In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter Reference and Elysian C, two Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref and Wharfedale Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both SuperCenter Reference and Elysian C are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
27 x 45mm-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6-inch |
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 8.5-inch
|
SuperCenter Reference features a " Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Woofer . On the other hand, the Elysian C features a 27 x 45mm" Air Motion Transformer (AMT) Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 8.5" coated fiberglass matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 360Hz and 2900HZ.
Frequency Response
SuperCenter Reference has a frequency range of 33-35k Hz whereas Elysian C has a frequency range of 35-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the SuperCenter Reference can go slightly deeper then the Elysian C's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Elysian C which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 91 dBdB.
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 Elysian C has a max power handling value of 250 watts RMS, 100 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
Elysian C features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SuperCenter Reference has a 5-Way post which doesn't 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 Wharfedale Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C has external dimensions of 321.0 x 831.0 x 370.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 32-11/16 x 14-9/16inch) .
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref is 171mm shorter and 89mm less deeper than Wharfedale Elysian C but it is also 58mm 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 Wharfedale Elysian C is approximately 3074.7cm2 / 476.6inch2. The SuperCenter Reference requires 19% less surface area than the Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C weighs 30.23kg / 66.5lbs. This makes the Elysian C 115% heavier than the SuperCenter Reference.
Here is a comparison of how SuperCenter Reference and Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C?
Here are the items that come with the Elysian C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpersUser Manual
Max Input Power |
350 watts
vs
250 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
Low Frequency Response |
33 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
150mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
2498cm2 (889x281mm)
vs
3074cm2 (831x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
1899USD
vs
4995USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Woofer Size |
8.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Brand |
GoldenEar |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
20-350 watts |
50-250 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
91 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
Frequency Response |
33-35k Hz |
35-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
8.5" |
Woofer Composition |
|
coated fiberglass matrix |
Tweeter Size |
- |
27 x 45mm" |
Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Air Motion Transformer (AMT) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
5-1/4" |
6" |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
360Hz and 2900HZ |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
150.0mm (5.9") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
Width |
889.0mm (35") |
831.0mm (32.7") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
Weight |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
30.23kg (66.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Piano Black, Piano Walnut,White |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |