In this review, we will be comparing AURA CS and Silver C250 7G, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Wharfedale and Monitor Audio .
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale AURA CS and Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Wharfedale AURA CS Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer
- 56-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:25-150watts
- Weight:18.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 253.0" x 24-1/4" x 13-7/8"( 253.0 x 616.0 x 353.0mm )
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
- 3" Midrange
- 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 )
What size room are the Wharfedale AURA CS and Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G 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* |
Wharfedale AURA CS |
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 Wharfedale AURA CS and Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G 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 AURA CS is a 2-way design whereas the Silver C250 7G is a 3-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 |
Wharfedale AURA CS |
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0625 x 3.5-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 3-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
AURA CS features a 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 2 x 5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2.4kHz. On the other hand, the 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 .
Frequency Response
AURA CS has a frequency range of 56-22k Hz whereas Silver C250 7G has a frequency range of 65-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56Hz, the AURA CS 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
AURA CS is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Silver C250 7G 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 AURA CS can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. AURA CS sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Silver C250 7G's is rated at 88.5 dB.
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.
AURA CS can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas AURA CS has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Silver C250 7G.
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
AURA CS features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Silver C250 7G has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G's Binding 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 Wharfedale AURA CS's and Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G's external dimensions. Wharfedale AURA CS has external dimensions of 253.0 x 616.0 x 353.0mm ( 24-1/4) whereas 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) .
Wharfedale AURA CS is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 134mm wider, 48mm taller and 79mm deeper than Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G.
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 Wharfedale AURA CS is approximately 2174.5cm2 / 337.0inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G is approximately 1320.7cm2 / 204.7inch2. The AURA CS requires 65% more surface area than the Silver C250 7G 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 Wharfedale AURA CS weighs 18.64kg / 41lbs and the Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G weighs 10.63kg / 23.4lbs. This makes the AURA CS 75% heavier than the Silver C250 7G.
Here is a comparison of how AURA CS and Silver C250 7G'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 Wharfedale AURA CS?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of AURA CS:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleBase2 Jumper wires4 Self-adhesive rubber feetPair of white glovesUser Manual
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G?
Here are the items that come with the Silver C250 7G:
Center-channel loudspeakersGrille2 Jumpers (pre-installed)4 Rubber feetHex-keyOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Low Frequency Response |
56 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
|
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
205mm
vs
253mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1320cm2
vs
2174cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1100USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Wharfedale AURA CS |
Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
80-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
88.5 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
56-22k Hz |
65-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Glass Fiber Matrix |
C-CAM with Rigid Surface Technology (RST) |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0625 x 3.5" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
gold dome C-CAM |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
3" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2.4kHz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
side |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
253.0mm (10") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
| Width |
616.0mm (24.3") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Depth |
353.0mm (13.9") |
274.0mm (10.8") |
| Weight |
18.64kg (41lbs) |
10.63kg (23.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
Multi-layer wood |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Piano Black,Piano Walnut,White Gloss |
White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |