Short answer: the Polk Audio XT30. It ranks #49 of 98 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $139. The BIC America FH6-LCR ranks #93, rated 2.7/5, at $131.53, $7.47 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Polk Audio XT30 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. One of the least expensive centers here at $139, with a 1” Terylene dome tweeter between two 5.25” woofers and 89dB sensitivity. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.89 against 1.28 for the BIC America FH6-LCR. Its bass reaches about 50.7Hz before falling 10dB, against 82.2Hz for the BIC America FH6-LCR. Watch for: The listening window spans 3.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is not very smooth (0.51), so it sounds less even off axis and in reflective rooms.
What the BIC America FH6-LCR does well: A low cost $132 all-channel speaker with two 6.5” woofers and a horn-loaded tweeter, very high 95dB sensitivity and 175W power handling. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review’s measurements give it the lowest preference score of any center here (1.28 without a subwoofer), with uneven on-axis response (1.39dB average deviation) and the least smooth predicted in-room response (0.24).
Buy the Polk Audio XT30. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $7.47 with the BIC America FH6-LCR does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Audio XT30 | BIC America FH6-LCR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 each | $131.53 each |
| Ranked | #49 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #93 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 2x 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofers | 1x horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter, 2x 6.5” injection-molded woofers |
| Frequency Response | 77Hz-26kHz -3dB (manufacturer specified) | 40Hz-23kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (manufacturer specified) | 95dB (1W/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear) | - |
| Dimensions | 6.5”H x 19”W x 8.1”D (166 x 483 x 207 mm) | 8”H x 21.9”W x 6.1”D (203 x 556 x 156 mm) |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 50.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 82.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.89 | 1.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.50 | 5.05 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Impedance | - | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Polk Audio XT30:
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Polk Audio XT30
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Polk Audio XT30
- Polk Audio XT30 vs Micca MB42X-C G2
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Aperion Audio Novus N5C
- Aperion Audio Novus N5C vs SVS Prime Center
Prices on this page were last checked October 5, 2026 at 10:21 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
Polk Audio XT30: $139.00 each Amazon eBay
Pros: One of the least expensive centers here at $139, with a 1” Terylene dome tweeter between two 5.25” woofers and 89dB sensitivity. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a flat on-axis response (0.26 average deviation) and deeper bass than the slimmer XT35, reaching 77.6Hz (-3dB) and about 51Hz (-10dB). Measured bass extension of 77.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening window spans 3.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is not very smooth (0.51), so it sounds less even off axis and in reflective rooms. The preference score without a subwoofer is 3.89.
Full Polk Audio XT30 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 50.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 6.5”H x 19”W x 8.1”D (166 x 483 x 207 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 2x 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofers |
| Frequency Response | 77Hz-26kHz -3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.50 |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
BIC America FH6-LCR: $131.53 each Amazon eBay
Pros: A low cost $132 all-channel speaker with two 6.5” woofers and a horn-loaded tweeter, very high 95dB sensitivity and 175W power handling. It includes brackets for vertical or horizontal mounting, so it can serve as left, center or right. Measured bass extension of 82.2Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Audio Science Review’s measurements give it the lowest preference score of any center here (1.28 without a subwoofer), with uneven on-axis response (1.39dB average deviation) and the least smooth predicted in-room response (0.24). Horizontal coverage is narrow (about ±20 degrees), and bass falls to about 82Hz at -10dB.
Full BIC America FH6-LCR review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 82.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 21.9”W x 6.1”D (203 x 556 x 156 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter, 2x 6.5” injection-molded woofers |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-23kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 95dB (1W/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.05 |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples