Short answer: the Sony SS-CS8 M2, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #122 of 131 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 2.8/5, at $123; the BIC America FH6-LCR ranks #123, rated 2.7/5, and costs $142.60, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 131 center channel speakers, and the Polk Audio XT30, ranked #65 at $139, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The case for the Sony SS-CS8 M2: The matching center for Sony’s 2025 Core M2 speakers, with two 3.94” woofers either side of a 1” tweeter in a compact 430mm wide cabinet that fits under most TVs. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured Sony SS-CS5 M2.
The case for the BIC America FH6-LCR: A low cost $143 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 current 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 Sony SS-CS8 M2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the BIC America FH6-LCR and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Worth knowing: the Sony SS-CS8 M2 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 2.4 to 3.2, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS8 M2 | BIC America FH6-LCR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $123.00 each | $142.60 each |
| Ranked | #122 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers Estimated | #123 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 2 x 3.94” woofers | 1x horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter, 2x 6.5” injection-molded woofers |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 25kHz (manufacturer specified) | 40Hz-23kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (manufacturer specified) | 95dB (1W/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Dimensions | 5.7”H x 16.9”W x 8.7”D (146 x 430 x 220 mm) | 8”H x 21.9”W x 6.1”D (203 x 556 x 156 mm) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | about 82.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 1.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.05 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Sony SS-CS8 M2:
- Polk Audio XT30 vs Sony SS-CS8 M2
- Sony SS-CS8 M2 vs Fluance Signature HFC
- Sony SS-CS8 M2 vs Micca RB42-C
- BIC America FH6-LCR vs Micca RB42-C
- Polk Audio XT30 vs BIC America FH6-LCR
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
Sony SS-CS8 M2: $123.00 each Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Sony SS-CS5 M2 (bookshelf, rated 3.2/5) and the Sony SS-CS3 M2 (floorstanding, estimated 3/5). See every Sony SS-CS generation.
Pros: The matching center for Sony’s 2025 Core M2 speakers, with two 3.94” woofers either side of a 1” tweeter in a compact 430mm wide cabinet that fits under most TVs. Sensitivity is 87dB, so any home theater receiver drives it.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured Sony SS-CS5 M2. The small woofers limit bass to 55Hz and maximum output, and the woofer and tweeter layout narrows dispersion for seats off to the side.
Full Sony SS-CS8 M2 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 5.7”H x 16.9”W x 8.7”D (146 x 430 x 220 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 2 x 3.94” woofers |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 25kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- 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
BIC America FH6-LCR: $142.60 each Amazon eBay
Pros: A low cost $143 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 current 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons