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David Valle
If you're a lover of music, movies and TV, you know that a good sound makes a big difference. Surely, your experience wouldn't be the same if you missed the background sounds that make sense of the story or the soundtrack that will live forever in your memories.
Those who produce music and sound effects put too much effort into their work. That's why it would be a crime if you missed something so valuable. If your old home theater needs help to reproduce sounds properly, you're in the right place.
Reading this article you'll learn how to choose the best center channel speaker under $500. Watching a movie at home won't be the same after trying one of these.
If you want to provoke the envy of your visitors, pay close attention to this best center channel speaker reviews and buying guide.
What is Center Channel Speaker?
A center channel speaker is a device that serves for reproducing and amplifying sounds from an HD source. The simplest configuration combines the action of a tweeter and a woofer. Both components are installed together inside a solid case.
On the back of the case there are two input terminals where you connect the wires that transmit the sound signal from the output source.
How to Use Center Channel Speaker?
The first thing you should do is connect your center channel speakers to the sound source. You can do it using:
If you use Bluetooth as a connection method, you'll have to activate the pairing mode of your wireless speakers. Then you must access the sound source menu, activate the Bluetooth option and track the speakers.
When the device description appears, you just have to select it and then the speakers will start working.
Why are You Looking to buy Center Channel Speaker Under $500?
Perhaps for you, having a good sound at home is something very important. However, most of the most popular sound systems exceed $1000.
If you aren't willing to pay too much money to have a decent sound in your home theater, you need to find a cheaper alternative. Fortunately, in the current market there are several under $500 models that offer outstanding sound quality.
Best Center Channel Speaker Under $500
Top 10 Center Channel Speaker Under $500 Reviews
On the Internet, you can find many center channel speakers for less than $500. However, most of them fail with the first use. The main cause is the low quality of their components.
If you're looking for a superior quality product that offers the best price vs. quality balance, then you should consider these 10 options.
1. Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 Center Channel Speaker
Powerful and compact. Audio Blackstone TL1is by far the best Polk Center Channel Speaker. With this speaker you'll hear the sounds that the human ear usually overlooks.
Many times, when you watch a movie or listen to a song, some sounds can go unnoticed by your ears. Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 amplifies high frequencies like no other speaker in the market.
Equipped with a silk dome tweeter, which offers better sound quality with lower voltage consumption. Its Time Lens technology allows focusing the mid-bass and tweeter acoustic centers in the same direction.
The result is a clear and uniform sound. Its Extended Linear Motion engine allows Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 to move further and smoothly in a small space.
Its mid-bass is small, but powerful enough to reproduce louder sounds than best in ceiling center channel speaker.
Pros Cons- Not recommended for too high spaces.
- Some models reported with blurred sound.
2. Polk Audio T30 Center Channel Speaker
Crystal clear 3D sound is what you'll always get from Polk Audio T30 Center Channel Speaker. It doesn't matter if the space is open or closed, the sound will always be the same.
Equipped with a 1-inch silk dome tweeter and two 5.25-inch composite drivers. Its design reduces distortion and resonance, very common in tight spaces. For better sound quality, you must install it just below your TV.
Polk Audio T30 Center Channel Speaker has a wide frequency response range between 55-24,000 Hz. The combined action of its driver and tweeter projects a box- less sound.
It has excellent performance playing medium frequencies. The dialogues of your favorite TV shows and movies will hear more clearly than ever.
Pros Cons- Speaker can damage with slight voltage changes.
- Some models reported with blurred sound.
3. Polk Audio 255C-RT Center Channel Speaker
Specially designed to match any wall decoration. Polk Audio 255C-RT isn't just a speaker, it's an ornamental element that will attract the attention of your visitors.
Its innovative Power Port reduces air turbulence inside the speaker for optimal reproduction of low frequencies.
Installed on a wall, it reduces response bumps that you usually hear when a speaker is very close to a flat surface. It's very easy to install and its components guarantee zero vibrations.
Equipped with silk dome tweeters for optimal sound amplification without distortion. It works well in open and closed spaces.
Pros Cons- Only 30 days warranty.
- Too fragile product.
4. Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker
You can install it on or under your TV and it will always sound great. Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker gives you excellent sound quality all the time.
Reduces resonance and reproduces clear and natural sounds. Its Klippel Motor Optimization system guarantees optimal sound performance.
Its elegant design and glossy finish make it an excellent decorative piece that will combine perfectly with your home theater. Equipped with silk dome tweeters for a clear and distortion-free sound.
Manufactured with materials and electronic components of the highest quality to ensure maximum durability.
Pros Cons5. Klipsch RP-450C Center Channel Speaker
Although it isn't exactly the lightest and cheapest model, very few channel speakers can match the quality of its sound. The dialogues of the movies and the lyrics of the songs will come alive with a Klipsch RP-450C Center Channel Speaker.
At first glance you might think that it's a too big, heavy and expensive product. However, all its impressive features make buying one an excellent investment.
More durable and resistant than similar models. It has a MDF case reinforced with a protective polymer layer. Its 1-inch tweeters are made of titanium.
Its spun copper Cerametallic woofers reduce air turbulence for optimal reproduction of low frequencies. In contrast to other speakers, you can remove the grille of the Klipsch RP-450C.
Pros Cons6. Klipsch R-25C Center Channel Speaker
Compact but with all the features that make a center channel speaker something extraordinary. Klipsch R-25C Center Channel Speaker is a limited edition that you must buy before it runs out. The best center channel speaker under 200 in the market.
It has a MDF case covered by a resistant layer of black polymer. This little wonder can deliver over 60% of a movie soundtrack and most of its dialogue. It's excellent amplifying low and high frequencies.
Equipped with a 1-inch aluminum tweeter and two 5.25-inch copper woofers. It responds very well with very low frequencies, reproducing the cleanest and most natural sound.
It's compact and lightweight and easily adapts to tight spaces. If your home theater shelf is small, this is the center channel speaker you need.
Pros Cons- Reported models with distorted sound.
- Very short warranty time.
7. Yamaha NS-C210 Center Channel Speaker
Elegant and light. Yamaha NS-C210 gives you superior sound quality at low cost. Ideal for playing sounds from HD devices.
Its magnet is larger, allowing extracting more sound information for a greater variety of sounds. Simply put, Yamaha NS-C210 can play sounds that other models can't.
Its aluminum woofers are lighter and react faster with every sound change. Its balanced dome tweeters eliminate distortion for a clear and natural sound. Its modern design combines with most of the most popular flat TVs.
It's one of the lightest models on the market, with only 2 kg in weight.
Pros Cons- Too fragile product.
- Plays voices with too much echo.
8. Klipsch RC-62 II Center Channel Speaker
An improved version of Klipsch R-25C. Made of luxury materials, highly resistant and with a sound quality superior to its predecessors. Klipsch RC-62 II Center Channel Speaker is ideal for demanding users.
A luxury overdose. This is the best way to describe the Klipsch RC-62 II Center Channel Speaker. Equipped with a titanium tweeter and two Cerametallic woofers. If you're looking for natural sound and superior amplification, this is what you need.
Its MDF case is beautifully covered by a black woodgrain vinyl veneer. Klipsch RC-62 II isn't just a sound box, but a decorative piece that highlights the beauty of your home.
It also implements the innovative Tractrix Horn technology for louder sound with lower voltage consumption.
Pros Cons- Too expensive.
- Some models reported with distorted sound.
9. Klipsch RP-140SA Dolby Atmos Center Speaker
Klipsch RP-140SA adds Dolby Atmos features to make you live a totally new experience. Amplifies and improves the sound of your floorstanding and bookshelf speakers.
Klipsch RP-140SA takes the concept of good sound to the next level. If you add these speakers to your sound system, you'll live an incredible experience. Equipped with a 1-inch titanium tweeter and a 4-inch spun copper Cerametallic woofer.
Reproduces better high and medium frequencies. In addition, it amplifies low frequencies, preventing damage to the woofer and reducing energy consumption.
Its MDF case covered with brushed polymer adds an elegant touch to its designs. In addition, you can remove the grid if you wish.
Pros Cons- Some models reported with distorted sound.
- Dolby Atmos effect almost imperceptible.
10. MartinLogan Motion 8 Center Channel Speaker
With one of the biggest tweeters on the market, the MartinLogan Motion 8 promises a jaw dropping sound all the time. In addition, it consumes less energy than most similar models.
Its Folded Motion tweeter has 8 times more surface area than a 1-inch dome tweeter. The result is a superior amplification of the mid and high frequencies. In addition, folded motion tweeters consume less energy and prevent turbulence by moving less air.
Its curved design is elegant and striking. Without a doubt, it's the missing piece in your home theater. You can focus the sound in a specific direction. For that reason, it's ideal for low and high wall mounting applications.
Pros Cons- Poor amplification of medium frequencies.
- Too expensive.
Center Channel Speaker Under $500 Buying Guide
It's true that the biggest and most expensive channel speakers sound better than the rest. However, not everyone has more than $600 dollars to spend on these devices. In addition, using one of these in an enclosed space can cause too much resonance.
One by one, you can buy cheaper models and build your own configuration. You can get incredible results by installing smaller speakers in different parts of a room.
If you do it right, the resulting sound will be as good or even better than that provided by those huge center channel speakers. If you don't have too much money, but you dream of having an outstanding sound system at home, don't worry.
Today you'll learn to choose the best center channel speaker under $500. You don't have to be an expert to understand. In detail, this article will explain all the variables that you must take into account before making the final decision.
Compatibility
Many people don't know. Assembling a sound system with center channel speakers of different brands can be a serious mistake. Why? Because many of them aren't acoustically compatible between each other.
For optimal amplification, the sound signal splits at high, medium and low frequencies. Sounds that usually make the floor and walls tremble, for example in an explosion, correspond to low frequencies.
The medium frequencies correspond to the dialogues of a show or movie, or to the lyrics of a song. In contrast, high frequencies correspond to background sounds and music.
When the sound signal leaves the source, all these frequencies overlap one over another. Each speaker receives a copy of that signal. The high frequencies go to the tweeters, the medium ones to the mid-range speakers and the low ones to the woofers.
Each speaker amplifies the frequencies to a different scale. For example, some amplify voices better and others music. Subwoofers only sound when the frequency is very low.
From a certain point of view, each speaker is like a different member of the same orchestra. When everyone is well intoned, the result is a masterpiece for your ears.
Measurements of Compatibility
However, if one of the speakers isn't compatible, what you hear sounds the same as bad orchestra. Something like this usually happens when you combine speakers of different brands and models.
When your ears recognize a certain sound style, if something sounds different you get the false perception that something is wrong. For example, many buyers complain about the new speakers they add to their sound systems.
Many times the new speaker works correctly, there's simply no sound harmony. Resonance and distortion are results of this phenomenon.
When you achieve a uniform sound, you can hardly identify which part of the sound comes out through each speaker. To achieve this, always try to buy speakers of the same brand, model and production line.
If you're going to buy each speaker one by one, don't wait too long. Similar models produced in different years may sound totally different. The same happens when produced in different countries.
For that reason, assembling your sound system in parts is always a risk.
Magnetic Shielding
It's proven that nearby magnets can damage electronic devices. In the case of TVs, magnets alter the colors and image quality. You can even check it out for yourself.
If you put a magnet on the TV, a huge green or purple spot will appear on the screen. The same happens when you put on a radio or one of those old big PC speakers.
Speakers have magnets to interpret the sound signal. The larger the magnet, the speaker interprets a greater frequency range. That's why the music sounds so clear on those speakers with huge tweeters.
In the past, home theater speakers were the main cause of damaged televisions. However, new models correct that defect using magnetic shielding.
The magnetic shielding is a layer of metal and other materials covering the internal walls of the speaker case to reduce the electromagnetic induction. That way, distortion on TVs and other electronic devices disappear.
Configuration Ratio
Many times, it's more convenient to buy a single big center channel speaker than several little ones. That way you prevent the risk of buying incompatible devices.
Depending on the level of amplification you want to obtain, there are different configuration ratios. Some of the most common are 3:1 and 5:1. The first number indicates the total number of speakers. The second indicates the total number of woofers.
The higher the number of speakers, the music, the background sounds and the voices of the protagonists in a movie sound more natural and crystal clear.
The higher the number of woofers, you'll get a better amplification of the low sounds. If you want your sofa to tremble every time something explodes in a movie, choose several larger woofers.
Position
Many times, the resulting sound quality not only depends on the performance of the device. The position of each speaker can improve the overall experience.
Most people usually position their speakers so they fit better with the decoration. However, that isn't the most reasonable way to do it. If you want to get the best results you must follow some tips.
Always, center channel speakers should go just below or on top of the TV. The optimum height should match the level of the ears in sitting position. That way, viewers will perceive a greater sound amplitude.
Tower speakers should preferably go on the ground, with woofers at the lowest level. In the case of small speakers, it isn't recommended to install them directly on the wall or other flat surface.
This decreases the ability of tweeters and woofers to move air, causing distortion. You would hear something similar to the sound inside a tunnel. To avoid this, it's always convenient to use the mounting set included with the product.
However, there are some flat models that you can install directly on the wall without experiencing variations in sound quality.
Materials
The quality of the materials greatly influences the durability and sound quality of the speakers. First of all, make sure the speakers have a thick and resistant case.
Surely, your speakers will fall to the ground more than once. A rugged case will prevent delicate electronic components from breaking. The best high end center channel speaker has MDF and hardwood case.
Aluminum cases, although elegant and striking, are too thin. This feature doesn't make them the most appropriate to resist high impacts.
Usually, tweeters are components prone to deformation. Tweeters must be of a strong material to resist the effect of high frequencies. The cheapest models use paper cones and domes.
Some types of music generate very high frequencies that can be devastating for paper components. Polyethylene and silk are more expensive materials, but guarantee greater durability.
When the cones or domes break, the sound distorts. Some models take the concept of resistance to another level, applying protective layers of resin to the moving parts of the speaker.
If you have enough money to invest in a device that will last forever, it's advisable to buy speakers with metal tweeters. The most common materials for this purpose are aluminum, copper and titanium. Usually, titanium models are the most expensive.
Tweeter Type
Not all speakers reproduce high frequencies in the same way. The shape of the tweeters can vary to provide different sound qualities. The most common tweeter types in the market are:
Here is few more details about these 3 types tweeter:
Cone Tweeters
Cone tweeters follow the same design of woofers. However, they're smaller and have a faster response to better reproduce high frequencies. In addition, the suspension and cone are more rigid.
Cone tweeters offer low distortion, resonance reduction and fast movement. They have a frequency response range between 2,000-15,000 Hz. Currently, there are very few models that use this configuration.
However, you can still find cone tweeters on the cheapest devices.
Dome Tweeters
Most modern models use dome tweeters. These have a better response to high frequencies than cone tweeters. They're formed by a dome attached to a voice coil.
You can find them in different materials, such as silk, aluminum, copper and titanium. While the material is more resistant, thin and light, the sound is more natural and crystal clear.
Folded Motion Tweeters
Folded motion tweeters have a larger surface area than both cone and dome tweeters. Its surface bends and stretches as an accordion. The generated vibration moves the air, reproducing and amplifying the source's sound signal.
In addition, they reduce energy consumption and provide superior sound quality than other models. However, they tend to be a bit more expensive, especially large models.
If you had to choose between one of these three, folded motion tweeters would be the best option.
Size
When it comes to sound, size does matter. Depending on the use you want to give your speakers, you'll need a larger or smaller model. However, in general, the biggest speakers provide the best sound.
For example, bigger speakers and woofers allow greater amplification. In addition, when the device's magnet is larger, the high frequency response range is also larger.
If you don't want to miss a single detail, you need a big speaker. However, the bigger the speaker, the harder it's to transport. If you usually take your speakers to parties and other social events, you'll need to buy something that you can carry with your own strength.
A pair of 38-inch tower speakers is perhaps all you need to get the sound you need. Usually, tower speakers combine the action of several tweeters and woofers calibrated to respond to different frequency ranges.
If you don't have much money, you can choose 12-15 inch speakers. They aren't the most recommended for open spaces, but they're all you need to turn your living room into a cinema.
If money is still a problem, you have a third option. 7-Inch speakers are compact, lightweight and provide surround sound when installed in the corners of any room. Although they're the cheapest models, the sound quality is also much lower.
Shape
Interestingly, the shape of your speakers also influences the sound quality. Today, most speakers have the shape of a rectangular box. They allow you to focus the sound in a certain direction and in general lines combine quite well with a minimalist decoration.
However, curved models are much safer, because they lack sharp edges. If you have children in homes, those edges could be dangerous for them. Also, curved models are better suited to tight spaces.
Grille
The grille doesn't bring any improvement to the sound. It only protects the delicate components of the tweeter and woofer. Most of the time, the grille dampens the sound waves, preventing them from reaching your ear with sufficient amplitude.
It's true that having a grille is convenient when you're taking your new speakers for a ride. This will prevent dust and other external agents from damaging its components.
However, when they're safe at home and want to get the most out of the sound, the grille is simply an obstacle in your path.
Thinking about this, some companies are manufacturing center channel speakers with detachable grilles. If you're going to buy new speakers, try to buy models that include this feature.
Weight
You already know that the total weight of the speakers will greatly influence your ability to transport them. However, the weight of the speakers also influences the sound quality.
A quick way to evaluate the reaction of the speakers to frequency changes is to investigate the density and resistance of the manufacturing material. If a material is denser, it's heavier when it occupies a certain volume.
If it's more resistant, it's less prone to deform with great efforts. The deformation of the moving parts of the speaker produces sound distortion.
Consider which material behaves best against high vibrations. Some materials are very resistant, but their weight decreases their ability to react quickly. Instead, some are very light and offer quick reaction, but they break very easily.
It's also convenient that you investigate the materials that give better results to reproduce natural sounds. Obviously, if you're thinking of acquiring a device with synthetic diamond tweeters, you'll have to pay too much money.
Price for A Best Center Channel Speaker Under $500
When you think about the features you want in your new speakers, the sky is the limit. You'll surely want to buy a sophisticated titanium sound system with a glossy case.
However, not everyone has the money to pay for the sound system of a superstar. Instead of exotic materials, you may have to opt for something more common and cheap. However, the final sound quality doesn't completely depend on the price.
It depends on how smart you're to combine different low-price devices and create a true monster. If you want to find low prices, start researching on the Internet.
Visit some shopping websites and verify what other users say about a certain product. Then visit the official website of the same product and compare the price variation.
If the price on a shopping website is much cheaper than the official price, maybe 50% less, be careful. Most buyers believe on misleading offers and end up buying an imitation product.
It could also be a used product. If you don't want to take risks, stay away from too cheap models. Even if most people have good reviews about this.
Considering price ranges, speakers under $100 enter that red zone that no one should cross. Although cheap, they may have a too short lifespan. They may not have warranty and return policy.
Price Depends on Size?
If you're going to invest your money, do it wisely. Think of a medium model, maybe a 12-inch speaker. They offer excellent performance in enclosed spaces and usually don't exceed the $500 limit.
If there are similar models made of more resistant materials, it would be convenient to check their prices. Perhaps the difference in money is smaller than you imagine.
The material of the case and the final finish also influences the price. If decoration is a key factor for you, you'll surely need more money. However, if you're looking for the best sound at the lowest cost, an MDF and vinyl case is more than enough.
It's a good idea to make a mental image of the sound system you want to install. Try different combinations with models of different brands and calculate the total cost of each combination.
Surely some combinations will adapt to your budget and others won't. Then, analyze the pros and cons of those which remain within your budget.
Finally, choose the best of all, making sure that all speakers are acoustically compatible between each other. Now, you're ready to make the final decision.
Center Channel Speaker Under $500 FAQs
It's true that choosing good center channel speakers under $500 isn't as easy as it seems, especially when you've never bought ones. However, these FAQs and their answers will help you have a clearer idea of how to do it.
Q1. At what height should you install your speakers?
At the height of the ears in sitting position.
Q2. Cone, dome or folded motion? Which are better?
Folded motion are better, because they allow more sound amplification with less energy.
Q3. Is it convenient to combine speakers from different brands on the same sound system?
No. If the speakers aren't acoustically compatible, you won't get good results.
Q4. What's the advantage of buying speakers with magnetic shielding?
Electronic equipment near your speakers will be safe from distortion and damage caused by magnets.
Q5. What's the best material for tweeters?
In the opinion of consumers, copper and titanium tweeters are the best.
Q6. What's the best place for center channel speakers?
Under or on top of TV.
Q7. What are tweeters for?
They serve to amplify and reproduce high frequencies.
Q8. What are woofers for?
They serve to amplify and reproduce low frequencies.
Q9. What are subwoofers for?
They fulfill the same function as woofers, but only work with a certain range of low frequencies.
Q10. Are large models better than small ones?
Yes. When a speaker has larger components, it can amplify and reproduce a greater range of frequencies.
Conclusion
Not all center channel speakers sound the same. For that reason, there's no guarantee that you'll feel comfortable with the performance of a particular product. Before buying, visit a physical store and check how the device really sounds.
Verify all product features and compare with similar models. Choose the best combination price vs. sound quality. Avoid combining acoustically incompatible devices for best results.
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