Short answer: the JBL HDI-4500. It ranks #53 of 131 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $2,119.95. The Atlantic Technology 8600iC ranks #105, rated 3.4/5, at $2,000, $119.95 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL HDI-4500 is the better-sounding pick. A 1” compression driver in JBL’s High Definition Imaging horn sits between four 5.25” aluminum matrix woofers. The tradeoff: The listening window spans 3.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is only moderately smooth (0.60), so it is less neutral than the best centers here.
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 catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
Buy the JBL HDI-4500. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $119.95 you would save on the Atlantic Technology 8600iC does not close the gap.
About the ratings: the Atlantic Technology 8600iC’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.0 to 3.8, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL HDI-4500 | Atlantic Technology 8600iC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,119.95 each | $2,000 |
| Ranked | #53 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers | #105 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers Estimated |
| Dimensions | 7.5”H x 33.1”W x 12.3”D (190 x 841 x 312 mm) | 11.3”H x 29”W x 12.8”D (287 x 737 x 325 mm) |
| Weight | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) | 49.6 lbs (22.5 kg) |
| Drivers | 1” 2410H-2 compression driver with HDI horn, 4x 5.25” aluminum matrix woofers | 1x 1” soft dome tweeter, 2x 3.5” midrange, 2x 8” glass fiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-30kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 23kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 93dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 30Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.08 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.28 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL HDI-4500 compares with other leading options:
- KEF R2 Meta vs JBL HDI-4500
- Atlantic Technology 8600iC vs MAG Theatron MC12-C
- Wharfedale Aura CS vs Atlantic Technology 8600iC
- KEF R2 Meta vs Atlantic Technology 8600eC
- Atlantic Technology 8600eC vs Atlantic Technology 8600eLR
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
JBL HDI-4500: $2,119.95 each JBL eBay
Same family: the JBL HDI-1600 (bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the JBL HDI-3600 (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.3/5), the JBL HDI-3800 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.5/5) and the JBL HDI-1200P (subwoofer, rated 3.9/5).
Pros: A 1” compression driver in JBL’s High Definition Imaging horn sits between four 5.25” aluminum matrix woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a fairly flat on-axis response (0.30 average deviation) and a preference score of 4.08 without a subwoofer, with bass reaching 67.4Hz (-3dB) and about 44Hz (-10dB). 90dB sensitivity and a compression driver give it plenty of clean output for large rooms. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening window spans 3.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is only moderately smooth (0.60), so it is less neutral than the best centers here. At $2120 it costs more than several centers that measure better.
Full JBL HDI-4500 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5”H x 33.1”W x 12.3”D (190 x 841 x 312 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” 2410H-2 compression driver with HDI horn, 4x 5.25” aluminum matrix woofers |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-30kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.28 |
| Weight | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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