Center channel - CNET reviews

Editors' Top Home audio
updated May 15, 2006

Amid the wall-shaking bass, spine-tingling surround effects, and sweeping musical themes, it's easy to overlook the contribution of dialogue to the home-theater experience. Center-channel speakers are responsible for conveying the nuance of the actors' voices--without one, you may not be able to tell the difference between Keanu's "whoa" from Bill & Ted and his "whoa" from The Matrix. Remember, if you're composing a system from scratch, be sure to check out our other speaker lists for matching brands. -- David Katzmaier, senior editor

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Center channel

Home audio	Editors' rating	Price	Summary


Infinity Beta C360 (cherry) Released: 03/30/2004	8.0 Excellent	Email me when product is available	The C360 is the Hummer of center speakers--this full-size brute will deliver awe-inspiring sound to your home theater. Specs: center channel speaker , 25.6 in x 11.7 in x 8.5 in , Cherry , 3-way , 8 Ohm, 91 dB

JBL Northridge E Series EC35 Released: 09/15/2003	7.7 Very good	Email me when product is available	JBL's affordable center-channel speaker sounds like a high-end model. Specs: center channel speaker , 22 in x 10.4 in x 7.3 in , 3-way Passive , 8 Ohm, 91 dB, 75 Watt



Polk Audio CS1 (black) Released: 07/15/2004	7.1 Very good	$81	This full-size center-channel speaker sounds good with both movies and music and blends well with Polk's other Monitor Series speakers. Specs: center channel speaker , 18 in x 9.6 in x 7 in , 2-way Passive , 8 Ohm, 89 dB

Wharfedale Diamond 9.CS (black ash) Released: 09/01/2004	7.0 Very good	Email me when product is available	Wharfedale's dressed-to-the-nines center speaker shines with the Diamond line's towers and satellites. Specs: center channel speaker , 15.7 in x 9.2 in x 7.4 in , Black ash , 2-way Passive , 6 Ohm, 89 dB