In this review, we will be comparing ProCenter 1000 and Monitor SE 2000C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and Paradigm.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive ProCenter 1000 and Paradigm SE 2000C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive ProCenter 1000 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer
- 47-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-200watts
- Weight:3.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 124.0" x 14-5/8" x 5"( 124.0 x 372.0 x 127.0mm )
Paradigm SE 2000C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter
- 2 x 5.5" mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer
- 65-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-100watts
- Weight:8.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 181.0" x 19-3/4" x 11"( 181.0 x 502.0 x 280.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and Paradigm SE 2000C speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
Definitive ProCenter 1000 |
Paradigm SE 2000C |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and Paradigm SE 2000C compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both ProCenter 1000 and Monitor SE 2000C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive ProCenter 1000 |
Paradigm SE 2000C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
ProCenter 1000 features a 1" pure aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer . On the other hand, the Monitor SE 2000C features a 1" aluminum X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
ProCenter 1000 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz whereas Monitor SE 2000C has a frequency range of 65-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the ProCenter 1000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Monitor SE 2000C's min frequency of 65Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 1000
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
ProCenter 1000 and Monitor SE 2000C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. ProCenter 1000 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the Monitor SE 2000C's is at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Paradigm SE 2000C a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive ProCenter 1000, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
ProCenter 1000 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Monitor SE 2000C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the ProCenter 1000.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
ProCenter 1000 features Binding post type posts and Monitor SE 2000C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Paradigm SE 2000C's Binding post terminals
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive ProCenter 1000's and Paradigm SE 2000C's external dimensions. Definitive ProCenter 1000 has external dimensions of 124.0 x 372.0 x 127.0mm ( 4-7/8 x 14-5/8 x 5inch) whereas Paradigm SE 2000C has external dimensions of 181.0 x 502.0 x 280.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 19-3/4 x 11inch) .
Paradigm SE 2000C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 130mm wider, 57mm taller and 153mm deeper than Definitive ProCenter 1000.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Definitive ProCenter 1000 is approximately 472.4cm2 / 73.2inch2 and base area of the Paradigm SE 2000C is approximately 1405.6cm2 / 217.9inch2. The ProCenter 1000 requires 66% less surface area than the Monitor SE 2000C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Definitive ProCenter 1000 weighs 3.64kg / 8lbs and the Paradigm SE 2000C weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the Monitor SE 2000C 137% heavier than the ProCenter 1000.
Here is a comparison of how ProCenter 1000 and Monitor SE 2000C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 1000
What's in the Box of Definitive ProCenter 1000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ProCenter 1000:
Black center-channel speakerRemovable cloth grille (installed)2 Plastic insertsOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
What's in the Box of Paradigm SE 2000C?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor SE 2000C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
two 4-1/2-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
124mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
472cm2
vs
1405cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
250USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Definitive Technology ProCenter 1000 |
Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker (Black) |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
10-200 watts |
15-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-30k Hz |
65-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
BDSS |
mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
124.0mm (4.9") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
372.0mm (14.6") |
502.0mm (19.8") |
| Depth |
127.0mm (5") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Weight |
3.64kg (8lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Year |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |