Short answer: the Perlisten S5c. It ranks #4 of 131 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $12,990. The Perlisten R7c ranks #8, rated 4.4/5, at $9,990, $3,000 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
What the Perlisten S5c does well: A smaller center than the Perlisten S7c with the same beryllium DPC array and two 180mm woofers in a sealed cabinet. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
The Perlisten R7c is the deeper-bass option. A larger Perlisten R5c with the same three-dome DPC array between four 6.5” woofers. Its bass reaches about 36Hz before falling 10dB, against 42Hz for the Perlisten S5c. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
Buy the Perlisten S5c. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $3,000 with the Perlisten R7c does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Perlisten S5c 4.2 to 4.8; Perlisten R7c 4.1 to 4.7). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Perlisten S5c | Perlisten R7c | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12,990 per pair | $9,990 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers Estimated | #8 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (manufacturer specified) | 36Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 3x 28mm beryllium dome tweeters/mids, 2x 28mm Textreme TPCD domes, 2x 180mm Textreme woofers (DPC-Array) | 3x 1” silk dome tweeters (DPC-Array), 4x 6.5” HPF woofers |
| Sensitivity | 88.8dB (manufacturer specified) | 90.2dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 9.4”H x 23.5”W x 13.3”D (240 x 596 x 338 mm) | 9.1”H x 36.2”W x 11.8”D (230 x 920 x 300 mm) |
| Weight | 47.2 lbs (21.4 kg) | 81.1 lbs (36.8 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 100-300W RMS recommended | 100-250W RMS recommended |
| Enclosure | Acoustic suspension | Acoustic suspension |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Perlisten S5c:
- Perlisten S7c vs Perlisten S5c
- Perlisten S5c vs KEF Reference 2 Meta
- KEF Reference 2 Meta vs Perlisten R7c
- Perlisten R7c vs Revel C426Be
- Perlisten R7c vs Arendal Sound 1528 Center 8
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Perlisten S5c: $12,990 per pair Estimated The Music Room (TMR Audio) eBay
Same family: the Perlisten S4b (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Perlisten S5m (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5), the Perlisten S5t (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.5/5), the Perlisten S7t (larger floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Perlisten S7c (larger center, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5) and the Perlisten S4s (surround, rated 4.6/5).
Pros: A smaller center than the Perlisten S7c with the same beryllium DPC array and two 180mm woofers in a sealed cabinet.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. It is sold through specialist dealers.
Full Perlisten S5c review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100-300W RMS recommended |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 9.4”H x 23.5”W x 13.3”D (240 x 596 x 338 mm) |
| Drivers | 3x 28mm beryllium dome tweeters/mids, 2x 28mm Textreme TPCD domes, 2x 180mm Textreme woofers (DPC-Array) |
| Enclosure | Acoustic suspension |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 88.8dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 47.2 lbs (21.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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