In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter XL and Apex A40, two Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Monitor Audio .
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and Monitor Audio Apex A40 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL Key Specs
- " Tweeter
- " Woofer
- 36-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-250watts
- Weight:9.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 147.0" x 29" x 11-1/8"( 147.0 x 737.0 x 283.0mm )
Monitor Audio Apex A40 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" gold dome C-CAM Tweeter
- 2 x 5.5" C-CAM with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) Woofer
- 50-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:50-200watts
- Weight:6.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 140.0" x 24" x 4-3/4"( 140.0 x 610.0 x 121.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and Monitor Audio Apex A40 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that SuperCenter XL is a -way design whereas the Apex A40 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 |
Monitor Audio Apex A40 |
|
Driver Setup
|
-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
x -inch
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
SuperCenter XL features a " Tweeter and x " Woofer . On the other hand, the Apex A40 features a 1" gold dome C-CAM Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" C-CAM with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) Woofer .
Frequency Response
SuperCenter XL has a frequency range of 36-35k Hz whereas Apex A40 has a frequency range of 50-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 36Hz, the SuperCenter XL can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Apex A40'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 XL and Apex A40 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SuperCenter XL sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the Apex A40's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Apex A40, 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.
SuperCenter XL can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Apex A40 has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the 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
SuperCenter XL features 5-Way post type posts and Apex A40 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 XL's and Monitor Audio Apex A40'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 Monitor Audio Apex A40 has external dimensions of 140.0 x 610.0 x 121.0mm ( 5-1/2 x 24 x 4-3/4inch) .
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 127mm wider, 7mm taller and 162mm deeper than Monitor Audio Apex A40.
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 Monitor Audio Apex A40 is approximately 738.1cm2 / 114.4inch2. The SuperCenter XL requires 183% more surface area than the Apex A40 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 Monitor Audio Apex A40 weighs 6.91kg / 15.2lbs. This makes the SuperCenter XL 38% heavier than the Apex A40.
Here is a comparison of how SuperCenter XL and Apex A40'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 SuperCenter XL:
Center-channel loudspeaker3 Leveling feet3 Threaded-insertsOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Apex A40?
Here are the items that come with the Apex A40:
LCR loudspeakerGrilleBracket (pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Rubber insertsHex-keySet Up GuideImportant Safety InstructionsImportant InformationMounting Template
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
36 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
1099USD
vs
1125USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Driver Setup |
2-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
|
Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
140mm
vs
147mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
738cm2
vs
2085cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL |
Monitor Audio Apex A40 |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-250 watts |
50-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
36-35k Hz |
50-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
|
2 |
| Woofer Size |
" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
C-CAM with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
gold dome C-CAM |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
140.0mm (5.5") |
| Width |
737.0mm (29") |
610.0mm (24") |
| Depth |
283.0mm (11.1") |
121.0mm (4.8") |
| Weight |
9.55kg (21lbs) |
6.91kg (15.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss White |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |