Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Horizon. It ranks #2 of 98 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $3,098. The Perlisten R5c ranks #3, rated 4.5/5, at $2,995, $103 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Horizon is the deeper-bass pick. A RAAL true ribbon tweeter and a 6” SEAS Curv midrange in its own sealed chamber sit between two 6” long-throw SEAS woofers in a laminated bamboo cabinet. Its bass reaches about 51.3Hz before falling 3dB, against 78.1Hz for the Perlisten R5c. The catch: The measurements come from Ascend itself, not an independent reviewer.
The case for the Perlisten R5c: Uses Perlisten’s DPC array of three 26mm silk domes, which narrows vertical dispersion so the ceiling and floor reflect less sound, with two 6.5” woofers in a sealed cabinet. The catch: The only measurements are Perlisten’s own and have not been independently verified.
Buy the Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Horizon. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $103 with the Perlisten R5c does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Horizon | Perlisten R5c | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,098 each | $2,995 each |
| Ranked | #2 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #3 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | RAAL 70-20xram ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Curv cone midrange (sealed chamber), 2x 6” aluminum cone woofers | 3x 26mm silk dome DPC array, 2x 165mm (6.5”) HPF woofers |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz-27kHz ±3dB anechoic (manufacturer specified) | 80Hz-20kHz ±1.5dB, 49Hz-32kHz -10dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 88dB anechoic, 91dB in-room (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 88.6dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.4 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (dual front slots) | sealed |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 23”W x 12.5”D (279 x 584 x 318 mm) | 9.4”H x 21.7”W x 10.6”D (240 x 550 x 270 mm) |
| Weight | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) | 33.1 lbs (15.0 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) | 78.1Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 29.8Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) | about 48.6Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.17 | 6.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.83 | 8.49 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 112.6dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Certification | - | THX Dominus, THX Ultra |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Horizon:
- Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Horizon vs KEF Reference 2 Meta
- Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Horizon vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2
- Perlisten R5c vs KEF R2 Meta
- Perlisten R5c vs KEF Reference 2 Meta
- Perlisten S7c vs Perlisten R5c
Prices on this page were last checked October 5, 2026 at 10:21 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Horizon: $3,098 each Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: A RAAL true ribbon tweeter and a 6” SEAS Curv midrange in its own sealed chamber sit between two 6” long-throw SEAS woofers in a laminated bamboo cabinet. Ascend’s Klippel near-field measurements show the lowest on-axis deviation of any center channel ranked here (0.15) and a listening window within 1.9dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and its preference score of 6.17 without a subwoofer is second only to Perlisten’s S7c. Bass is among the deepest of any center here, reaching 51.3Hz (-3dB) and about 30Hz (-10dB), so it can play full range in most rooms. Dispersion is wide horizontally (about ±60 degrees), which keeps dialogue consistent for off-center seats.
Cons: The measurements come from Ascend itself, not an independent reviewer. The ribbon’s vertical dispersion is narrow (about ±25 degrees), so aim the tweeter at ear height rather than tilting it from far above or below the screen. It is sold only direct from Ascend, and at 584mm wide and 52 lb it needs a deep, sturdy shelf.
Full Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Horizon review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 29.8Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 23”W x 12.5”D (279 x 584 x 318 mm) |
| Drivers | RAAL 70-20xram ribbon tweeter, 6” SEAS Curv cone midrange (sealed chamber), 2x 6” aluminum cone woofers |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz-27kHz ±3dB anechoic (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 88dB anechoic, 91dB in-room (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.83 |
| Weight | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (dual front slots) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Perlisten R5c: $2,995 each Verdant Audio eBay
Pros: Uses Perlisten’s DPC array of three 26mm silk domes, which narrows vertical dispersion so the ceiling and floor reflect less sound, with two 6.5” woofers in a sealed cabinet. Perlisten’s measurements hold the listening window within 1.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, the tightest of any center channel here, and predict a very smooth in-room response (0.89), for a preference score of 6.03 that rises to 8.49 with an ideal subwoofer. THX Dominus and Ultra certified.
Cons: The only measurements are Perlisten’s own and have not been independently verified. Bass rolls off at 78.1Hz (-3dB) and about 49Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer for movies. Its directivity index varies more across frequency than most centers here (4.14dB deviation), so reflected sound in a lively room has a slightly different tone than the direct sound. The 4 ohm load suits a capable receiver or amplifier.
Full Perlisten R5c review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 48.6Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78.1Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| Certification | THX Dominus, THX Ultra |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 9.4”H x 21.7”W x 10.6”D (240 x 550 x 270 mm) |
| Drivers | 3x 26mm silk dome DPC array, 2x 165mm (6.5”) HPF woofers |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-20kHz ±1.5dB, 49Hz-32kHz -10dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.4 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 112.6dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 88.6dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.49 |
| Weight | 33.1 lbs (15.0 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons