In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter X and CS-9040, two Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Definitive Technology.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SuperCenter X and Definitive CS-9040 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
GoldenEar SuperCenter X Key Specs
- " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Woofer
- 45-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:6.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 150.0" x 20-1/16" x 11-1/8"( 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm )
Definitive CS-9040 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer
- 50-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:50-200watts
- Weight:9.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 153.0" x 20-13/16" x 12"( 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SuperCenter X and Definitive CS-9040 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that SuperCenter X is a -way design whereas the CS-9040 is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
Definitive CS-9040 |
|
Driver Setup
|
-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
SuperCenter X features a " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Woofer . On the other hand, the CS-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
SuperCenter X has a frequency range of 45-35k Hz whereas CS-9040 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the SuperCenter X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the CS-9040'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 X and CS-9040 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SuperCenter X sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the CS-9040's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the GoldenEar SuperCenter X a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive CS-9040, 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 X features 5-Way post type posts and CS-9040 has a 5-Way 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 X's and Definitive CS-9040's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperCenter X has external dimensions of 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm ( 5-7/8 x 20-1/16 x 11-1/8inch) whereas Definitive CS-9040 has external dimensions of 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm ( 6 x 20-13/16 x 12inch) .
Definitive CS-9040 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 19mm wider, 3mm taller and 22mm deeper than GoldenEar SuperCenter X.
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 X is approximately 1443.3cm2 / 223.7inch2 and base area of the Definitive CS-9040 is approximately 1613.5cm2 / 250.1inch2. The SuperCenter X requires 11% less surface area than the CS-9040 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 X weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs and the Definitive CS-9040 weighs 9.09kg / 20lbs. This makes the CS-9040 33% heavier than the SuperCenter X.
Here is a comparison of how SuperCenter X and CS-9040'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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperCenter X:
Center-channel loudspeaker3 Leveling feet3 Threaded-insertsOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Definitive CS-9040?
Here are the items that come with the CS-9040:
Center-channel loudspeakerOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
150mm
vs
153mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1443cm2
vs
1613cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Driver Setup |
2-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
749USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
Definitive Technology CS-9040 |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-200 watts |
50-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-35k Hz |
50-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
BDSS |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
150.0mm (5.9") |
153.0mm (6") |
| Width |
510.0mm (20.1") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Depth |
283.0mm (11.1") |
305.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
9.09kg (20lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |