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 SuperCenter Ref and Revel Performa3 C208 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SuperCenter 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 SuperCenter 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
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref
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 SuperCenter 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.
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 SuperCenter Ref's and Revel Performa3 C208's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperCenter 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 SuperCenter 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 SuperCenter 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.
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 GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs and the Revel Performa3 C208 weighs 23.41kg / 51.5lbs. This makes the Revel Performa3 C208 66% heavier than the SuperCenter Reference.
Here is a comparison of how SuperCenter Reference and Revel Performa3 C208's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref
What's in the Box of GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperCenter Reference:
Center-channel loudspeaker4 Leveling feet4 Threaded-insertsOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Revel Performa3 C208?
Here are the items that come with the Revel Performa3 C208:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Short feet2 Long feet2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners Manual
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
33 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
two 6-3/4-inch x 8-inch + one 7-inchx 10-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
150mm
vs
307mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
2498cm2 (889x281mm)
vs
2564cm2 (737x348mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
1899USD
vs
2200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
Brand |
GoldenEar |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
20-350 watts |
50-350 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
33-35k Hz |
50Hz- 20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
8" |
Woofer Composition |
|
anodized aluminum cone with cast frames |
Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
n/a |
dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
5-1/4" |
4" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
150.0mm (5.9") |
307.0mm (12.1") |
Width |
889.0mm (35") |
737.0mm (29") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
Weight |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
23.41kg (51.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |