In this review, we will be comparing SS-CS8 and Blackstone TL1, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sony and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sony SS-CS8 and Polk TL1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sony SS-CS8 and Polk TL1 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 Sony SS-CS8 and Polk TL1 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
Both SS-CS8 and Blackstone TL1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sony SS-CS8 |
Polk TL1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.5-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 2.5-inch
|
SS-CS8 features a 1" polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer . On the other hand, the Blackstone TL1 features a 0.5" silk dome Tweeter and 2 x 2.5" Dynamic Balance Woofer .
Frequency Response
SS-CS8 has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz whereas Blackstone TL1 has a frequency range of 125-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the SS-CS8 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Blackstone TL1's min frequency of 125Hz.
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
SS-CS8 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Blackstone TL1 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SS-CS8 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Blackstone TL1's is rated at 89 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Polk TL1 a more sensitive speaker compared to Sony SS-CS8, 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.
SS-CS8 can handle a max power of 145 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Blackstone TL1 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the SS-CS8.
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
SS-CS8 features 5-Way post type posts and Blackstone TL1 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sony SS-CS8's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both SS-CS8 and Blackstone TL1 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 Sony SS-CS8's and Polk TL1's external dimensions. Sony SS-CS8 has external dimensions of 146.0 x 430.0 x 220.0mm ( 5.75 x 16.93 x 8.66inch) whereas Polk TL1 has external dimensions of 101.0 x 381.0 x 88.0mm ( 3-15/16 x 15 x 3-7/16inch) .
Sony SS-CS8 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 49mm wider, 45mm taller and 132mm deeper than Polk TL1.
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 Sony SS-CS8 is approximately 946.0cm2 / 146.6inch2 and base area of the Polk TL1 is approximately 335.3cm2 / 52.0inch2. The SS-CS8 requires 182% more surface area than the Blackstone TL1 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 Sony SS-CS8 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Polk TL1 weighs 1.84kg / 4lbs. This makes the SS-CS8 172% heavier than the Blackstone TL1.
Here is a comparison of how SS-CS8 and Blackstone TL1'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 Polk TL1?
Here are the items that come with the Blackstone TL1:
Gloss-black center-channel loudspeakerDetachable black cloth grille (attached)System Diagram/Warranty sheetTemplateOnline Product Registration cardImportant Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
145 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
2.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
125 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
101mm
vs
146mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
335cm2 (381x88mm)
vs
946cm2 (430x220mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
79USD
vs
169USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Sony SS-CS8 |
Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 |
| Brand |
Sony |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center Channel |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 145 watts |
10-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-25k Hz |
125-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
2.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) |
Dynamic Balance |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
0.5" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
146.0mm (5.7") |
101.0mm (4") |
| Width |
430.0mm (16.9") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
88.0mm (3.5") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
1.84kg (4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |