In this review, we will be comparing GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and Aria CC 900, two Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Focal. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and Focal Aria CC 900 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 XL and Focal Aria CC 900 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 GoldenEar SuperCenter XL is a -way design whereas the Aria CC 900 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 XL |
Focal Aria CC 900 |
Driver Setup
|
-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
x -inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL features a " Tweeter and x " Woofer . On the other hand, the Aria CC 900 features a 1" TNF aluminum/magnesium inverted dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" flax/fiberglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz.
Frequency Response
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL has a frequency range of 36-35k Hz whereas Aria CC 900 has a frequency range of 57-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 36Hz, the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Aria CC 900's min frequency of 57Hz.
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
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and Aria CC 900 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 91 dB.
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.
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Aria CC 900 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL.
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
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL features Binding post type posts and Aria CC 900 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 XL's and Focal Aria CC 900's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperCenter XL has external dimensions of 147.0 x 737.0 x 283.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 29 x 11-1/8inch) whereas Focal Aria CC 900 has external dimensions of 202.0 x 532.0 x 285.0mm ( 7-15/16 x 20-15/16 x 11-3/16inch) .
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL is 55mm shorter and 2mm less deeper than Focal Aria CC 900 but it is also 205mm 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 XL is approximately 2085.7cm2 / 323.3inch2 and base area of the Focal Aria CC 900 is approximately 1516.2cm2 / 235.0inch2. The GoldenEar SuperCenter XL requires 38% more surface area than the Aria CC 900 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 XL weighs 9.55kg / 21lbs and the Focal Aria CC 900 weighs 10.45kg / 23lbs. This makes the Aria CC 900 9% heavier than the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL.
Here is a comparison of how GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and Aria CC 900'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 XL?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of GoldenEar SuperCenter XL:
Center-channel loudspeaker3 Leveling feet3 Threaded-insertsOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Focal Aria CC 900?
Here are the items that come with the Aria CC 900:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille 4 Rubber feet User Manual
Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
36 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
147mm
vs
202mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Driver Setup |
2-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
Base Surface Area |
1516cm2 (532x285mm)
vs
2085cm2 (737x283mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL |
Focal Aria CC 900 |
Brand |
GoldenEar |
Focal |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
20-250 watts |
40-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
91 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
4.3 ohms |
Frequency Response |
36-35k Hz |
57-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
|
2 |
Woofer Size |
" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
|
flax/fiberglass |
Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
n/a |
inverted dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2800Hz |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
202.0mm (8") |
Width |
737.0mm (29") |
532.0mm (20.9") |
Depth |
283.0mm (11.1") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
Weight |
9.55kg (21lbs) |
10.45kg (23lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
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 |