You don’t have to spend much money on the centre channel speaker to get great sound. The truth is, you can find some excellent ones for under $1000! This blog post will give you our top choices for the best center channel speakers under 1000 dollars. Whether you need something that will fit into your home theater setup or want better sound in your living room, there’s an option here for everyone. People new to home audio often don’t realize they can get an outstanding speaker for not very much money.

Finding the high-end center channel speakers for your budget and needs can be daunting, and there are so many models on the market, each with specifications that make them sound like they might be perfect. From best to worst, this list is of some excellent options. So here are five recommendations, starting with the best on the list and going in descending order. The center channel speakers are the essential component of your home theater setup. If you want to get the best out of surround sound, it’s worth spending a little more on this piece than on others. Without channel speakers rethane, you’ll not get a full sound.

Best Center Channel Speaker Under $1000 Summary

Definitive Technology CS-9060 Center Channel Speaker Best high end center channel speaker 2022 Definitive Technology CS-9060 Center Channel Speaker Read More See On Amazon
Klipsch RP-504C Center Channel Speaker Best Center Channel Speaker Under $800 Klipsch RP-504C Center Channel Speaker Read More See On Amazon
Polk Audio LSiM 706c Center Channel Speaker Best Flagship Center Channel Speaker Under $1000 Polk Audio LSiM 706c Center Channel Speaker Read More See On Amazon
SVS Ultra Center Channel Speaker Best Piano Black Center Channel Speaker SVS Ultra Center Channel Speaker Read More See On Amazon
 MartinLogan Motion 50XT Center Channel Speaker Best Center Channel Speaker Under $900 MartinLogan Motion 50XT Center Channel Speaker Read More See On Amazon
 Klipsch RP-640D Black Center Channel Speaker Best Slimline Center Channel Speaker Under $1000 Klipsch RP-640D Black Center Channel Speaker Read More See On Amazon
 Definitive Technology D11 Center Channel Speaker Good Bookshelf Speaker Under $1000 Definitive Technology D11 Center Channel Speaker Read More See On Amazon
Q Acoustics 3090c QED Center Channel Speaker Best Centre Channel Loudspeaker Q Acoustics 3090c QED Center Channel Speaker Read More See On Amazon
 Focal Chora Center Channel Speaker Best Black Center Channel Speaker Focal Chora Center Channel Speaker Read More See On Amazon

Top Center Channel Speaker Under $1000

Definitive Technology CS-9060 Center Channel Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Definitive Technology CS-9060 Center Channel Speaker

Best high end center channel speaker 2022

SPECIFICATIONS

Speaker type: Center Channel, Subwoofer | Mark: Definitive Technology | Model name: CS9060 | Subwoofer Diameter: 8 inches | Mounting Type: Floor Standing

Pros

+ Impressive surround sound system

+ BDSS technology drivers

+ 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter

+ Deeper and more punchy bass

+ Better Tonal Balance

+ Iconic smart design

+ Intelligent Bass Control

+ Integrated 8-inch Powered Subwoofer

Cons

- Normal quality electronic internals

Definitive Technology CS-9060, one of the center channel speakers on the market, offers both quality sound and an affordable price. This speaker is perfect for small-sized rooms that have excellent acoustics. The CS-9060 will not need a subwoofer to get a good bass response from its low frequencies. The midrange driver features woven Kevlar cones, while the tweeter is a silk-dome type. Both of these drivers are capable and reliable pieces in their own right, making this speaker more appealing for its price point. This center channel delivers detail and clarity with an adjustable feature to get the best sound possible regardless of your position in your room. The CS-9060 won’t disappoint. Its BDSS technology drivers can reproduce the complete frequency response, and it’s one of the best center speakers under 1000.

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Klipsch RP-504C Center Channel Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Klipsch RP-504C Center Channel Speaker

Best Center Channel Speaker Under $800

SPECIFICATIONS

Speaker Type: Center Channel | Mark: Klipsch | Model Name: RP-504C Ebony | Woofer: Spun copper ceramic woofer

Pros

+ Excellent Spun Copper Cerametallic Woofers

+ Strong Input Terminals

+ Copper anodized trim rings

+ Vented Tweeter Design

Cons

- Sometimes sounds terrible

The second is Klipsch RP-504C Center Channel Speaker . This pair of speakers will be mounted on the wall, with two six-and-a-half-inch woofers and one tweeter. Its frequency response ranges from 60Hz up to 20kHz.This excellent RF-controlled speaker can deliver the best performance at low frequencies and high tones without distortion or any other form of noise. It has been designed to easily blend into your home décor, making it the perfect choice if you are looking for the best center channel loudspeaker for under 500$. Its 1” Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter and 90°x 50° Constant Directivity Horn coupled with two Audio Prisms ensures it can produce wide sound stage and high-frequency sounds. Its Premium Scratch Resistant Ebony is an excellent feature for keeping this speaker in good shape and will also add to the beauty of your home.

More: Connect Harmon Kardon Speakers To TV

Read More: Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $200

Polk Audio LSiM 706c Center Channel Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Polk Audio LSiM 706c Center Channel Speaker

Best Flagship Center Channel Speaker Under $1000

SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity Technology: Infrared | Speaker Type: Center Channel | Mark: Polk Audio | Mounting Type: Floor Standing | Twetter: One Inch | Woofer: 3.25

Pros

+ Midnight Mahogany

+ Elegant stero setup

+ Best under budget

+ Ring radiator twetter

+ Smooth effortless bass

Cons

- Big in size

The Polk Audio LSiM 706c is a center channel speaker that is best under 1000. It provides a powerful, clear, natural sound for the listener. It features a two-way bass-reflex design that helps provide a low-frequency response and audible midrange performance with little or no distortion. Its non-resonant woven cloth dome tweeter catches the high frequencies while the waveguide directs them toward the listening area without affecting other drivers on board.

The LSiM706c is equipped with one of Polk Audio’s exclusive Power Port technology, which delivers deep, extended bass from this small cabinet-size speaker system when used near a wall or corner to provide more bass boost than traditional speakers can deliver even at higher volumes.

This model also has an improved crossover design compared to the LSiM706B, which helps maintain a more linear frequency response and adds depth and clarity. This speaker system is perfect for an affordable yet high-performance center channel that delivers rich, detailed sound quality across all frequencies with its compact size.

So, overall the Polk Audio LSiM 706c is an affordable speaker that delivers amazing sound quality and is a must-buy for those looking to get the best value for their money.

SVS Ultra Center Channel Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

SVS Ultra Center Channel Speaker

Best Piano Black Center Channel Speaker

SPECIFICATIONS

Speaker Type: Center Channel Speakers | Model Name: Ultra Center | Tweeter: 1-inch dome tweeter | Midrange driver: 4-inch | Cone Material: Fiber Glass

Pros

+ 3-way Ultra Center speaker

+ Stunning dynamics and massive soundstage

+ Lightweight 4-inch composite cone (glass-fiber cone)

+ Premium-grade capacitors

+ Tapered edges on the cabinet’s

Cons

- Big In Size

The next is SVS Ultra Center Channel Loudspeaker, designed for movies, music, and games. It is considered the best in its category of speakers in this range. The design includes curving dome tweeters on both sides, which deliver real highs and the powerful bass response from dual six-inch subwoofers. For those interested, it also comes with Dolby Atmos surround sound technology. It features Sound Anchor Extreme Speaker Stabilization Systems (EPSS), eliminating any vibrations or rattles you may have experienced with your previous center speakers. The SVS Ultra Center Channel Loudspeaker delivers high-performance audio accompanied by an eye-catching appearance suitable for any home theater setup. Whether you are a fan of action movies, music, or games, the SVS Ultra Center Channel Loudspeaker is sure to meet all your entertainment needs.

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MartinLogan Motion 50XT Center Channel Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

MartinLogan Motion 50XT Center Channel Speaker

Best Center Channel Speaker Under $900

SPECIFICATIONS

Speaker Type: Center Channel, Tower| Mark : MartinLogan | Model Name: 50XT | Mounting Type: Floor Standing

Pros

+ Excellent sound reproduction

+ Surround sound system

+ Crisp, clean sound

+ Crystal clear highs

+ Piano black finish

Cons

- Normal sound quality

Motion 50XT is the best center channel speaker under 1000. This model has a power handling of 150 watts and comes with an adjustable frequency response system that incorporates dual tweeter waveguides, providing high-performance sound quality at all frequencies. The speakers have two ports on each side to provide more bass than you would get from one port, making it perfect for movie watching and gaming and listening to music or TV programs in surround sound. It’s not just about what you can hear; this speaker looks gorgeous. Its advanced topology Vostro crossover is designed to minimize distortion and ensure that the tweeter works well with the mid-woofer for a full range of sound. So, overall the Motion 50XT is an excellent audio and visual entertainment option.

Klipsch RP-640D Black Center Channel Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Klipsch RP-640D Black Center Channel Speaker

Best Slimline Center Channel Speaker Under $1000

Pros

+ 90° X 90° TRACTRIX HORN SPUN COPPER CERAMETALLIC WOOFERS

+ WRAP-AROUND MAGNETIC GRILLE

+ TABLE MOUNT INCLUDED

+ Slim on-wall solution

+ Ultra-flat TV's

+ Premiere Horn loaded technology

+ Matte Black painted finish

Cons

- Not enough colors available

The next is Klipsch RP-640D Black Home Speaker, suitable for small or medium-sized rooms. This speaker has the best quality and features in this price range, and it also offers great sound with its dual pivoting horn drivers, but you will have to place these speakers carefully as they are not surround sound capable.

These loudspeakers perform excellently when combined with other Klipsch models, such as two RP-2500F floor-standing speakers. For those who like high-tech options, an optional remote control on Amazon lets you adjust volume levels and select inputs without going near your receiver.

Another nice feature of this system is that all cables can be hidden inside the cabinet, so nothing stands out from your décor either. The downside here is that the bass is still not as tight or deep. Overall if you are looking for a good pair of center channel speakers that will offer an excellent soundstage and will blend in with your home décor, the RP-250C would be worth considering. These Klipsch models also come in black to match all types of rooms and furniture, so even those who don’t have any other Klipsch products can enjoy these great features too.

Read: Best Slimline Subwoofer With Build In Amp

Definitive Technology D11 Center Channel Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Definitive Technology D11 Center Channel Speaker

Good Bookshelf Speaker Under $1000

SPECIFICATIONS

Speaker type: Bookshelf | Mark: Definitive Technology | Mounting type: 1/4 in 20 Threaded Insert | Audio output mode:  Stereo | Twetter: 1 '' aluminum dome tweeter | Channel system: 2.0

Pros

+ Good 1” Aluminum Dome Tweeter

+ Oval Passive Bass Radiator

+ Have latest audio technology

+ ST1 Stands

+ Painted Gloss Black and White

+ Best Sound

+ Compact Form Factor

+ Minimalistic Design

Cons

- Too much expensive

The next is Definitive Technology D11 Demand Series Bookshelf Speakers. These speakers are best for small to medium-sized rooms and offer a powerful performance that’ll be able to fill up your room with sound without any distortion.

The D11s have an exciting design, which allows them to sit flat on the floor or stand upright like most speakers do today. They’re also surprisingly lightweight at only 12 pounds each, so they can easily be moved around from one place in the house to another as needed! This two bookshelf-style center channel speaker set offers high-quality sound reproduction through its twin-woofer configuration.

It features oversized transducers positioned behind a shiny black cloth grille protected by rigid steel mesh, enhancing sensitivity and power handling capability while minimizing distortion due to resonance. The speakers have a frequency response of 100 Hz to 20 kHz, making it possible for you to play all types of music without distortion or interference.

The D11s also offers an impressive power handling capacity and dynamic range at 130 watts continuous (200 watts peak). This is enough juice to keep up with the loudest action sequences in your favorite movie.

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Q Acoustics 3090c QED Center Channel Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Q Acoustics 3090c QED Center Channel Speaker

Best Centre Channel Loudspeaker

SPECIFICATIONS

Bass Unit: 2 x 4" | Crossover Frequency: 2.7kHz | Enclosure Type: 2-Way Reflex | Frequency Response: (+/- 3 dB) 75Hz - 22kHz | Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohm | Recommended Power: 25 - 100w | Sensitivity: 89dB | Sold In: Single: Treble Unit 1"

Pros

+ Subtle and atmospheric

+ A fun listening experience

+ Q Acoustics’ premium Concept series

+ Improved internal bracing

+ Best properties of ring radiator (dome tweeter)

+ Blend of paper and Kevlar cone

+ Tall, thin and rather deep design

+ Superior sound quality

+ Improved cabinets too

+ Award-winning predecessors

Cons

- The subwoofer could be firmed up

Q Acoustics 3090c Center Channel Speakers deliver a clear, dynamic sound in a small package, making them one of the best center channel speakers available today. Designed to fit into tight spaces, the Q Acoustics 3090c Center Channel Speaker is perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. The speaker employs a Kevlar woofer, a silk dome tweeter, and a Ring Dome tweeter to deliver high-quality sound. As with the tweeter, it produces rich, detailed highs and crystal clear mids when installed in low resonance cabinets (revised cabinet bracing and a bass reflex port with a removable supplied bung at the rear of the cabinet). The cabinets are rounded and come in various finishes, so you can choose between Matt Graphite, Black Leather Effect or Black Lacquer, which will look great with your AV components.

A high-quality crossover makes Q Acoustics 3090c Speakers perfect for home theater systems, recording studios, and classrooms. Any home cinema or audio system would be better off with the Q Acoustics 3090c Centre Channel Speaker. For movies and television shows, it provides clear sound and accurate imaging.

Music venues and bars can also benefit from the 3090c’s powerful bass output, which can fill the entire room. With its durable build and natural vocal reproduction made from Aramid fiber/paper cone, it is perfect for any audio system and delivers an open dialogue that is a delight to listen to. With a Q Acoustics 3090c Speaker, you will get the perfect tone balance if you use a 5.1 home cinema system with the same 4-inch drive units as the 3010 speakers.

The Q Acoustics 3090c speaker features a dynamic woofer and a silk dome tweeter for powerful bass reproduction. Q Acoustics 3090c Speakers are simple to set up, come with mounting brackets that make installation easy, are lightweight and compact, and are suitable for use in small spaces.

Several specifications on the Q Acoustics 3090c Center Channel Speaker make it an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Firstly, the Q Acoustics 3090c Channel Speaker is one of the most compact center channel speakers. This makes it the perfect speaker for apartments and condos since it can be placed anywhere. Furthermore, the speaker is powered by an amplifier that produces high-quality sound.

It is imperative to consider several factors when choosing speakers for your home theater system. But the sound quality is of the utmost importance. According to customer reviews, Q Acoustics 3090c Speaker is one of the best options available.

In a customer’s opinion, the Q Acoustics c Center Channel Speaker has superior sound quality to other speakers in her home cinema system. An additional customer described the sound quality as “incredible” and said he couldn’t believe the quality. Customer reviews indicate that the Q Acoustics c Center Channel Speaker is generally well received. Due to its popularity, you’ll be able to find one in a local store or online since it’s one of the most popular speakers. Aside from having several appealing features, the Q Acoustics 3090c is also high-quality and provides great value for money, so don’t hesitate to take a closer look.

Read: Best DJ Speakers For House Parties

Focal Chora Center Channel Speaker (Image credit: Amazon)

Focal Chora Center Channel Speaker

Best Black Center Channel Speaker

SPECIFICATIONS

Speaker Type: Center Channel Speakers | Brand: Focal | Color: Black | Speaker Size: 6.5 Inches

Pros

+ 2-way sealed speaker

+ Good frequency response

+ Best central channel ever

+ Clear dialogs and solid bass

+ Nice look and better design

Cons

- Over Priced

The next is the Focal Chora Center Channel Speaker, Focal Chora Center Channel Speaker, the best center channel speaker under 1000. The sound quality of this device is superb in that it genuinely offers your room an enhanced experience. The following best center channel speakers will depend on what you want in a product. For instance, if you want something compelling, go with the Onkyo SKS-HT870 Home Theater System because it has more power than other products and also delivers better coverage and loudness of audio at high volumes without distortion or static interference. It can be used as a front or rear system by replacing its position within the rack accordingly while providing an excellent bass response from all channels due to its strategically placed four subwoofers and six full-range speakers.

Read: Best Center Channel Speaker Under $2000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it important to have the best center channel speaker?

As the most important speaker in a home theater system, the Center Channel Speaker reproduces dialogue and most of the on-screen action, so it’s best to have one. As well as providing a solid foundation for the rest of the system, a good center channel speaker will produce clear, intelligible dialogue. You can hear all the subtle sounds that make up a movie or TV show if you have a central channel speaker that reproduces the on-screen action in a detailed and accurate manner. Having a good center channel speaker is important because it can make or break your home theater experience. It can include footsteps, environmental ambience, and even the crackle of a fire. A bad center channel speaker will make it hard to understand what is being said on screen, and the sound quality of your system will suffer as a result. In contrast, a great center channel speaker will give you an immersive and enjoyable listening experience that will leave you wanting more.

Should the center speaker be louder than the front?

If your center speaker is properly calibrated, it shouldn’t be louder than your front speakers. As a result, the center speaker is responsible for most of the dialogue in films and TV shows. If it isn’t loud enough, you won’t hear what’s being said. However, some people prefer to have their center speakers at the same volume as their front speakers. Because of this, you can experience the action as if it’s happening all around you. It’s ultimately up to you to decide what sounds best for your setup.

Can you use my soundbar as a center speaker?

No, if you have a soundbar, you may be wondering if it can be used as a center speaker. However, it cannot be used as a center channel speaker. Compared to the center speaker, which produces sound from multiple points, the soundbar is designed to produce sound from a single point. Consequently, the sound from the soundbar will be focused in a single direction, while the sound from the center speaker will be evenly distributed. As a result, dialogue and other sounds can be unclear, and stereo separation is lost.

Can I use any speaker as a center channel speaker?

A center channel speaker is an essential part of a surround sound system, as it anchors the sound and provides a clear dialogue that no other speaker is able to provide. Therefore, any of your speakers cannot be used as center channels. It’s technically possible to use any speaker as a center channel speaker, but not every speaker is the same. It is essential to choose a center channel speaker that is specifically designed for that purpose. Look for one that has a good frequency response and low distortion when selecting a center channel speaker. As well as being able to reproduce dialog clearly and without artifacts, the speaker should also be able to handle a lot of power in order to keep pace with the left and right speakers in a surround sound system. If you have the budget, you should invest in a dedicated center channel speaker to get the best results. If you are on a tight budget, you can use any good quality speaker as a center channel speaker. Choose a speaker that meets the above criteria, and be sure it is suitable.

William
William is technical editor of Wooster Audio, an audio enthusiast passionate about cutting-edge technologies. He has been working with us for three years, meticulously reviewing and evaluating wireless (speakers & soundbars), hi-fi, and home cinema equipment, and has covered 1000+ audio products. His background is based in Audio engineering and he has an ardent passion for building home theater systems and audio systems and loves audio mixing, editing and sound designing. This allows William to share this knowledge on Wooster audio site. He provides the most comprehensive audio information available by tapping into his expertise and keen insights. He can guide you to audio excellence on Wooster Audio with his discerning ear and commitment to quality. Contact William for any question (william@woosteraudio.com)