In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter Reference and Revel Performa3 C208, two Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Revel.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SC Ref and Revel Performa3 C208 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 )
Revel Performa3 C208 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 8" anodized aluminum cone with cast frames Woofer
- 4" Midrange
- 50Hz- 20kHz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:50-350watts
- Weight:23.41kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 307.0" x 29" x 13-11/16"( 307.0 x 737.0 x 348.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SC Ref and Revel Performa3 C208 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 Revel Performa3 C208 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
GoldenEar SC Ref |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
SuperCenter Reference features a " Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Woofer . On the other hand, the Revel Performa3 C208 features a 1" aluminum dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 8" anodized aluminum cone with cast frames Woofer .
Frequency Response
SuperCenter Reference has a frequency range of 33-35k Hz whereas Revel Performa3 C208 has a frequency range of 50Hz- 20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the SuperCenter Reference can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Revel Performa3 C208'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
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 and Revel Performa3 C208 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SuperCenter Reference sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the Revel Performa3 C208's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the GoldenEar SC Ref a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel Performa3 C208, 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
SuperCenter Reference features Binding post type posts and Revel Performa3 C208 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Revel Performa3 C208'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 GoldenEar SC Ref's and Revel Performa3 C208'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 Revel Performa3 C208 has external dimensions of 307.0 x 737.0 x 348.0mm ( 12-1/16 x 29 x 13-11/16inch) .
GoldenEar SC Ref is 157mm shorter and 67mm less deeper than Revel Performa3 C208 but it is also 152mm 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 Revel Performa3 C208 is approximately 2564.8cm2 / 397.5inch2. The SuperCenter Reference requires 3% less surface area than the Revel Performa3 C208 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.