In this review, we will be comparing Gold C250 6G and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Monitor Audio and Elac.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G and Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 3" Midrange
- 2 x 6" HDT C-CAM Woofer
- 64 Hz – 60 kHz Frequency Response
- 87.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:up to 250watts
- Weight:15.32kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 205.0" x 21-1/8" x 13-3/16"( 537.0 x 205.0 x 335.0mm )
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- " JET 6 AMT Tweeter
- 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer
- 34-50k Hz Frequency Response
- 87.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 160watts
- Weight:12.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 190.0" x 20" x 9.8"( 190 x 500 x 248 mm )
What size room are the Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G and Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G and Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 Gold C250 6G and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 3-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 x 6-inch
|
Gold C250 6G features a 1" MPD III Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 6" HDT C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 800 Hz - 2700 Hz. On the other hand, the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB features a " JET 6 AMT Tweeter and 2 x 6" AS XR cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 2400 Hz.
Frequency Response
Gold C250 6G has a frequency range of 64 Hz – 60 kHz whereas Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has a frequency range of 34-50k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 34Hz, the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Gold C250 6G's min frequency of 64Hz.
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
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
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
Gold C250 6G and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB have the same Impedance of 4 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 88 dB.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Gold C250 6G and the Gold C250 6G can provide this impedance level.
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.
Gold C250 6G can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has a max power handling value of 160 watts RMS, 90 watts less than the Gold C250 6G.
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.
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 Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G's and Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G has external dimensions of 537.0 x 205.0 x 335.0mm ( 21-1/8 x 8-1/16 x 13-3/16) whereas Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB has external dimensions of 190 x 500 x 248 mm ( 7.5 x 20 x 9.76 inches) .
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 37mm wider, 15mm taller and 87mm deeper than Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB.
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 Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G is approximately 686.8cm2 / 106.5inch2 and base area of the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB is approximately 1240.0cm2 / 192.2inch2. The Gold C250 6G requires 45% less surface area than the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB 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 Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G weighs 15.32kg / 33.7lbs and the Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB weighs 12.00kg / 26.4lbs. This makes the Gold C250 6G 28% heavier than the Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB.
Here is a comparison of how Gold C250 6G and Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Gold C250 6G:
Center-channel speaker 3 Grilles 4 Rubber feet 2 Jumper-plates (pre-installed) Hex-key Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
160 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Minimum Impedance |
3.9 ohms
vs
3.6 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
60k Hz
vs
50k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
686cm2
vs
1240cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
34 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
190mm
vs
205mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1199USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G |
Elac Solano 2.0 CC281.2-GB |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Elac |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 250 watts |
Up to 160 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87.5 dB |
87.5 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.9 ohms |
3.6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
64 Hz – 60 kHz |
34-50k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6" |
| Woofer Composition |
HDT C-CAM |
AS XR cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
- |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
JET 6 AMT |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
3" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
800 Hz - 2700 Hz |
450Hz and 2400 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
bottom |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
4 Rubber feet |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
205.0mm (8.1") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Width |
537.0mm (21.1") |
500.0mm (19.7") |
| Depth |
335.0mm (13.2") |
248.0mm (9.8") |
| Weight |
15.32kg (33.7lbs) |
12.00kg (26.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Macassar Wood Veneer, High-Gloss Black, Satin White |
Black High Gloss, White High Gloss |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
|
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
|