In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter Reference and L400, two Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SC Ref and Polk L400 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
GoldenEar SC Ref Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- " Tweeter
- 4 x 5.25" Woofer
- 33-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-350watts
- Weight:14.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 150.0" x 35" x 11-1/16"( 150.0 x 889.0 x 281.0mm )
Polk L400 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Woofer
- 4" Midrange
- 55-38k Hz Frequency Response
- 87.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:25-300watts
- Weight:18.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 245.0" x 26-1/16" x 13-1/2"( 245.0 x 662.0 x 343.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SC Ref and Polk L400 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 SuperCenter Reference and L400 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
GoldenEar SC Ref |
Polk L400 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
SuperCenter Reference features a " Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Woofer . On the other hand, the L400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woofer .
Frequency Response
SuperCenter Reference has a frequency range of 33-35k Hz whereas L400 has a frequency range of 55-38k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the SuperCenter Reference can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the L400's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
SuperCenter Reference is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the L400 which has a nominal impedance of 4 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 L400 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SuperCenter Reference sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the L400's is rated at 87.5 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the GoldenEar SC Ref a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk L400, 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.
SuperCenter Reference can handle a max power of 350 watts RMS from the amp the whereas L400 has a max power handling value of 300 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the SuperCenter Reference.
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
SuperCenter Reference features Binding post type posts and L400 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk L400's Binding post terminals
Polk L400 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 GoldenEar SC Ref's and Polk L400's external dimensions. GoldenEar SC Ref has external dimensions of 150.0 x 889.0 x 281.0mm ( 5-7/8 x 35 x 11-1/16inch) whereas Polk L400 has external dimensions of 245.0 x 662.0 x 343.0mm ( 9-5/8 x 26-1/16 x 13-1/2inch) .
GoldenEar SC Ref is 95mm shorter and 62mm less deeper than Polk L400 but it is also 227mm wider.
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 GoldenEar SC Ref is approximately 2498.1cm2 / 387.2inch2 and base area of the Polk L400 is approximately 2270.7cm2 / 352.0inch2. The SuperCenter Reference requires 10% more surface area than the L400 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.