Short answer: the Perlisten R7c. It ranks #8 of 131 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $9,990. The Revel C426Be ranks #31, rated 4.0/5, at $5,444.95, $4,545.05 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Perlisten R7c is the better-sounding choice. A larger Perlisten R5c with the same three-dome DPC array between four 6.5” woofers. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
The case for the Revel C426Be: A three-way center with a 1” beryllium tweeter in Revel’s acoustic lens waveguide, a 5.25” midrange and four 6.5” woofers. Watch for: The listening window is less even than the best centers here, spanning 3.1dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the directivity index varies more across frequency (3.8dB deviation).
Buy the Perlisten R7c. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $4,545.05 with the Revel C426Be does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
About the ratings: the Perlisten R7c’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 4.1 to 4.7, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Perlisten R7c | Revel C426Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9,990 per pair | $5,444.95 each |
| Ranked | #8 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers Estimated | #31 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Sensitivity | 90.2dB (manufacturer specified) | 90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 9.1”H x 36.2”W x 11.8”D (230 x 920 x 300 mm) | 10.6”H x 38.5”W x 14”D (268 x 977 x 356 mm) |
| Weight | 81.1 lbs (36.8 kg) | 71 lbs (32.2 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (manufacturer specified) | about 35.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 3x 1” silk dome tweeters (DPC-Array), 4x 6.5” HPF woofers | 1” beryllium dome tweeter with acoustic lens, 5.25” DCC aluminum midrange, 4x 6.5” DCC aluminum woofers |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100-250W RMS recommended | - |
| Enclosure | Acoustic suspension | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 38Hz-40kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported (dual rear ports) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 66.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.27 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.96 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Perlisten R7c compares with other leading options:
- Perlisten S5c vs Perlisten R7c
- KEF Reference 2 Meta vs Perlisten R7c
- Perlisten R7c vs Arendal Sound 1528 Center 8
- KEF Reference 2 Meta vs Revel C426Be
- Arendal Sound 1528 Center 8 vs Revel C426Be
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
Perlisten R7c: $9,990 per pair Estimated Audiolab eBay
Same family: the Perlisten R4b (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.5/5), the Perlisten R5m (larger bookshelf, rated 4.3/5), the Perlisten R5t (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Perlisten R7t (larger floorstanding, rated 4.3/5), the Perlisten R5c (smaller center, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5) and the Perlisten R4s (surround, rated 4.4/5).
Pros: A larger Perlisten R5c with the same three-dome DPC array between four 6.5” woofers.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. It is a wide center that needs a large stand or shelf, and it is sold through specialist dealers.
Full Perlisten R7c review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100-250W RMS recommended |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 9.1”H x 36.2”W x 11.8”D (230 x 920 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | 3x 1” silk dome tweeters (DPC-Array), 4x 6.5” HPF woofers |
| Enclosure | Acoustic suspension |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 90.2dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 81.1 lbs (36.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Revel C426Be: $5,444.95 each Audio Advice eBay
Same family: the Revel M126Be (bookshelf, rated 4.3/5), the Revel F226Be (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.6/5), the Revel F228Be (floorstanding, rated 4.5/5) and the Revel F328Be (largest floorstanding, rated 4.7/5). See every Revel Performa generation.
Pros: A three-way center with a 1” beryllium tweeter in Revel’s acoustic lens waveguide, a 5.25” midrange and four 6.5” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a preference score of 5.27 without a subwoofer, behind only the Perlisten and Ascend centers, helped by deep bass of 66.7Hz (-3dB) and about 35Hz (-10dB). Horizontal dispersion is wide (about ±60 degrees), so off-center seats hear the same dialogue balance, and 90dB sensitivity makes it easy to drive. Measured bass extension of 66.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening window is less even than the best centers here, spanning 3.1dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the directivity index varies more across frequency (3.8dB deviation). It is 977mm wide and 32.2kg, and at $5445 it is one of the more expensive centers here.
Full Revel C426Be review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 35.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 38.5”W x 14”D (268 x 977 x 356 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” beryllium dome tweeter with acoustic lens, 5.25” DCC aluminum midrange, 4x 6.5” DCC aluminum woofers |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-40kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.27 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.96 |
| Weight | 71 lbs (32.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (dual rear ports) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons