In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv C1+ and ProCenter 1000, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Emotiva and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ and Definitive ProCenter 1000 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ and Definitive ProCenter 1000 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ and Definitive ProCenter 1000 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Airmotiv C1+ is a 3-way design whereas the ProCenter 1000 is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ |
Definitive ProCenter 1000 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 3-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
Airmotiv C1+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 550 Hz and 2600Hz. On the other hand, the ProCenter 1000 features a 1" pure aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
Airmotiv C1+ has a frequency range of 50 Hz – 28 kHz whereas ProCenter 1000 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the ProCenter 1000 can go slightly deeper then the Airmotiv C1+'s min frequency of 50Hz.
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
Airmotiv C1+ is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the ProCenter 1000 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Airmotiv C1+ can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv C1+ sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the ProCenter 1000's is rated at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive ProCenter 1000 a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv C1+, 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.
Airmotiv C1+ can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Airmotiv C1+ has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 80 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
Airmotiv C1+ features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. ProCenter 1000 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 Emotiva Airmotiv C1+'s and Definitive ProCenter 1000's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ has external dimensions of 197.0 x 521.0 x 210.0mm ( 7-3/4 x 20-1/2 x 8-1/4inch) whereas Definitive ProCenter 1000 has external dimensions of 124.0 x 372.0 x 127.0mm ( 4-7/8 x 14-5/8 x 5inch) .
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 149mm wider, 73mm taller and 83mm 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 Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ is approximately 1094.1cm2 / 169.6inch2 and base area of the Definitive ProCenter 1000 is approximately 472.4cm2 / 73.2inch2. The Airmotiv C1+ requires 132% more surface area than the ProCenter 1000 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ weighs 8.45kg / 18.6lbs and the Definitive ProCenter 1000 weighs 3.64kg / 8lbs. This makes the Airmotiv C1+ 132% heavier than the ProCenter 1000.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C1+ and ProCenter 1000'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 come with the ProCenter 1000:
Black center-channel speakerRemovable cloth grille (installed)2 Plastic insertsOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
two 4-1/2-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
124mm
vs
197mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
472cm2 (372x127mm)
vs
1094cm2 (521x210mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ |
Definitive Technology ProCenter 1000 |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Black) |
| Power Range |
Up to 120 watts |
10-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50 Hz – 28 kHz |
47-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
BDSS |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
3" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
550 Hz and 2600Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
197.0mm (7.8") |
124.0mm (4.9") |
| Width |
521.0mm (20.5") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Depth |
210.0mm (8.3") |
127.0mm (5") |
| Weight |
8.45kg (18.6lbs) |
3.64kg (8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
HDF |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |