Price Paid:  $155.00 from Audio Video Today

Summary:
This is a very special little center speaker. As I remember...this was one of the very few center channel speakers that was mentioned in (approved by) Stereophile before they quit reviewing surround equipment. I have replaced it with a far more expensive 3 way center (which is really how they SHOULD be designed) but I believe this little PSB actually sounds better to my ear.
I am not a head banger and I listen to movies at a volume level that will not cause major structural damage...so I cannot comment how far this speaker will go beyond common sense. But it will go plenty loud for me and deliver excellent sound in the process. It is not the least bit impressive to look at....but it is a real player when it comes to delivering the goods.
You can't go wrong with this little gem......
Very highly recommended!

Strengths:
Great articulation, EXCELLENT wide angle coverage (which should not be possible from a two way design)

Weaknesses:
Small speakers (4") will probably limit ultimate volume

Similar Products Used:
Fabulous Tweeter Brothers

Price Paid:  $100.00 from Great Metropolitan S

Summary:
Execellent clean sounding center channel! It is the first home theatre center channel I have owned and I am extremely pleased with the sound and the clarity Excellent entry level and a bit above that

Strengths:
Great value and great sound!! Small size but good output

Weaknesses:
Could have a bit more power

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $110.00 from Audio Centre

Summary:
I got this centre channel along with some PSB Alpha A/Vs as surrounds for my system. I'm currently running a Yamaha RXV-596 with PSB Stratus Bronzes as fronts, without a sub - bass is run through the Bronzes.

This center channel is a real bargain. At $170 cdn, you can't go wrong with this center. I will agree that it is missing some bass and overall presence, but it does the job. I listen to much more music than HT, so I'm completely satisfied with this speaker. I was considering the PSB Image 8C, but it is much larger and the price jump was considerable.

I've watched a few concert DVDs (Santana and Sting) and listened to some DTS encoded CDs, and this speaker performs very well with the 5.1 music. It's got excellent clarity, without being harsh, and it doesn't sound boomy when you raise the volume. Overall, it sounds very balanced, although it can't compete with larger more expensive center channels.

It's worth a try.

Strengths:
Price, size, clarity

Weaknesses:
Non-removable grill, bass response

Price Paid:  $175.00 from sony store

Summary:
I am a proud Canadian supporter of PBS products, yet I am unhappy with this center and going to upgrade to the psb image 8c. This is far from a bad product, but it is a reminder of how important center channels are for 5.1 movies. I have learned that you shouldn't try to save on the center channel. It sounds good for music, but dialogue needs to be more clear.

I'm sorry to bugger the perfect rating, but people should know how important the center is to your system. I should note that I live in an apartment and cannot crank my system. I keep my arcam diva 5.1 amp at around 43 Db and boost my center, but it is still hard to hear quiet dialogue while everthing else in the mix is quite loud.

Strengths:
affordable, gets you in the door.

Weaknesses:
bright, not much bass. Dialogue hard to hear in movies.

Price Paid:  $199.00 from Hi Tech Audio

Summary:
I was tired of my beaten Technics and looked for a good center for a good price. After listening to the Alpha, it sounded the same, if not better than the B&W ($399) and the DefTech ($299) I was checking out. There was a same priced DefTech, but it was about half the size as the Alpha (box and the speakers)

I can't say I've listened music through it, but movies sound great! I literally have heard things on the Alpha that I didn't hear on my old Technics! Outstanding!

The only weakness, the grill, doesn't affect anything. Its just the knowledge you can't take it off and just look at the speaker.

Strengths:
Clarity, Great sound, great price

Weaknesses:
I agree, the non-removable grill.

Similar Products Used:
Technics, Definitive ProCinema, JBL, B&W