Home > Consumer Reviews > JBL LC2BE 6-Inch 4-Way Dual Wall-Mountable Center Channel Loudspeaker (Beech)

I've been using the LC2 for about a week and a half now, primarily for multichannel music listening, but also for a lot of movie watching too. It is a dynamic and very full range center channel compared to many on the mass market. I chose it specifically to mate with my L880s as FR and FL because they drivers are matched well (though the porting and cabinet volume contribute to significantly lower range on the L880s than the LC2). My Onkyo TX-SR606 crosses the LC2 over at 60 Hz (with its rated bottom end being 50 Hz, this is a reasonable roll-off crossover).

It seems ridiculous to have to say this, but it is not up to the task of being a full range tower speaker (thankfully *not many* expect it to be since it was clearly designed as a center channel for on-wall mounting), but if you're looking for a dynamic center channel, you'd be hard pressed to beat this one's capability for the price. It images well, as do all the L series speakers from JBL, and it has a distinct advantage over the LC1. Technically the LC1 is a two way MTM (midrange-tweeter-midrange) design, which is prone to lobing (overemphasizing some waves due to bolstering from both sides) and muddying the sound with the HF response in between the two mids. The LC2 is designed as a true vertical array through its midrange 4" transducer, with the bass transducers on the sides (which eliminates lobing issues). This is ideal center channel design.

Pros:
-Good musicality
-Very natural sounding dialogue (M and F)
-Excellent imaging
-Great dynamic range for movies and music (when properly amplified >=75 W RMS by test, not manufacturer spec)
-Handsome looks in cherry
-VERY well paired with L880s for soundstage transparency
-Vertical array design better for sound (see above)

Cons:
-Size may be an issue for some (not for me, but this sucker is big compared to your other mass market options; I'll post a photo for size reference)
-Biwiring capability more gimmick than real benefit
-Needs good solid power to sound its best (not really a con, but its honestly hard to come up with three)

In short, this is an excellent center channel for movie watching or music as long as paired with relatively good voice and timbre matches for front soundstage. These are your three most important speakers so don't skimp! Strong advantage in design over LC1 and other MTM designs.

If you're looking for a good looking, dynamic, and powerful center channel, look no further. Buy and enjoy! :)

The JBL LC2 is a great center channel. I have an Onkyo 7.1 receiver and have a BOSE 6.1 system. I was looking to add a center channel to my home theater and started looking for one. I checked out Boston Acoustics Horizon series, micro series and Bose VSC. The JBL LC2 beats them hands down, the sound is crisp. It is 29lb, but dont be fooled, it looks pretty slick and is only 5" thick. Love this center channel and am enjoying listening to the exceptional clarity.

I have auditioned center channel speakers costing hundreds more, and this is by far the best sounding, best value unit available.

- The frequency response is very smooth.
- All voices, from the deepest pretentious radio announcer to the squeakiest airhead valley girl, are immediately intelligible
- Very wide sweet-spot. Excellent horizontal and vertical dispersion mean you can safely place it above or below your main screen.
- Extremely solid and well built.
- Testosterone-manly without the front cover, and nicely understated with it on. Your wife will love it.
- JBL is made in the USA!

Buy it.

I have had the LC2 for about 6 weeks and it has been a welcome addition to our movie experience. I've found that with the sound tracks from movies over the last decade or so, it has become harder and harder to hear the dialog without making the rest of the audio overwhelming. The LC2 has the ability to reproduce the talk track with exceptional clarity. We replaced all of our speakers with the Studio L series and are using the L820's for our front L&R, L830's for the sides and the L8400 for the sub. These are all excellent speakers and have improved the entire range of sound dramatically but it's the LC2 center that has made the largest impact. Voices are louder, sharper and clearer then anything I've ever heard. I won't get technical you can read the specs, but I will say that JBL has this baby dialed in perfect! If I was doing it again I would replace the L820 fronts with 2 more LC2's. Many major movie theaters use JBL's for their sound systems so they know what they are doing.

I would highly recommend the entire Studio L series but if you can only replace part of your surround system this is by far the best bang for the buck. The best thing is my wife lets me leave the volume louder now because it so much clearer. It is taller then most HTIB (Home Theatre in a box) centers but is still only 5" thick so for a major upgrade from a HTIB center you won't be overwhelming your TV or room.

It is also very solid and the quality is evident as soon as you see it. Be warned if you add this to your system you will want to upgrade the rest of the surround system as well. The difference between these and a good HTIB is like going from old 480i TV to 1080P high def, it's that dramatic.

Great range of sound from the highest highs to good mid bass punch.
PLays music and movies well.