In this review, we will be comparing Silver C250 7G and HDI-4500, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Monitor Audio and JBL.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G and JBL HDI-4500 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" gold dome C-CAM Tweeter
- 3" Midrange
- 2 x 5.25" C-CAM with Rigid Surface Technology (RST) Woofer
- 65-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 88.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:80-200watts
- Weight:10.63kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 205.0" x 18-15/16" x 10-3/4"( 205.0 x 482.0 x 274.0mm )
JBL HDI-4500 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" horn-loaded high-frequency compression Tweeter
- 4 x 5.25" Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone Woofer
- 50-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:20-250watts
- Weight:20.15kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 197.0" x 33-1/8" x 12-3/16"( 197.0 x 842.0 x 310.0mm )
What size room are the Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G and JBL HDI-4500 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 Silver C250 7G |
JBL HDI-4500 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
(* 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 Silver C250 7G and JBL HDI-4500 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Silver C250 7G is a 3-way design whereas the HDI-4500 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 |
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G |
JBL HDI-4500 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 3-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
Silver C250 7G features a 1" gold dome C-CAM Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" C-CAM with Rigid Surface Technology (RST) Woofer . On the other hand, the HDI-4500 features a 1" horn-loaded high-frequency compression Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Silver C250 7G has a frequency range of 65-35k Hz whereas HDI-4500 has a frequency range of 50-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the HDI-4500 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Silver C250 7G's min frequency of 65Hz.
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 Silver C250 7G
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
Silver C250 7G is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the HDI-4500 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the HDI-4500 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Silver C250 7G sensitivity is rated at 88.5 dB and the HDI-4500's is rated at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL HDI-4500 a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G, 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.
Silver C250 7G can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Silver C250 7G has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the HDI-4500.
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
Silver C250 7G features 5-Way post type posts and HDI-4500 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G's Binding post terminals
JBL HDI-4500's 5-Way post terminals
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 Silver C250 7G's and JBL HDI-4500's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G has external dimensions of 205.0 x 482.0 x 274.0mm ( 8-1/16 x 18-15/16 x 10-3/4inch) whereas JBL HDI-4500 has external dimensions of 197.0 x 842.0 x 310.0mm ( 7-3/4 x 33-1/8 x 12-3/16inch) .
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G is 360mm narrower and 36mm less deeper than JBL HDI-4500 but it is also 8mm taller.
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 Silver C250 7G is approximately 1320.7cm2 / 204.7inch2 and base area of the JBL HDI-4500 is approximately 2610.2cm2 / 404.6inch2. The Silver C250 7G requires 49% less surface area than the HDI-4500 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 Silver C250 7G weighs 10.63kg / 23.4lbs and the JBL HDI-4500 weighs 20.15kg / 44.3lbs. This makes the HDI-4500 90% heavier than the Silver C250 7G.
Here is a comparison of how Silver C250 7G and HDI-4500's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Silver C250 7G:
Center-channel loudspeakersGrille2 Jumpers (pre-installed)4 Rubber feetHex-keyOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of JBL HDI-4500?
Here are the items that come with the HDI-4500:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Owners Manual
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1320cm2
vs
2610cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1100USD
vs
1925USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
197mm
vs
205mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G |
JBL HDI-4500 |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
80-200 watts |
20-250 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88.5 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
65-35k Hz |
50-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
C-CAM with Rigid Surface Technology (RST) |
Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
gold dome C-CAM |
horn-loaded high-frequency compression |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
3" |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
205.0mm (8.1") |
197.0mm (7.8") |
| Width |
482.0mm (19") |
842.0mm (33.1") |
| Depth |
274.0mm (10.8") |
310.0mm (12.2") |
| Weight |
10.63kg (23.4lbs) |
20.15kg (44.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
White |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |