Today’s modern flat-screen TV sets are excellent to own.
They allow you to enjoy breathtaking views on a large screen without taking up much room inside your home at all.
But with these ultra-thin TV sets, there’s very little space for speakers.
The sound on most flat-screen TV sets is pretty poor, to say the least. It always sounds like someone is speaking inside an empty can and listening to music on your TV is a downright catastrophe.
The only way to overcome this issue is by getting a soundbar for your TV set. In this buying guide, we are going to have a look at the best center channel speakers available on the market.
Best Center Channel Speakers
Soundbars come in all shapes, sizes, and brands, which can make it pretty tough to identify the best one for your living room.
The only real way to establish if a speaker is a good pick is by reading up on the specifications and reviews so you can learn more about its performance and capabilities.
Up next, we are going to review eight of the best center channel speakers to buy right now.
Our top picks were elite systems in various categories so you can find what you are looking for with ease.
The Polk Audio Signature Series S35 – The Best Center Channel Speaker Under $500
- Ultra-Slim 4" tall speaker built to deliver...
- STRIKINGLY BOLD, DRAMATIC LOOKS and DYNAMIC...
- DESIGNED TO DELIVER – The iconic rounded...
- VERSATILE AND PERFECT FOR VARIOUS HOME...
- The Signature Series has earned the hi-res...
If you are working your way towards a huge sound system, then this soundbar by Polk would be a good pick.
The soundbar can be connected to various other speakers in the Polk Audio range. This soundbar is also very advanced. It is a 7-channel soundbar which is preferable for modern content that usually offers 5 different audio channels.
The soundbar is also quite compact which makes it very convenient for home use. Its 6 x 3” woofers are not huge but deliver powerful and crystal clear sound all on their own but if you want output performance, you can always invest in additional speakers.
Specifications – The Polk Audio Signature Series S35
| Weight | 14lbs |
| Size | 6.1 x 24.4 x 4.1” |
| Color | Black |
| Type | 7-channel soundbar |
| Tweeter | 1” terylene |
| Woofers | 6 x 3” |
| Frequency | 53 – 40kHz |
| Max sensitivity | 88dB |
| Suited for | TV |
| Included | Soundbar, cables, and user manual |
Pros and Cons – The Polk Audio Signature Series S35
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| The speaker has a stylish design | The bass isn’t particularly powerful |
| Additional speakers are available for those who want to create a home theater system | No wireless Bluetooth connectivity |
| The six 3” drivers deliver quality and reliable sound | |
| The channel speaker is versatile since it is compatible with lots of different setups | |
| The speaker has a compact space-saving design | |
| It works great on your TV set | |
| Can be used for music, content watching or listening to the radio | |
| The speaker is a great pick for medium-sized home theaters | |
| The 7-channel sound bar is more compatible with modern TV content |
MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speaker Gloss Black – The Best Sound Quality
- High Frequency Transducer: 1" × 1.4" (2.6cm...
- Low Frequency Transducer: Two 5.5” (14cm)...
- Components: Precision Vojtko with custom air...
- Inputs: Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less...
- Frequency Response: 65–25,000 Hz ±3dB
While one of the more pricy center channel speakers on the list, the MartinLogan Motion 30i Center Channel Speakers are top-notch when it comes to sound quality.
Boasting a high sensitivity rating of 91 dB and a frequency response of 65–25,000 Hz, the Motion 30i is great for watching movies or listening to music with rich bass and clear treble.
It also includes dual 5.5″ aluminum cone woofers that deliver accurate mid-range frequencies that provide a detailed and natural sound. The 1″ aluminum dome tweeter also helps to provide an even more balanced and accurate sound.
All of this comes in a sleek, gloss-black finish that looks great in any home theater setup.
Specifications – MartinLogan Motion 30i
| Weight | 18lbs |
| Size | 311.4 x 250.8 x 68.1” |
| Color | Black |
| Type | Center Channel |
| Tweeter | 1” dome |
| Inputs | Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts |
| Frequency Response | 65–25,000 Hz ±3dB |
Pros and Cons – MartinLogan Motion 30i
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional musical detail with low distortion | More on the expensive side |
| Two 5-1/2″ aluminum-cone woofers with cast baskets | No Bluetooth connectivity |
| Bass-reflex (ported) cabinet with rear-firing port | |
| 5 year warranty | |
| Sized to fit inside most standard audio/video cabinets | |
| Part of a complete MartinLogan surround sound system – compatible with other MartinLogan speakers | |
| Quite light-weight and compact | |
| Modern design with some luxurious looking finsihes |
The Klipsch RP-504C – The Best Center Channel Speaker Under $1,000
- 1” Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid...
- Quad 5.25" Spun Copper Cerametallic Woofers
- Bass-Reflex via Rear-Firing Tractrix port
- Premium Scratch Resistant Ebony and Walnut...
- Strong, Flexible Removable Magnetic Grille
This isn’t the most affordable sound bar on the market but it’s still a center channel speaker under 1000 bucks and it does offer a timeless and classy look.
The speaker by Klipsch offers impressive sound thanks to its four 5.25” woofers, and the 1” titanium tweeter reduces distortion so you can use it as a full sound system all on its own.
The speaker can also be combined with other speakers in the Klipsch range, so you can create a home theater setup.
This 5-channel sound bar suits modern TV content much better because the vaster range of speakers caters to modern content that usually includes 5 or more audio channels.
It is also very easy to set up and the speaker is lightweight, so you can easily mount it on the wall if you wish.
Specifications – The Klipsch RP-504C
| Weight | 34lbs |
| Size | 311.4 x 250.8 x 68.1” |
| Color | Walnut |
| Type | 5-channel sound bar |
| Tweeter | 1” titanium |
| Woofers | 5.25” spun copper cerametallic |
| Ports | Bass-reflex via rear-firing tractrix port |
Pros and Cons – The Klipsch RP-504C
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| The speaker has a beautiful timeless look | Some can find the clarity a little bit too sharp |
| It has 4 large 5.25” woofers | It is a bit expensive |
| It has a flexible removable magnetic grille | No Bluetooth connectivity |
| It offers high-frequency energy | |
| Can be combined with other speakers for surround sound effect | |
| The vented tweeter reduces standing waves end enhances clarity | |
| The speaker offers minimized distortion | |
| It is relatively lightweight | |
| You can buy additional speakers to create a home theater system | |
| 5 speakers are very good for watching modern TV content with different audio channels |
The Sony SSCS8 – The Best Center Channel Speaker Under $200
- Center channel speaker perfect for your home...
- Amplify your movie, music, and gaming...
- Create a robust 5.1.2 home theater setup...
- 4” woofer delivers faithful sound...
- 1” super tweeters create crisp...
This is one of the most affordable center channel speakers on our list. This speaker by Sony is ideal for those who need something affordable yet noisy.
The speaker isn’t as long and skinny as some modern soundbars, because it is fitted with two 4” woofers that deliver quite a powerful sound level of up to 86dB. This 2-way speaker also has a 1” tweeter to reduce distortion.
The 3-channel soundbar is suitable for most modern content, but not ideal for watching HD content that features lots of different audio channels.
The speaker can also be combined with other speakers such as subwoofers, single speakers, bookshelf speakers, and more if you wish to create a home theater setup.
Specifications – The Sony SSCS8
| Weight | 12.3lbs |
| Size | 19.7 x 10.7 x 8.7” |
| Color | Black |
| Type | 3-channel sound bar 2-way, 3-speaker system |
| Woofers | 4” reinforced |
| Tweeter | 1” polyester |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz – 25kHz |
| Input | 145 W |
| Sensitivity | 86dB |
Pros and Cons – The Sony SSCS8
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| It is a 2-way speaker with 3 drivers | More speakers on the soundbar would have been preferable |
| Offers a clear audio path | No Bluetooth connectivity |
| It has a versatile frequency response range | Some find the soundbar a bit bulky |
| Other speakers can be connected to the soundbar | |
| There are lots of other speakers available in this brand or range | |
| The large 4” woofers offer quality clear sound | |
| Shorter design is more appealing to some | |
| The soundbar is affordable | |
| It offers a tight and powerful bass with little distortion |
The Klipsch R-52C – The Best Center Channel Speaker for the Money
- Dual 5. 25" Spun-copper IMG woofers
- 1" Aluminum lts tweeter mated to a 90x90...
- 89Hz - 21kHz plus /- 3dB
- Sensitivity 95dB at 2. 83V/1m
- 400 watts power handling
This speaker is another budget-friendly option for those who want exceptional quality at an affordable price.
This speaker by Klipsch can be connected with other speakers to help create a home theater setup. It is not as skinny as some of the sound bars by Klipsch because it is fitted with just two speakers.
These large 5.25” speakers are ideal for producing higher sound levels and offer a frequency response range of 89Hz to 21kHz.
The speaker is a 3-channel soundbar, which is good enough for modern content. A wider range of speakers could have been better for modern content that usually contains 5 or more audio tracks.
The speaker also has an attractive look, thanks to the copper woofer’s beautiful gleaming design.
Specifications – The Klipsch R-52C
| Weight | 13.5lbs |
| Size | 7.6 x 18.75 x 7.3” |
| Color | Black and brass |
| Type | 3-channel sound bar |
| Woofers | 5.25” spun-copper |
| Tweeter | 1” Aluminum |
| Frequency Response | 89Hz – 21kHz |
| Input | 400 W |
| Sensitivity | 95dB |
Pros and Cons – The Klipsch R-52C
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Tractrix horn technology aims for sound and prevents it from bouncing off the walls | More speakers on the bar would suit modern TV content better |
| The tweeter minimizes distortion for clearer sound | No Bluetooth connectivity |
| The price is affordable | Some do find the speaker’s size a bit bulky |
| The speaker can be combined with other Klipsch speakers | |
| Many prefer the shorter and more compact design | |
| The two large 5.25” woofers offer clear sound | |
| The speakers offer a vast frequency response range | |
| It is compatible with most modern TV sets | |
| The speaker is visually pleasing |
The Paradigm Monitor SE2000 – The Best Center Channel Speaker for Large Room
- X-PAL Pure-Aluminum Dome Tweeters with...
- High-performance mineral-filled polypropylene...
- Beautiful Monitor SE speaker cabinets, with...
- Built on research, conducted by Paradigm in...
If you are looking for speakers with impressive output, then this speaker by Paradigm is a good pick.
The speakers are very stylish with a sleek design. They are available in white and black and can be combined with bookshelf speakers and others in the Paradigm range for a home theater setup.
The speaker is a 3-channel sound bar, which means it has 2 speakers and a central dome tweeter to reduce distortion and deliver crisp clear sound. The 3-channel speakers are great for watching modern content or for listening to your favorite tracks on the radio.
At just 19 pounds, the sound bar is also very light, which makes it ideal for wall mounting, but you can also keep it on your TV unit. It is a good set for music, movies, TV, and even for playing games with a lot of different sounds and audio tracks.
Specifications – The Paradigm Monitor SE2000
| Weight | 19lbs |
| Size | 11 x 19.8 x 7.2” |
| Color | Gloss white / Matte black |
| Type | 3-channel speaker |
| Tweeter | X-PAL pure aluminum dome |
Pros and Cons – The Paradigm Monitor SE2000
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| The speaker has a beautiful finish | More speakers would have been better for modern multi-audio content |
| It is fitted with high-performance woofers | No Bluetooth connectivity |
| Patented tweeter technology minimizes distortion and offers smooth sound output | |
| The soundbar can be combined with other speakers | |
| Some do prefer the shorter design of these speakers compared to tall and skinny soundbars | |
| The speaker is available in two different colors; black and white | |
| The speakers are affordable | |
| The gloss white finish is easy to keep clean |
The Polk Audio RC65i – The Best Center Channel Speaker in Wall
- SEAMLESS AUDIO FROM THE VANISHING WALL...
- BALANCED, LIFELIKE SOUND THAT YOU’LL LOVE...
- EXCELLENT SOUND REPRODUCTION WITH WIDER...
- OUT OF THE BOX & RECESSED INTO THE WALL; no...
- BLENDS INTO YOUR HOME DÉCOR; Paint the outer...
If you are looking for a mini home theater setup at an affordable price, then this set is a good pick. These speakers can easily be attached to your wall without making a mess in your home because of their easy-assemble design.
The set includes one 3-channel sound bar and two speakers that each have individual tweeters. The large 6.5” woofers on the loose speakers offer a very loud output and the tweeters reduce distortion so you can enjoy crystal clear sound.
The 3-way sound bar is just fine for use on your TV set or computer for gameplay. You probably won’t be able to connect other loose speakers to the unit, but that is just fine since this set comes with additional speakers.
Specifications – The Polk Audio RC65i
| Size | 11 x 19.8 x 7.2” |
| Color | Black |
| Type | 3-channel soundbar with 2 speakers 2-way in-wall center |
| Woofer | 6.5” dynamic balance |
| Tweeter | 0.75” amiable |
| Included | 2 speakers and 1 channel center |
Pros and Cons – The Polk Audio RC65i
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| The set includes a sound bar and two speakers | The sound bar only has 3 speakers, where more would suit modern audio content better |
| Offers balanced and clear sound | No Bluetooth connectivity |
| The 6.5” woofers offer brilliant and loud sound | You cannot add different speakers to the sound bar |
| The 1” tweeter offers a fuller bass and reduces distortion | |
| The set is very easy to install | |
| The speakers offer a visually pleasing look | |
| The speakers are also fitted with 0.75” tweeters | |
| The system offers a nice and deep bass |
The Klipsch RP-404C – The Best Center Channel Speaker Home Theater
- The rp-404c center Channel speaker delivers...
- 1” Titanium lets vented tweeter with hybrid...
- Copper anodized trim rings, Cast aluminum...
- Single 5–way screw terminals accept banana...
- Removable grille attaches magnetically for an...
This 5-channel sound bar is one of the best center channel speakers and is ideal for those who want to create a glorious home theater that delivers powerful sound.
The speaker is fitted with 4” quad woofers that deliver quite the loud and powerful sound output.
A 1” tweeter reduces distortion so you can enjoy even better sound.
The 5-channel speaker is ideal for watching modern HD videos that contain different audio tracks, and it is very easy to connect to home systems thanks to various connection options.
The sound bar is available in different colors, which include black, piano black, and walnut. You can use it as a mini home theater system on its own or connect it with other Klipsch speakers – such as bookshelf speakers – to increase the sound quality and output.
Specifications – The Klipsch RP-404C
| Weight | 28lbs |
| Size | 13 x 26 x 5.7” |
| Color | Black and copper, Piano black and walnut |
| Type | 5-channel sound bar |
| Woofers | 4” Quad |
| Tweeter | 1” Titanium |
| Connections | 5-way screw thermals |
Pros and Cons – The Klipsch RP-404C
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| The 5-channel sound bar is ideal for modern content that offers a wider audio track range | No Bluetooth connectivity |
| The sound bar is available in three different colors | The price is a bit high for some buyers |
| It has a beautiful overall look | |
| The soundbar can be connected with other Klipsch speakers | |
| It delivers accurate acoustics | |
| The 1” tweeters increase sound clarity | |
| The 4” woofers offer terrific bass and sound | |
| The grill is removable so you can enjoy a more powerful performance | |
| The soundbar is very easy to set up and use |
Conclusion
We hope that our guide helped you find the best center channel speaker or sound system for your need and budget.
And if you are looking for other great technological gear, we welcome you to hop over to some of our other product reviews where you can learn more about top-quality tech products on the market.
