In this review, we will be comparing GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and Revel C426Be, two Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and Revel C426Be 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 Revel C426Be 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 Revel C426Be is a 3-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 |
Revel C426Be |
Driver Setup
|
-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5-1/4-inch |
Woofer
|
x -inch
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL features a " Tweeter and x " Woofer . On the other hand, the Revel C426Be features a 1" beryllium dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter , a 5-1/4" Midrange and 4 x 6.5" aluminum with Deep Ceramic Composite coating Woofer .
Frequency Response
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL has a frequency range of 36-35k Hz whereas Revel C426Be has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 36Hz, the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL can go slightly deeper then the Revel C426Be's min frequency of 38Hz.
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 Revel C426Be have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. GoldenEar SuperCenter XL sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the Revel C426Be's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel C426Be, 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.
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas GoldenEar SuperCenter XL has a max power handling value of 250 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Revel C426Be.
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 Revel C426Be 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 Revel C426Be'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 Revel C426Be has external dimensions of 313.0 x 982.0 x 358.0mm ( 12-5/16 x 38-5/8 x 14-1/16inch) .
Revel C426Be is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 245mm wider, 166mm taller and 75mm deeper than GoldenEar SuperCenter XL.
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 Revel C426Be is approximately 3515.6cm2 / 544.9inch2. The GoldenEar SuperCenter XL requires 41% less surface area than the Revel C426Be 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 XL weighs 9.55kg / 21lbs and the Revel C426Be weighs 33.05kg / 72.7lbs. This makes the Revel C426Be 246% heavier than the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL.
Here is a comparison of how GoldenEar SuperCenter XL and Revel C426Be'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 Revel C426Be?
Here are the items that come with the Revel C426Be:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleFeet assembly2 Port plugsOwners Manual
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
36 Hz
vs
38 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
147mm
vs
313mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
2085cm2 (737x283mm)
vs
3515cm2 (982x358mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
1099USD
vs
4950USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
250 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL |
Revel C426Be |
Brand |
GoldenEar |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
20-250 watts |
50-300 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
36-35k Hz |
38-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
|
4 |
Woofer Size |
" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
|
aluminum with Deep Ceramic Composite coating |
Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
n/a |
dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
5-1/4" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
313.0mm (12.3") |
Width |
737.0mm (29") |
982.0mm (38.7") |
Depth |
283.0mm (11.1") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
Weight |
9.55kg (21lbs) |
33.05kg (72.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |