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  1. Home
  2. Fluance Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
Fluance XL8C Review
Fluance XL8C - Front View

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" Glass fibre Woofer
  • 110-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 50-100watts
  • Weight:14.99 lbs / 6.80 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6-7/8"x9"x18-1/2" / 175.0 x 229.0 x 470.0mm
MSRP: $150 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Fluance XL8C Review
Fluance XL8C Fluance XL8C
Check price atAmazon›

Fluance XL8C is a 2-way Passive Acoustic Suspension Center Channel speaker by Fluance. It was released in August 2020. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Glass fibre Woofer.

Sealed rather than ported, which is why it starts at 110 Hz - this one really does want a subwoofer under it.

The speaker has a frequency range of 110-20k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Fluance XL8C has an MSRP of 150$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Fluance XL8C is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* 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.)

Fluance's Reference Series of Loudspeakers

XL8C is a member of Fluance's Reference series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Fluance Reference Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Fluance XL8F
Compare
35-25k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
Fluance XL8S
Compare
50-20k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Fluance XL8C
110-20k Hz 86 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Fluance XL8C Speaker

Fluance XL8C has a Frequency response range of 110-20k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 50-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 110 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from XL8C so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how XL8C's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Fluance XL8C
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Fluance XL8C?
  • Work out the crossover setting — it follows from this speaker's 110 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $300 — a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the Fluance XL8C?

The Crossover frequency of the XL8C is set to 3000Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Fluance XL8C's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Fluance XL8C
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Fluance XL8C is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Fluance XL8C is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Fluance XL8C plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Fluance XL8C need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 19–100 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery — not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

XL8C features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Fluance XL8C External Dimensions and Weight

Fluance XL8C has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6-7/8 x 9 x 18-1/2inch (175.0 x 229.0 x 470.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Fluance XL8C is approximately 1076.3cm2 / 166.8inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Fluance XL8C weighs 6.80kg / 15lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how XL8C's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Fluance XL8C
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $300
Fluance XL8C
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Fluance XL8C has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension loudspeakers aka Sealed speakers have no openings such as ports or slots.. They can be designed smaller, the bass is more accurate and tighter compared to ported designs but doesn't go as low on the lower end in general.

Does the Fluance XL8C come with a Grille?

XL8C comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Fluance XL8C.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Fluance XL8C speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Fluance XL8C

Warranty

Lifetime of parts warranty and Lifetime of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Fluance XL8C Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Fluance XL8F
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 35-25k Hz
Fluance XL8S
Compare
2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 50-20k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Fluance XL8C

What amplifier do you need for the Fluance XL8C?

Fluance rates the Fluance XL8C for 50-100 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Fluance XL8C easy to drive?

The Fluance XL8C has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the Fluance XL8C need a subwoofer?

The Fluance XL8C reaches down to 110Hz (full range 110-20k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Fluance XL8C use?

The Fluance XL8C is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Glass fibre woofers.

Is the Fluance XL8C sealed or ported?

The Fluance XL8C uses a Sealed enclosure. A sealed box trades some output for tighter, more even bass and is the more forgiving choice close to a wall.

Can the Fluance XL8C be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Fluance XL8C has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Binding post terminals.

Does the Fluance XL8C come with grilles?

Yes. The Fluance XL8C comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Fluance XL8C?

The Fluance XL8C weighs 6.80kg / 15lbs each and measures 6-7/8 x 9 x 18-1/2inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Fluance XL8C cost?

The Fluance XL8C has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $150 per pair.


Fluance XL8C Detailed Specifications

General
BrandFluance
Full Model NameFluance XL8C
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Range50-100 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response110-20k Hz
Release DateAugust 2020
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer CompositionGlass fibre
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Crossover freq3000Hz

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height175.0mm ( 6-7/8-inch)
Width229.0mm ( 9-inch)
Depth470.0mm ( 18-1/2-inch)
Height175.0mm ( 6-7/8-inch)
Weight6.8 kg (15 lbs)
EnclosureAcoustic Suspension
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts WarrantyLifetime
Labor WarrantyLifetime
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