Price Paid:  $85.00 from EBay

Summary:
My home theater system that had taken a year for me to assemble with my hard earned money was stolen while out of town at a friends wedding.
I purchased the Denon AVR 1803 as my reciever (the same that was stolen) and figured i would go cheap on the speakers because i coudnt replace the definitive technology speakers that where stolen due to financial constrants and a new baby on the way. I purchased the SS-CN495H on ebay after looking at the reviews for it.
I also purchased 3 Sony M100H bookshelf speakers for temperary surrounds. After assembling a modest temp system with a boston acoustics sub and EPI 120 2/3 mains, I couldnt beleive what I had done by accident!!! The sound is transparent!!
It surrounds me. The sony SS-CN495H is the most amazing center speaker I have listened to. It makes the def tech center that i payed a weeks salery for sound like it was under water!! I have learned many things from the experience one thing is you can have amazing sound and save alot of money. Oh ya, this isnt a temp system anymore Im keeping it!!!!

Strengths:
Clarity, clarity, clarity. Full round sound that doesnt seem to come from just one location its everywhere!!

Weaknesses:
I listen to alot more music and movies,it causes me to by more cd's and dvd's

Similar Products Used:
Definitive Technology

Price Paid:  $85.00 from www.vanns.com

Summary:
I purchased this center channel with hopes of full, clear, crisp audio from a center channel. I got none of the above.
The sound is "boxy". Certain high pitch tones make the speaker crackle. The midrange is horrible. Which makes the spoken audio sound like your standing in a cave.

Strengths:
The speaker is horrible. It is kinda heavy though, so you might could use it as a door stop, or a weapon perhaps. If you consider that a strength, then by all means by this speaker.

Weaknesses:
To many to list. Horrible product.

Price Paid:  $85.00

Summary:
Well, I've used this center channel speaker for quite a few months now. And I must say that I am not very impressed. To me, the sound is very boxy. The spoken audio sounds as if it is coming out of a cave. I am not impressed at all.

Strengths:
Not really any that I can find.

Weaknesses:
Audio sounds VERY boxy...like its is coming out of a cave.

Price Paid:  $89.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
I purchased the Sony CN495H center channel speaker to replace my
Infinity CC-1 system, which I've never been happy with. The CC-1's
sound dull and unnatural. This is what happens when you buy a
speaker system without doing your homework and listening to a
sales person who just wants to push their garbage.

I am very satisfied with the Sony CN495H center channel speaker
system. They produce a surpassingly bright, natural, robust sound.
It is my opinion that a person would have to spend a lot more money
to get a center channel speaker that would sound only slightly better.

Strengths:
Bright, natural, robust sound and well constructed.

Weaknesses:
No mounting stand to adjust speaker tilt
angle. Had to prop up the rear of the
speaker with a piece of rigid foam.

Similar Products Used:
Infinity CC-1

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Great center,definitely good price-performance relatio. I bought it as center speaker in SS-CR5005H set, with rear surround speakers which are made with same 13 cm woofers and nano-tweeter. In combination with SS-MF500 front speakers it's a great combination! Vocals are clear in full range of tone colours with no distortion. Just go for it ;-)

Strengths:
clear sound, great design, low price

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Sony