Short answer: the Atlantic Technology 8600iC. It ranks #105 of 131 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $2,000; the MAG Theatron MC12-C ranks #113, rated 3.2/5, and costs $2,300, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the Atlantic Technology 8600iC does well: The 2024 replacement for the Atlantic Technology 8600eC, a sealed three-way center with two 8” glass fiber woofers instead of four, repositioned midrange and tweeter, better crossover parts and stronger woofer motors. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
The case for the MAG Theatron MC12-C: A large cinema-grade center channel from MAG’s Theatron line, made for dedicated home theaters behind or below a screen. The catch: The on-axis response is uneven (1.05 average deviation).
Buy the Atlantic Technology 8600iC. It is rated higher for sound quality than the MAG Theatron MC12-C and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Worth knowing: the Atlantic Technology 8600iC has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 3.0 to 3.8, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Atlantic Technology 8600iC | MAG Theatron MC12-C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,000 | $2,300 each |
| Ranked | #105 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers Estimated | #113 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1x 1” soft dome tweeter, 2x 3.5” midrange, 2x 8” glass fiber woofers | 12” woofer, horn-loaded compression driver |
| Sensitivity | 93dB (manufacturer specified) | 97dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 23kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (manufacturer specified) | 79.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 29”W x 12.8”D (287 x 737 x 325 mm) | 33.1”H x 22.2”W x 9.8”D (840 x 565 x 250 mm) |
| Weight | 49.6 lbs (22.5 kg) | 71 lbs (32.2 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | about 46.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.29 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.91 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Atlantic Technology 8600iC:
- JBL HDI-4500 vs Atlantic Technology 8600iC
- Wharfedale Aura CS vs Atlantic Technology 8600iC
- MAG Theatron MC12-C vs Phase Technology PC3.5
- MAG Theatron MC12-C vs Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2
- MAG Theatron MC12-C vs DALI Rubikore Cinema
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Atlantic Technology 8600iC: $2,000 Estimated Atlantic Technology eBay
Older model: the Atlantic Technology 8600eC (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every Atlantic Technology 8600 generation.
Same family: the Atlantic Technology 8600iLR (floorstanding, estimated 3.2/5).
Pros: The 2024 replacement for the Atlantic Technology 8600eC, a sealed three-way center with two 8” glass fiber woofers instead of four, repositioned midrange and tweeter, better crossover parts and stronger woofer motors. Atlantic rates it from 30Hz (±3dB) at 93dB sensitivity, and it costs $500 less than the 8600eC did.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. At 74cm wide and 22.5 kg it needs a large, sturdy shelf, and it is sold only direct from Atlantic Technology.
Full Atlantic Technology 8600iC review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 29”W x 12.8”D (287 x 737 x 325 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 1” soft dome tweeter, 2x 3.5” midrange, 2x 8” glass fiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 23kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 93dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 49.6 lbs (22.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
MAG Theatron MC12-C: $2,300 each MAG eBay
Pros: A large cinema-grade center channel from MAG’s Theatron line, made for dedicated home theaters behind or below a screen. Audio Science Review measured a preference score of 3.29 that reaches 5.91 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.58 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 79.1Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The on-axis response is uneven (1.05 average deviation). Bass reaches 79.1Hz (-3dB) and about 46Hz (-10dB).
Full MAG Theatron MC12-C review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 46.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 33.1”H x 22.2”W x 9.8”D (840 x 565 x 250 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, horn-loaded compression driver |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 97dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.29 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.91 |
| Weight | 71 lbs (32.2 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons