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  1. Home
  2. GoldenEar Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference
GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference Review
GoldenEar SC Ref - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 4 x 5.25" Woofer
  • Two 6-3/4-inch x 8-inch + one 7-inchx 10-inch Passive Radiators
  • 33-35k Hz Frequency Response
  • 91 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-350 watts
  • Weight: 31.00 lbs / 14.09 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 5-7/8"x35"x11-1/16" / 150.0 x 889.0 x 281.0mm
MSRP: $1,899 (list price)
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GoldenEar SC Ref Review
GoldenEar SC Ref GoldenEar SC Ref
Check price atAmazon›

Made by GoldenEar · United States · since 2010 · sold through dealers

GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference is a 3-way Passive Radiator Center Channel speaker by GoldenEar. It was released in 2015. 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 Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Woofer. SuperCenter Reference also employs two 6-3/4-inch x 8-inch + one 7-inchx 10-inch passive radiators. The speaker has a frequency range of 33-35k Hz and a sensitivity of 91 dB. GoldenEar SC Ref has an MSRP of 1899$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the GoldenEar SC Ref 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-fieldAre you nuts?
Small RoomBad
Mid-size RoomPoor
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomGood

(* 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.)

GoldenEar's SuperCenter Series of Loudspeakers

SuperCenter Reference is a member of GoldenEar's SuperCenter series of Passive speakers. The SuperCenter range are GoldenEar's dedicated center-channel speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

GoldenEar SuperCenter Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
GoldenEar SC Ref
33-35k Hz 91 dB8Ω 4 x 5.25"
GoldenEar SuperCenter X
Compare
45-35k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL
Compare
36-35k Hz 91 dB8Ω —

Frequency Response of the GoldenEar SC Ref Speaker

GoldenEar SC Ref has a Frequency response range of 33-35k Hz and Power Range of 20-350 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how SuperCenter Reference's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
GoldenEar SC Ref
Min
Average
Median

Impedance and Sensitivity

GoldenEar SC Ref's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 91 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
GoldenEar SC Ref
Min
Average
Median

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

Sensitivity

91dB of the GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes SuperCenter Reference an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the GoldenEar SC Ref will be a good choice. Work out how loud the GoldenEar SC Ref plays in your room →

What amplifier does the GoldenEar SC Ref need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 6.0–95 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 $2,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

SuperCenter Reference features 5-Way post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

GoldenEar SC Ref External Dimensions and Weight

GoldenEar SC Ref has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 5-7/8 x 35 x 11-1/16inch (150.0 x 889.0 x 281.0mm ).

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 GoldenEar SC Ref is approximately 2498.1cm2 / 387.2inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The GoldenEar SC Ref weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how SuperCenter Reference's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
GoldenEar SC Ref
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $2000
GoldenEar SC Ref
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

GoldenEar SC Ref has a Passive Radiator type cabinet.

Available colors

GoldenEar SC Ref is available in Black.

What's in the Box of GoldenEar SC Ref?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperCenter Reference:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • 4 Leveling feet
  • 4 Threaded-inserts
  • Owners Manual

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference.

  • 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.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch RC-64 III
Compare
2-way 99 dB 8 ohms 57-24k Hz
GoldenEar Invisa SPS
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 25-35kHz
Wharfedale Elysian C
Compare
3-way 91 dB 6 ohms 35-22k Hz
Revel C426Be
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
Revel Performa3 C208
Compare
3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 50Hz- 20kHz
JBL HDI-4500
Compare
2-way 90 dB 4 ohms 50-30k Hz
MartinLogan ESL C
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 66-23k Hz
Polk L400
Compare
3-way 87.5 dB 4 ohms 55-38k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference

What amplifier do you need for the GoldenEar SC Ref?

GoldenEar rates the GoldenEar SC Ref for 20-350 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 GoldenEar SC Ref easy to drive?

The GoldenEar SC Ref has a sensitivity of 91 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the GoldenEar SC Ref need a subwoofer?

The GoldenEar SC Ref reaches down to 33Hz (full range 33-35k Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the GoldenEar SC Ref use?

The GoldenEar SC Ref is a 3-way design using 4 x 5.25" woofers. It also uses two 6-3/4-inch x 8-inch + one 7-inchx 10-inch passive radiators to reinforce the low end.

Is the GoldenEar SC Ref sealed or ported?

The GoldenEar SC Ref uses a Passive Radiator enclosure. A passive radiator does the job of a port without the vent noise, which suits compact cabinets.

Can the GoldenEar SC Ref be wall mounted?

The GoldenEar SC Ref does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

How big and heavy is the GoldenEar SC Ref?

The GoldenEar SC Ref weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs each and measures 5-7/8 x 35 x 11-1/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the GoldenEar SC Ref cost?

The GoldenEar SC Ref has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,899 per pair.


GoldenEar SC Ref Detailed Specifications

General
BrandGoldenEar
Full Model NameGoldenEar SuperCenter Reference
Speaker Type3-way Center Channel
Power Range20-350 watts
Sensitivity91 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response33-35k Hz
Release Date2015
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Composition

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height150.0mm ( 5-7/8-inch)
Width889.0mm ( 35-inch)
Depth281.0mm ( 11-1/16-inch)
Height150.0mm ( 5-7/8-inch)
Weight14.09 kg (31 lbs)
EnclosurePassive Radiator
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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