In this review, we will be comparing Lumina CI and R400, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sonus Faber and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Lumina Center I and Polk R400 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sonus Lumina Center I and Polk R400 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Sonus Lumina Center I and Polk R400 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
Both Lumina CI and R400 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sonus Lumina Center I |
Polk R400 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.15-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.75-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Lumina CI features a 1.15" high definition DAD Tweeter and 2 x 4.75" paper cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000 Hz. On the other hand, the R400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Lumina CI has a frequency range of 65-24k Hz whereas R400 has a frequency range of 48-39K Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the R400 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Lumina CI'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
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
Lumina CI is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the R400 which has a nominal impedance of 8 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 Lumina CI can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Lumina CI sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R400's is rated at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk R400 a more sensitive speaker compared to Sonus Lumina Center I, 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.
Lumina CI can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Lumina CI has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the R400.
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
Lumina CI features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R400 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sonus Lumina Center I's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Polk R400's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Lumina CI has a front firing port whereas R400 has a rear firing ports. Sonus Lumina Center I's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk R400 with its rear-firing port.
Polk R400 dual Port
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 Sonus Lumina Center I's and Polk R400's external dimensions. Sonus Lumina Center I has external dimensions of 169.0 x 524.0 x 213.0mm ( 6.6 x 20.6 x 8.4inch) whereas Polk R400 has external dimensions of 199.0 x 618.0 x 372.0mm ( 7-13/16 x 24-5/16 x 14-5/8inch) .
Polk R400 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 94mm wider, 30mm taller and 159mm deeper than Sonus Lumina Center I.
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 Sonus Lumina Center I is approximately 1116.1cm2 / 173.0inch2 and base area of the Polk R400 is approximately 2299.0cm2 / 356.3inch2. The Lumina CI requires 51% less surface area than the R400 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 Sonus Lumina Center I weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs and the Polk R400 weighs 14.91kg / 32.8lbs. This makes the R400 96% heavier than the Lumina CI.
Here is a comparison of how Lumina CI and R400'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 Sonus Lumina Center I?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Lumina CI:
1 Center Channel Speaker1 Manual 2 Jumpers1 Grilles 1 Fabric dust guards
What's in the Box of Polk R400?
Here are the items that come with the R400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleOwners ManualOnline Registration
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
169mm
vs
199mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1116cm2 (524x213mm)
vs
2299cm2 (618x372mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4.75 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
39k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
649USD
vs
699USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Sonus Faber Lumina Center I |
Polk Audio Reserve R400 |
| Brand |
Sonus Faber |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-100 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4.1 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
65-24k Hz |
48-39K Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4.75" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
paper cone |
Polypropylene Turbine Cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.15" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
high definition DAD |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2000 Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
169.0mm (6.7") |
199.0mm (7.8") |
| Width |
524.0mm (20.6") |
618.0mm (24.3") |
| Depth |
213.0mm (8.4") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
7.60kg (16.7lbs) |
14.91kg (32.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
real multilayer wood |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black, Wenge, Walnut |
Black, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |