In this review, we will be comparing Theva Center and R400, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Focal and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Theva Center and Polk R400 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Focal Theva Center and Polk R400 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 Focal Theva Center and Polk R400 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
Both Theva Center and R400 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Theva Center |
Polk R400 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Theva Center features a 1" TNF Al/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Slatefiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100 Hz. On the other hand, the R400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Theva Center has a frequency range of 59-28kHz whereas R400 has a frequency range of 48-39K Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the R400 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Theva Center's min frequency of 59Hz.
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
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
Theva Center and R400 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Theva Center sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the R400's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Focal Theva Center a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk R400, 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.
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
Theva Center features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R400 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk R400's Binding post terminals
Polk R400 dual Port
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 Focal Theva Center's and Polk R400's external dimensions. Focal Theva Center has external dimensions of 210.0 x 531.0 x 254.0mm ( 81/4 x 207/8 x 10) whereas Polk R400 has external dimensions of 199.0 x 618.0 x 372.0mm ( 7-13/16 x 24-5/16 x 14-5/8inch) .
Focal Theva Center is 87mm narrower and 118mm less deeper than Polk R400 but it is also 11mm taller.
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 Focal Theva Center is approximately 1348.7cm2 / 209.0inch2 and base area of the Polk R400 is approximately 2299.0cm2 / 356.3inch2. The Theva Center requires 41% less surface area than the R400 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 Focal Theva Center weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs and the Polk R400 weighs 14.91kg / 32.8lbs. This makes the R400 49% heavier than the Theva Center.
Here is a comparison of how Theva Center and R400's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk R400?
Here are the items that come with the R400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleOwners ManualOnline Registration
 Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Base Surface Area |
1348cm2 (531x254mm)
vs
2299cm2 (618x372mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Minimum Impedance |
4.1 ohms
vs
3.8 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
59 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
39k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
199mm
vs
210mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Focal Theva Center |
Polk Audio Reserve R400 |
| Brand |
Focal |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
40-200 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
4.1 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
59-28kHz |
48-39K Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Slatefiber |
Polypropylene Turbine Cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
inverted dome |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2100 Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
210.0mm (8.3") |
199.0mm (7.8") |
| Width |
531.0mm (20.9") |
618.0mm (24.3") |
| Depth |
254.0mm (10") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
14.91kg (32.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss,Dark Wood,Light Wood |
Black, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |