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Studio 520C
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Studio 520C
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- 25 – 150 watts suggested amplifier power range
- Dual 4" (100mm) PolyPlas woofer cones
- Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG) magnet assembly
- 1" (25mm) high-frequency compression driver
- Glass-filled ABS Bi-Radial high-frequency horn
- Low-loss, two-way crossover network
- Bi-wire capability
- Sturdy 3/4" (19mm) MDF enclosure
- Exclusive design
$349.95
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Features
25 – 150 watts suggested amplifier power range
JBL engineers have designed the Studio 520C centre-channel loudspeaker to deliver robust sound from a compatible AVR (audio/video receiver) or 25- to 150-watt power amplifier, whether you are using it as a stand-alone unit or as the centerpiece of a surround-sound system.
Dual 4" (100mm) PolyPlas woofer cones
Powerful bass affects more than just your ears. It resonates through your entire body, creating a soundscape that you can feel as well as hear. The JBL Studio 520C centre-channel loudspeaker delivers accurate low-frequency sounds from a pair of 4-inch (100-millimetre) ribbed PolyPlas woofers. The ribs improve strength while reducing distortion. The result is rich, articulate bass.
Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG) magnet assembly
Thanks to a heavy-duty Symmetrical Field Geometry (SFG) magnet assembly, the Studio 520C centre-channel loudspeaker’s dual low-frequency woofers deliver highly focused bass. The result is pristine, articulate sound.
1" (25mm) high-frequency compression driver
The JBL Studio 520C centre-channel loudspeaker’s high-frequency compression driver lowers distortion and provides a wider dynamic range than is possible from conventional high-frequency and midrange drivers. The tweeter includes a one-piece Teonex® diaphragm/surround assembly fitted with a 1-inch (25-millimetre) voice coil that can deliver enhanced vocal articulation.
Glass-filled ABS Bi-Radial high-frequency horn
Horn-shaped loudspeaker designs optimize high-frequency output by directing the sound to the listener with pinpoint accuracy, thereby eliminating reverberations, reflections off walls, and other artefacts. The Studio 520C centre-channel loudspeaker features a glass-filled ABS Bi-Radial high-frequency horn that delivers professional-level sound to your home.
Low-loss, two-way crossover network
The Studio 520C centre-channel loudspeaker’s low-loss, two-way crossover network ensures a clean transition for sound coming from individual low-frequency and high-frequency drivers, thereby reducing distortion while improving clarity.
Bi-wire capability
The Studio 520C centre-channel loudspeaker will work with multiple power amplifiers or connection setups – or both – for single-wire or bi-wire operation. The result is enhanced versatility in the ways you can use the Studio 520C speaker.
Sturdy 3/4" (19mm) MDF enclosure
The Studio 520C centre-channel loudspeaker’s cabinet is built with the same attention to perfection as every other component. Rigid, heavily braced MDF (medium-density fibreboard) materials prevent unwanted resonances, while non-parallel surfaces eliminate sonic interference.
Exclusive design
The same attention to detail that went into the 520C centre-channel loudspeaker’s technical design was paid to creating a powerful, sophisticated look that will fit within even the most discerning householder’s décor. The 520C is available in a black or cherry finish.
Frequently Bought Together
Specs & Downloads
Item# STUDIO 520CBK
Description
Dimensionally accurate centre-channel sound.
A truly enveloping theatre-quality surround-sound experience begins with the centre channel. The Studio 520C centre-channel loudspeaker raises your home system to the next level with the kind of advanced technology that JBL® engineers developed for professional audio systems. The Studio 520C features a pair of 4-inch (100-millimetre) low-frequency woofers and a high-frequency compression driver surrounded by a glass-filled Bi-Radial® horn, a combination that delivers crisp, focused, dimensionally accurate sound. Using specially developed materials – including a ribbed PolyPlas™ cone and a Symmetrical Field Geometry™ (SFG) magnet assembly for the woofers – the Studio 520C delivers powerful and focused bass sound. A compression tweeter housed within the same type of Bi-Radial horn that JBL engineers developed for concert sound systems delivers high frequencies that are equally distinct and precisely aimed.
General Specifications
- Type
- Two-way dual-woofer, center-channel
- Finish
- Black
Audio Specifications
- Maximum Recommended Amplifier Power
- 150W
- Frequency Response
- 60Hz-40kHz
- Crossover Frequencies
- 1.5kHz
- Nominal Impedance
- 6 ohms
- Sensitivity
- (2.83V/1m) 88dB
Dimensions
- Height (mm)
- 172
- Depth (in)
- 6-5/8
- Height (in)
- 6-3/4
- Weight (kg)
- 7.5
- Width ( in)
- 21-7/8
- Weight (lb)
- 16.6
- Depth (mm)
- 168
- Width (mm)
- 555
Control and Connection Specifications
- Connector Type
- Dual gold-plated binding posts (bi-wire capable)
Documents & Downloads
Reviews and Q&A
Customer Reviews
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Rjsong from
Perfect match for Studio 530s
I’ve had a pair of Studio 530s for over 2 years now and was so excited when I saw the 520c available on sale for Black Friday. I thought they had been discontinued and so never even thought to trying to complete my setup with the matching center. However, the center I was using really wasn’t cutting it. Dialogues always sounded boxed and unclear despite using Audyssey on my Marantz sr6010.
All has changed with the 520c. Right out the box, everything blends so well! Dialogues are clear and the soundtrack is more dynamic and alive.
Add to that the unbelievable Black Friday deal and it was the purchase of the decade. Thank you JBL!
Date published: 2019-12-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Audio Nerd from
Flexible Performance
Recently purchased JBL Studio 520C center channel speaker to existing 7.2 hometheatre system. This powerhouse speaker needs about 2weeks to really come alive. But the performance is unbelievable. There is a slight "burn in period" or " run in period". Having worked the custom audio/ video business as a technician this speaker is easily worth 5 times the selling price JBL is asking. Gives some of the Super High end speaker companies a run for the money performance. Currently not even using bi-amplification or bi-wire configuration and JBL 520C is extremely powerful and dialogue in movies and music is as clear and articulate as it can get. I will definitely be contacting JBL/ Harmon International directly as always for my next project!!
Date published: 2019-04-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
youngjack from
Bi-Radial High-Frequency Horn Compression Driver
I used to own now older BL 4430 Studio Monitor Speakers (Baby Bumm Compression Driver) and always loved the way they sound, so I figured this 520C Center speaker and 2ea JBL Studio 590's would give me something close to that signature sound from JBL in a surround sound package, glad I picked these I find them Warm, musical and outstanding detail - specs below for 520C
Dual 4-Inch (130mm) Transducers with PolyPlas cones
1-Inch (25mm) Bi-Radial High -Frequency Compression Driver
Glass-filled ABS Bi-Radial High-Frequency Horn
3/4-Inch (19mm) ultra-ridged MDF Enclosure
Date published: 2019-12-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Larwiz from
Sounds good
I bought the 520C after it went on sale for the super attractive $89.99 price. There were some naysayers on a few hifi groups that I'm apart of. Some said it wouldn't match my Studio 590s. Well, I bought them, hooked them up, and I can honestly say that I have 0 regrets. Diologue from both tv and movies sound very good! Clarity is an easy A! And that's all that I could ask for in a center. So I'm very happy with my purchase!
Date published: 2022-02-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Cool Too from
Maybe not quite end game...
Having purchased the jbl studio 520cbk a few months back, I waited a while before writing a review. I'd read numerous posters bash the speaker. It's not loud enough, can't keep up with the 590's. My thoughts on this speaker is this. Tonally it matches the Studio5 series to aT. Same tweeter although the woofer is 75 cm smaller than a 6 1/2 inch woofer it does the job it is tasked with. You want a center channel speaker to talk. This one is the perfect match for my 570's which I was lucky enough to grab on sale a week after I got my 530's. I got the center channel speaker first because it was so low priced. How could I go wrong. If I didn't like it I could ship it back. When I put it in the system I was floored. All this sound from that little speaker. I would purchase again and recommend it to all my friends.
Date published: 2022-04-09
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Prefabfan from
Wonderful sound
replaces a very big name $2500 speaker and gives the old a run for its money. Blends in very well with 4 Martin Logans, and no CD horn correction needed. one negative, where is the mounting software? Not in the box, and nowhere to be bought.
Date published: 2013-04-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Joe R from
Excellent Sound
I bought a pair of 570's a pair of 530's and the 520 center and the sound blows me away how good they are.
Date published: 2016-01-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JRod77 from
Good full sound, even with the 590's
I hooked them up to the Emotiva BasX A3 along with the 590's. I know many don't like the idea of these only having a 4" driver, initially myself included, but I have to say with a good clean amp source it wakes up pretty good and doesn't sound that small with the 590's. I guess JBL knew what they were doing. The other reason I like is the size. It fits on my mantle well and isn't as much of an eyesore as my old Polk series 70 center. And it has a much better sound, deeper and richer. At $90 it was worth a shot and I can say that I can stop looking for a center channel.
Date published: 2022-03-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
S Gashette from
Great Sound, small price!
Big sound for a small price! This is far better overall than any mid-level speaker in its size, but priced at an entry level speaker. A wide dispersion field with crisp high to mid-level frequencies with a nice roll off around 100hz. There aren’t any dead spots in the response I’ve observed using a moderately powered amplifier. As an added bonus, it’s elegant and well crafted - very aesthetically pleasing if you have your speakers exposed as I do. Overall, I’m incredibly happy with this purchase and will be purchasing another for the other 7.2 channel system in the home.
Date published: 2022-03-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
DanTheMan1 from
What a pleasure
I had the Studio II, which I thought sounded pretty good. The Studio V blows me away with it's depth and clarity. It projects such a well balanced tone, not too heavy and midrange (like plenty of centers) while not too aggressive of treble at 8-10k. It tickles your ears with feathers from the audio angels, producing detailed and sparkly sound that brings movies to life with the buttery midrange you expect from JBL. Now, the 500Hz range is a tad overwhelming at times with certain vocal tracks, but I anticipate that will smooth out after break in period. Now is your chance too grab a great sounding center! Look for sales at JBL's site and don't hesitate. Don't even ask the wife, because she will thank you after she hears this one.
Date published: 2019-06-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Center speaker
Studio 520 center channel ,replaced image dynamics B1000 center speaker. The jbl is bigger and it sounds very clean . Paired with the studio tower speakers , the front sound stage sounds great.
Date published: 2022-03-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hooliobro from
Excellent upgrade in both power and clarity!
I purchased this of JBL Studio 520C center channel speaker along with a pair of JBL Studio 570 tower speakers to replace my JBL Venue Series center channel speaker and towers. I immediately noticed a significantly wider sound stage than the Venue speakers, as well as noticeably improved clarity (especially in mid-range tones) and greater power without distortion at higher volumes. Even my mother, when she visited and I showed her my new purchase, remarked how much clearer and better the system sounded (she house sits for me regularly and so she is familiar with the sound of the Venue speakers I replaced). I've had this setup for weeks now and I still find myself throwing in old familiar songs and movies just to hear them play on these gorgeous sounding speakers!
Shipping went smoothly. No external damage that I could see. Picked it up on an amazing sale from JBL.com. Highly recommended.
Date published: 2021-07-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Nesrie from
Good for My Home Surround Sound Set Up
I'll start by saying this is not my first home theater set-up but it is the first time I encountered a bi-wire speaker, so I was a little confused at first. the manual that came with this is huge though and covers several of the speakers in this series, so it helped clear things right up.
It's a little on the big side, but sounds great to me. (note: not an audophile) I just wanted a set-up that exceeded the TV speakers and get rid of some the quirks I kept encountering with the surround sound sound bars, and I am very happy with this.
Date published: 2021-12-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
pat22 from
excellent sound great looks
I replaced the old speaker system and I am very happy indeed!
Date published: 2018-06-27
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Abhishek from
Works fine!!!
I bought this on BF sale and paired it with JBL ES80 front right and left Channel and running it with HK AVR3700(125watt per channel). I thought my left and right channel speakers override the sound from this center channel. I had to increase the db level of the center channel and reduce the base coming from my subwoofer(ES250P) to get the dialogs clear. I did try different cross overs(80 and 100 k) but it didn’t help a lot. I don’t think it’s worth the full price but on sale it’s still good
Date published: 2020-12-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
bigcal from
Harman and Kardon stands behind its products
I purchased this JBL studio 520 center channel speaker aa few months back and I ran into a problem. One early morning I fired up the system and the center speaker was making a weird noise. After checking the output from a different source, it was confirmed that the speaker was defective. Contacting Harmon immediately I was told to send it back and an RMA number was issued. Two weeks later I received a new speaker no questions asked. Harman really stood by their guarantee. Needless to say I'm back up and running with no issues whatsoever. I'm extremely pleased with how my issue was handled. I will definitely be doing business with them in future orders as I have my eye on the HDI-3800 series speakers which by the way are on sale as of this moment.
Great job. I am another satisfied customer.
Date published: 2022-09-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Kev7mi from
Exceptional Sound!
You get mid & bass from that unit even though I have a dedicated sub-woofer. The sound quality is exceptional...A very crisp and clear sound!
Date published: 2016-09-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sheen6391 from
Awesome sound
The sound is perfect and loud so if you see those deals get it right away if you’re lucky to catch them
Date published: 2020-07-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
limpkins from
Awesome
Needed to complete the set of Studio 590's and what a set it is.
Date published: 2019-11-05
Rated 4 out of
5
by
1st Earthling from
Great WHEN ON SALE
When on sale this speaker represents a great value in a small to medium room. I use the 520C flanked by the 570's in a 3.1 bedroom setup that is ~14x12 (mlp ~6ft). In this room the speaker is more than enough. Dialogue is clear and sound dispersion is wide.
In our ~3400ft^3 basement this does not cut it. The sound is shallow and small. We use much large center channel.
Given the price (~89.99) and my use, I am pleased and would purchase again
Date published: 2022-02-17
Rated 1 out of
5
by
budes from
Horrible Company
Studios are great speaker series, the center is underwhelming compared to the 590s. That said i’ll never buy from JBL again, especially their website. Price matching is outsourced to Norton who sucks. It’s up to $100 per order for 1 item. They wouldn’t price match their own sale. Took 2 months to sort out and sent everything back. Would recommend 590 if your on a budget during black friday but nothing else. Center is not up to par.
Date published: 2021-02-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
WRod from
Great Center Speakers!!
I have had this center Chanel speaker for about two months and it was the best purchase ever. I am not an audiophile but after reading mixed reviews about this product, all I have to say is that I recommend this product 100%. The built quality is superior to other competitors, the sound quality is very good. The only negative at least for me is that it is big so I can see some people having issues with placement.
Date published: 2021-02-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hotrodgt69 from
520c
Excellent center speaker to the rest of my JBL's that I have for my surround sound system I couldn't be happier of course I have the classic beechwood JBL's from back in the day that still sound absolutely amazing The center speaker is just that much more of an improvement I cannot believe how good it sounds
Date published: 2022-02-27
Rated 3 out of
5
by
MarkHarris71 from
This is not even remotely close in timbre to 590
Of course I didnt expect to have the same bass performance but at least to have a similar tweeter timbre match but iOf course I didnt expect to have the same bass performance but at least to have a similar tweeter timbre match but is not even close.
Sending it backs not even close.
Sending it back
Date published: 2022-02-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Nickname321 from
Best bang for the buck
It's hard to believe what this center can do with the little 4" drivers. I went from a different brand center with larger drivers than the 520c and the 520c blows my previous center away. Would I pay full price? No, there are better options but on sale I wouldn't think twice.
Date published: 2021-03-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Castlefox from
Solid build
Solid build / quality of materials. Looks like a speaker that will serve me well for many years. The 520C got shipped out to me very quickly. I cannot comment on the sound quality yet. But form using the first week that I am happy with my decision to get it.
Date published: 2021-12-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Kirkman from
Alsome speaker
I add 2 of this speakers to my Karaoke system. Now I had clear upper and mid range sound. Everyone is so love my sound system. I thought I need to spend more money to up grade my system. But after add these 2. The system is complete. So happy with these.
Date published: 2021-12-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
JBL studio 520C
I'm extremely happy with the JBL studio 520C it sounds great with my JBL studio 530s for music and home theater use. I plan on upgrading my 530s when the 580s go on sale, very pleased with the fast service and the quality equipment you can't go wrong.
Date published: 2020-10-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jazzman2020 from
Exceptional quality and craftsmanship
I purchased this center speaker about a month ago and I was extremely satisfied that I decided to buy a pair of the 530 for my rear speakers, definitely one of my best judgements and decisions. The clarity of the highs and lows is spot on!
Date published: 2019-12-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Lars T from
Missing piece
This center channel was the piece I needed to round out my home theater system. It replaced a smaller, less effective speaker. Dialogue is clear and bright and comes from the source. The Studio 520C did not disappoint!
Date published: 2022-02-26
Product Q&A
studio 230’s in front, 210 satellites in back, a small sub (I live in condo) running a Denon AVR-X2300. I was trying to purchase the 235c to complete my system, but it has been back ordered, I am correct in assuming that the 520c isn’t a good match?
Hello! Studio 520C is a good match for the system. It matches the specs of the receiver and range of your front speakers, it is a good fit for your current system.
Date published: 2021-06-06
I have an Onkyo 676 receiver and 2 Canton GLE 436 speakers. Will this center match well with my current set-up. I have been told my Cantons are produce a "neutral" (does that mean true natural sound"?) sound and need the same from a center.
Specification-wise our JBL Studio 520C would work with the Onkyo 676. In terms of sound quality, our Studio 520C may have a different sonic quality than the Cantons and perhaps may not suit your preference. Feel free to test it out and contact us if you have more questions here. https://bit.ly/2zwFkYM
Date published: 2021-06-06
Team I am setting up my living room with ceiling speakers from JBL, JBL Sound Point Series SP8Cii , for a center I am looking a strong speaker from JBL, which one works better as a center for my setup I am lookng to select Studio 520C or JBL stage 135C.
Thanks for your interest in our Home speakers! Our JBL Stage A135C would better match your in-ceiling speakers than the Studio 520C.
Date published: 2021-06-06
Is there any issue pairing the Studio 520C with Studio 230 for front L & R and Studio 210 for rears? My concern is differing normal impedance. I have a Denon AVR-2400H.
We would like to work with you directly to help you with your issue. Please submit a case request at https://www.jbl.com/support-contact.html and the Customer Service Team will be more than happy to assist you.
Date published: 2021-06-06
Will this speaker work with Yamaha TSR-7850 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver? I am planning to use this as center channel speaker. Will it handle when I use max volume?
Our JBL Studio 520C will work with the Yamaha TSR-7850 since it can handle up to 150W RMS and match the impedance of the Yamaha.
Date published: 2021-06-06
does this speaker come with an aux cord? If not, what type of Aux cord do I need to get?
These speakers does not come with an RCA cable and does not use an aux cable , You'll need to get 8 gauge wires to connect it to your receiver.
Date published: 2021-06-06
Hello, I am looking for a center channel speaker to go with two ES20s which I have been using as a bookshelf and Yamaha V379 as my receiver. Any suggestions?
We appreciate your interest on our product. We'd like to get more information from you so we can check how we can help. Please contact our Customer Support team at https://support.jbl.com/us/en/.
Date published: 2021-06-06
Will the 520C match up well with the old JBL 4410 Studio Monitors (L+R), Adcom 5-Channel (80WPC), JBL HT (rears), or do I need a Center Channel with larger woofers? 4" sound really small to me... Currently I'm using a pair of DCM 07's... Large Room...
We'd like to work with you directly about your inquiry with our JBL Studio 520C. Please reach out to our Customer Support, and we'll have our representatives contact you within 24-48 hours. https://support.jbl.com/us/en/contact.html
Date published: 2021-06-06
What is the woofer and tweeter made of? How does this compare to Klipsch RC 25?
The Studio 520C features a pair of 4-inch (100-millimeter) low-frequency woofers and a high-frequency compression driver surrounded by a glass-filled Bi-Radial® horn, a combination that delivers crisp, focused, dimensionally accurate sound. Using specially developed materials – including a ribbed PolyPlas™ cone and a Symmetrical Field Geometry™ (SFG) magnet assembly for the woofers.
Date published: 2022-09-13
I have only this center speaker, is that possible connect to optical output from my smart TV without amp?
Hi! Unfortunately, you will be needing an amplifier for the speaker to work. It uses speaker level inputs which you will be connecting at the back of a receiver/amplifier, then connect it to your TV.
Date published: 2021-06-06
I see that this center speaker has a nominal impedance at 6 ohms, my other speakers are 8 ohms. Will this have any effect on my AV receiver and/or the sound?
There will be no problem if your receiver is certified to run at 6/8 ohms. These center speakers are made with 6 ohms impedance to make the volume for the dialogues a little bit louder for clarity. If you need help, please contact us here: https://bit.ly/2zwFkYM
Date published: 2021-06-06
would this go with the studio 280?
Yes, these would go well with our Studio series speakers.
Date published: 2021-06-06
I currently have JBL Studio L890 front and Studio L810 rear speakers, driven by a Yamaha RX-V2300 receiver. Which Center Speaker would sound best with this setup? (Currently using another manufacturer's Center Speaker.)
To complement the Studio L890 and the L810, I'd suggest using the Studio 520C speakers as the studio series are made to provide quality sound when played as a set.
Date published: 2021-06-06
I have Studio 220 speakers in the front, driven by a Yamaha RX-V685 receiver, wondering if the Studio 520C would work as a viable option? I was also looking at the 225C but the depth was too large for my fixed shelf. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks
Both Studio 225C and 520C would be great with the Yamaha RX-V685. You can choose between those two in which would fit in your space.
Date published: 2021-06-06
what are the dimensions of this speaker
Height 6-3/4"
Width 21-7/8"
Depth 6-5/8"
Date published: 2021-06-06
Is this center channel mountable/does it come with mounting brackets
No, the JBL Studio 520C is not mountable on walls. It doesn't have mounting brackets.
Date published: 2021-06-06
What is the distance between the centers of the two woofers?
The distance between them is 11.5 inches
Date published: 2021-06-06
Does this speaker connect with Bluetooth? Can I connect it to TV ?
Our JBL Studio 520C is a passive speaker. It's used with home theater systems which is powered by an amplifier or receiver.
Date published: 2022-02-04
Can you use 520c as the only speaker for a tv? And if you can-how do you hook it up to amp or receiver? Thanks
Using only the JBL Studio 520C as the only speaker for a TV isn't recommended since it's designed to be played with other speakers as it's a center speaker which mostly brings out the 'dialogue' in a home theater environment.. Connecting it to an amplifier depends on what connection type an amplifier has and may need to contact the amplifier manufacturer for further assistance.
Date published: 2021-06-06
This is a "2-way" center- how does one go about using it as a single channel center- I only have one out for center from my receiver... How do I hook it up?
Thanks for reaching out. We'd like to gather more information from you for us to be able to answer your query with greater accuracy. Please contact our customer support team using this link. https://bit.ly/3r5oWYM
Date published: 2021-10-10
I have a pair of the older Studio S310 speakers. Which center channel speaker from your current line will match the S310 speakers?
I have studio 280 front, can you tell me if this 520c is good match. I have Onkyo 656
I am considering purchasing the 520c or the AC135 as a center channel with 8” JBL in wall and a 550SUB. Which would be a better center and what performance difference could I expect.
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