
  • Slim and compact enough to fit in tight spaces
  • Enhances sound without clashing with other speakers

Cons:

  • Design could be better

While the Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL is a small center channel speaker, so you can fit it in the tightest of shelves, it has a worn and grainy look. If looks do not matter to you, the Yamaha Audio NS-C210BL is one of the best center channel speakers you can get under a budget.

Quantitative Measurement

Loudness: 9/10
Sound Quality: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Durability: 9/10
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Acoustic Audio Psc-43

Acoustic Audio Psc-43Sensitivity: 89 dB

Dimensions: 14 x 5.8 x 4.4 inches

Dolby Atmos support: No

The Acoustic Audio Psc-43 is the best low-profile center channel speaker for home theater on the market. By making the speaker more low profile, they are able to bring it down to a price point that other brands cannot beat. Additionally, it has seamless integration with other sound systems, so you can buy and add it to your system in a pinch.

It features dual 4″ woofers and a 0.75″ tweeter and can handle up to 150W of power. Additionally, the speaker has a frequency response of 60Hz-20kHz and is available in black or white. All in all, the Acoustic Audio Psc-43 is the most affordable center channel speaker, but that does not mean it is bad by any means. While they do sacrifice quality a bit to bring it to this price point, it still has better sensitivity than speakers that cost more than it.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Decent bass performance
  • Better sensitivity than its competitors
  • Perfect speaker for small to medium-sized room
  • Seamless integration with other sound systems

Cons:

  • The sound quality could be better

Overall, the Acoustic Audio PSC-43 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable center channel speaker that is easy to set up and integrates seamlessly with other sound systems. You get a budget-friendly speaker that produces a clear, detailed sound that is perfect for any task. However, if you are looking for a more robust center channel speaker with a better bass response, you may consider a different option. In our opinion, the Polk Signature Elite ES35 could be the best match in this regard.

Quantitative Measurement

Loudness: 9/10
Sound Quality: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
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Pioneer SP-C22

Pioneer SP-C22Sensitivity: 88 dB

Dimensions: 8.45 x 18.13 x 7.13 inches

Dolby Atmos support: No

The Pioneer SP-C22 can play audio with a wider range of frequencies than its competitors. As a result, the sound produced by it remains smooth even at high volumes. Additionally, its sound sounds good even when you place the speaker inside a cabinet, which is its biggest selling point.

One of the best things about the Pioneer SP-C22 is its smooth sound. Even at high volumes, the speaker produces a clear, undistorted sound. This is due to the speaker’s wide frequency range and well-designed crossover. The crossover helps ensure that the different frequencies are blended smoothly, resulting in a natural-sounding audio experience.

Pros:

  • Wider frequency range
  • Powerful bass response
  • Clear and detailed mids and highs
  • Smooth sound, even in high volumes
  • Sounds good even when placed inside cabinets

Cons:

  • Requires an audio amplifier to work

The Pioneer SP-C22 is perfect for people who want to keep speakers away from sight since it works well inside cabinets. However, it requires an audio amplifier to be able to produce this exceptional sound, which will drive up your costs.

Quantitative Measurement

Loudness: 9/10
Sound Quality: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Durability: 9/10
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KEF T301C

KEF T301CSensitivity: 91 dB

Dimensions: 23.6 x 1.4 x 5.5 inches

Dolby Atmos support: No

The KEF T301C is the best center channel speaker for under $500. One of the biggest problems of any home theater with surround sound is unwanted resonance. This speaker is successfully able to remove any unwanted resonance thanks to its exceptional sound control. Additionally, it has outstanding sensitivity and sound quality.

On top of that, this high-quality center channel speaker is designed to provide clear, detailed sound for movies and music. It features two 4.5-inch Uni-Q drivers and a 1-inch tweeter, and it can produce a wide range of frequencies from 45Hz to 28kHz. The speaker is also designed to be placed on a surface or mounted on a wall, which gives you more flexibility in terms of placement.

Pros:

  • Good value pricing
  • Slim and stylish design
  • Outstanding sensitivity
  • Removes any unwanted resonance

Cons:

  • Competitors in this price range have Dolby Atmos support

The KEF T301C can be mounted on walls, so you can place it above or behind your TV if that is what you want. However, the biggest factor holding it back is the fact that it is a rather expensive center channel speaker, but it still does not support Dolby Atmos.

Quantitative Measurement

Loudness: 10/10
Sound Quality: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
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Can I use my TV speakers as a center channel?

Whether or not you can use your TV speakers as a center channel depends on your TV model and its capabilities. Some TVs have a “center speaker mode” that allows you to use the TV’s built-in speakers as a center channel in a home theater setup. You’ll need to connect your TV to an AV receiver or soundbar with a center channel output to use this mode.

Suppose your TV doesn’t have a center speaker mode. In that case, you can still use the TV’s built-in speakers as a center channel by connecting them to an AV receiver or soundbar that has a stereo input. The overall sound quality output will not be great, whichever option you choose. That’s why the best center channel speakers we covered here should provide the best audio experience for any user.

What Hz is best for a center speaker?

The best frequency response for a center speaker is between 60Hz and 20kHz. This will allow the speaker to reproduce all of the important frequencies for dialogue, music, and movies. If you are looking for a center channel speaker with the best frequency response, ensure the speaker has a 2-way or 3-way design. This will ensure it has the drivers necessary to produce all required frequencies. Moreover, a speaker with a high sensitivity rating can also produce loud sounds without requiring much power.

Can I use a soundbar as a center channel speaker?

Typically soundbars are designed to be used as a standalone system. However, you can still use a soundbar as a center channel speaker. Although, using a soundbar in such a way may not provide the same level of audio quality as a dedicated center channel speaker. This is because soundbars typically have smaller drivers than dedicated center channel speakers. As a result, they may not be able to produce the same level of bass or soundstage as a true center channel speaker.

Furthermore, using a soundbar as a center channel speaker may not be compatible with all surround sound formats. For example, suppose you’re planning on using Dolby Atmos or DTS: X. In that case, you’ll need to make sure that your soundbar is compatible with these formats. You can check our take on the best soundbars for music lovers to get a comprehensive idea of what they offer as a sound system.

Final verdict

The best center channel speaker will fulfill your specific home theater needs. For example, if you want a center channel speaker that you can connect to your system wirelessly, the Polk Signature Elite ES35 is the one for you. If you liked this list, check out our top picks for the best speaker for outdoor projectors and projectors for Apple TV 4K.

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