Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Dayton Audio B452-AIR ranks #105 of 168 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $55; the Dayton Audio C452-AIR ranks #116 of 131 center channel speakers by sound quality at $33.
Why pick the Dayton Audio B452-AIR: A budget sealed bookshelf speaker with a 4.5” polypropylene woofer and a 1” AMT tweeter. The tradeoff: Audioholics’ measurements stop at 200Hz, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from that data and Dayton’s measured budget speakers.
What the Dayton Audio C452-AIR does well: A budget center channel with two 4.5” polypropylene woofers and a 1” AMT tweeter. The tradeoff: Audioholics’ measurements stop at 200Hz, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from that data and Dayton’s measured budget speakers.
One note: the Dayton Audio B452-AIR is discontinued and no longer widely available new.
Buy the Dayton Audio B452-AIR at $55 for a bookshelf speaker, or the Dayton Audio C452-AIR at $33 for a center channel speaker instead.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Dayton Audio B452-AIR 2.6 to 3.4; Dayton Audio C452-AIR 2.6 to 3.4). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dayton Audio B452-AIR | Dayton Audio C452-AIR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55 per pair Discontinued | $33 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #105 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #116 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers Estimated |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each | - |
| Drivers | 4.5” polypropylene cone woofer, 1” AMT tweeter | 2x 4.5” polypropylene cone woofers, 1” AMT tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (1W/1m, manufacturer specified) | 86dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 85Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 85Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | - |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.5”W x 5.7”D (241 x 140 x 145 mm) | 5.5”H x 15.7”W x 5.7”D (140 x 400 x 145 mm) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Dayton Audio B452-AIR (measured by an independent reviewer) and Dayton Audio C452-AIR (measured by an independent reviewer), via spinorama.org.
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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
Dayton Audio B452-AIR: $55 per pair Discontinued Estimated eBay
Same family: the Dayton Audio B652-AIR (larger bookshelf, rated 1.3/5), the Dayton Audio T652-AIR (floorstanding, estimated 2/5) and the Dayton Audio C452-AIR (center, estimated 3/5).
Pros: A budget sealed bookshelf speaker with a 4.5” polypropylene woofer and a 1” AMT tweeter.
Cons: Audioholics’ measurements stop at 200Hz, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from that data and Dayton’s measured budget speakers. Sensitivity is low at 84dB, and Dayton rates the bass only to 85Hz. Dayton replaced its AIR line with the Classic series. Discontinued.
Full Dayton Audio B452-AIR review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.5”W x 5.7”D (241 x 140 x 145 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.5” polypropylene cone woofer, 1” AMT tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 85Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (1W/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Dayton Audio C452-AIR: $33 each Discontinued Estimated eBay
Same family: the Dayton Audio B452-AIR (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3/5), the Dayton Audio B652-AIR (larger bookshelf, rated 1.3/5) and the Dayton Audio T652-AIR (floorstanding, estimated 2/5).
Pros: A budget center channel with two 4.5” polypropylene woofers and a 1” AMT tweeter.
Cons: Audioholics’ measurements stop at 200Hz, so it has no preference score; the rating is estimated from that data and Dayton’s measured budget speakers. Dayton rates the bass only to 85Hz. Dayton replaced its AIR line with the Classic series. Discontinued.
Full Dayton Audio C452-AIR review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5”H x 15.7”W x 5.7”D (140 x 400 x 145 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4.5” polypropylene cone woofers, 1” AMT tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 85Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (manufacturer specified) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples