Home > Consumer Reviews > JBL S-Center Center Channel Speaker (Dark Gray)

The JBL line reflects quality, especially at the studio reference level. The S-center is reference quality, and will hold its own with any $200+ center speaker(Klipsch nips the JBL with the horn driver however if you like it LOUD..). All vocals and center stage is clear and defined, no blurring or high end loss, altho you need a subwoofer or strong front speakers to fill out the bass. I paired the JBL S-center with front JBL Century 100s(1970's era) and a pair of Yamaha (cheap) surrounds and have all the theater I need. You will need a solid set of front speakers to match the JBL S-center, or you will need to restrict the power to the JBL as it WILL make its presence heard. My listening area is 10ftx12ft so small, so I rarely stretch the JBL's audio limits. I am convinced it would hold up to a room much larger with no problem/distortion/etc. And this is the beauty of the JBL in that it is clear and responsive even at extremely low listening levels as well. If you want something loud, go with the Klipsch horn driven center. But if you listen at a lower level, the JBL is the answer. And the price is correct for a quality JBL product. Easy to connect, nice looking, solid performer, quality built in, good support from the JBL folks. Buy it.

There is no need to compare. This will the the job just fine. I have been looking for a center speaker for the past 5 years. I finally found this one last year 2000. It is very clear. I always felt the center speaker was the weak link in my system. After 4 center speakers in 5 years. This is the one I really like. The one it replaced was the N-center by JBL, I had that for 2 months. I learned that one can not really test speakers at a shop (high end or low end). Its just buying and trying it at home.

Really great sound and a perfect match for JBL's S38's, which I got 2 pairs and use as my surrounds.

I figured this would be a nice speaker, but it has far exceeded my expectations. Sound is clear and precise and can overpower your front speakers if they aren't up to the task. It perfectly matches my grey and silver Hitachi TV as well.

I bought this and have had no problems intigrating it with my system. The sound quality is fantastic and it looks as cool as its picture. I started with a low-end center channel and the upgrade to this one will last me for years. Great technology and great big full sound -- this is a great speaker!