In this review, we will be comparing SS-CS8 and Revel Concerta2 C25, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sony and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sony SS-CS8 and Revel Concerta2 C25 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sony SS-CS8 and Revel Concerta2 C25 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 Revel Concerta2 C25 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 Revel Concerta2 C25 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sony SS-CS8 |
Revel Concerta2 C25 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.25-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 Revel Concerta2 C25 features a 1" aluminum dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" anodized aluminum cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
SS-CS8 has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz whereas Revel Concerta2 C25 has a frequency range of 80Hz- 20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the SS-CS8 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Revel Concerta2 C25's min frequency of 80Hz.
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 and Revel Concerta2 C25 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SS-CS8 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Revel Concerta2 C25's is at 89 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Revel Concerta2 C25 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 Revel Concerta2 C25 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 25 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 Revel Concerta2 C25 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sony SS-CS8's Post terminals
Revel Concerta2 C25'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 Sony SS-CS8's and Revel Concerta2 C25'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 Revel Concerta2 C25 has external dimensions of 188.0 x 496.0 x 259.0mm ( 7-3/8 x 19-1/2 x 10-3/16inch) .
Revel Concerta2 C25 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 66mm wider, 42mm taller and 39mm deeper than Sony SS-CS8.
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 Revel Concerta2 C25 is approximately 1284.6cm2 / 199.1inch2. The SS-CS8 requires 26% less surface area than the Revel Concerta2 C25 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 Sony SS-CS8 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Revel Concerta2 C25 weighs 9.09kg / 20lbs. This makes the Revel Concerta2 C25 82% heavier than the SS-CS8.
Here is a comparison of how SS-CS8 and Revel Concerta2 C25'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 Revel Concerta2 C25?
Here are the items that come with the Revel Concerta2 C25:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille 2 Short feet 2 Long feet Owners Manual
 Max Input Power |
145 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
146mm
vs
188mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
946cm2 (430x220mm)
vs
1284cm2 (496x259mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
169USD
vs
825USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Sony SS-CS8 |
Revel Concerta2 C25 |
| Brand |
Sony |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Center Channel |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 145 watts |
40-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-25k Hz |
80Hz- 20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) |
anodized aluminum cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
146.0mm (5.7") |
188.0mm (7.4") |
| Width |
430.0mm (16.9") |
496.0mm (19.5") |
| Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
259.0mm (10.2") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
9.09kg (20lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| 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 |