Audio T Verdict
The centre speaker does an enormous amount of work in a home cinema system, so it makes little sense to compromise on it. The Gold C250 6G gives dialogue and front-channel effects the same level of attention Monitor Audio applies to the main stereo speakers in the Gold range.
Its proper three-way layout is the big attraction. Twin 6-inch bass drivers provide weight and scale, a dedicated 3-inch midrange handles voices and fine detail, and the MPD III transducer takes care of the top end. Each section gets a driver designed specifically for the job.
If you are building a Gold Series 6G cinema around the Gold 50, Gold 100, Gold 300 or Gold 500, the C250 is the natural centre-channel partner and gives the front soundstage the consistency and authority a serious system deserves.
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G
The Gold C250 6G is the dedicated centre-channel loudspeaker for Monitor Audio's sixth-generation Gold Series.
Its compact three-way design combines twin 6-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers with a dedicated 3-inch HDT C-CAM midrange and Monitor Audio's latest MPD III high-frequency transducer.
- Three-way centre-channel design
- MPD III high-frequency transducer
- 3-inch HDT C-CAM dedicated midrange driver
- Twin 6-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers
- Dedicated steel midrange pod
- Gold Series 6G crossover design
- Sealed cabinet
- 54Hz in-room bass extension
- 250W continuous power handling
- 121dB maximum peak SPL
- Three premium finishes
- Supplied individually
The Heart of a Gold Series Home Cinema
In most film and television soundtracks, the centre channel carries a large proportion of the dialogue as well as important effects and musical information anchored to the screen.
The Gold C250 6G is designed to reproduce that material with the same character, resolution and dynamic ability as the other speakers in Gold Series 6G.
This tonal consistency becomes particularly important as voices and effects move across the front soundstage between the left, centre and right channels.
Three-Way Centre Speaker
The Gold C250 6G uses a genuine three-way configuration rather than asking the two large bass drivers to reproduce the complete midrange as well.
The twin 6-inch drivers concentrate on lower frequencies, a dedicated 3-inch driver handles the midrange and the MPD III transducer takes over at high frequencies.
This allows each drive unit to operate across a more controlled part of the frequency spectrum and is particularly valuable for dialogue, where midrange clarity is critical.
Twin 6-Inch HDT C-CAM Bass Drivers
Two 6-inch HDT C-CAM drivers provide the Gold C250 6G with its low-frequency weight and dynamic capability.
HDT stands for Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology. Monitor Audio applies a hexagonal pattern to the C-CAM cone surface to help disrupt symmetrical break-up behaviour and improve diaphragm control.
The Gold Series 6G bass drivers also benefit from revised motor systems, optimised suspension components and lightweight cast-aluminium chassis.
54Hz In-Room Bass Extension
Monitor Audio specifies an in-room -6dB frequency response extending down to 54Hz.
That gives the C250 plenty of body for voices, music and front-channel effects while still allowing a home cinema processor or AV receiver to hand the deepest bass over to a dedicated subwoofer.
In most multi-channel systems, using sensible bass management rather than asking the centre speaker to reproduce the lowest frequencies will give the best overall result.
Dedicated 3-Inch Midrange Driver
A separate 3-inch HDT C-CAM driver handles the midrange.
This is particularly important in a centre speaker because the midrange contains much of the information that determines dialogue intelligibility, vocal character and the tonal texture of instruments.
Giving this frequency range its own dedicated driver means the twin bass units can concentrate on lower frequencies while the smaller diaphragm focuses on speed, clarity and detail.
Steel Midrange Pod
The 3-inch midrange driver sits within its own steel pod enclosure with a die-cast aluminium baffle.
This isolates the midrange unit from the pressure generated by the twin bass drivers inside the main cabinet.
The separate enclosure also gives the midrange driver a more controlled acoustic environment from which to reproduce voices and soundtrack detail.
MPD III High-Frequency Transducer
High frequencies are reproduced by Monitor Audio's third-generation MPD III transducer.
MPD stands for Micro Pleated Diaphragm. Rather than moving forwards and backwards like a conventional dome tweeter, its finely pleated diaphragm rapidly expands and contracts to move air.
The third-generation design has been developed to provide greater consistency, clarity and accuracy while integrating smoothly with the dedicated midrange driver.
Extends to 60kHz
The Gold C250 6G has a specified upper -6dB frequency limit of 60kHz.
Although that sits beyond the normal audible range, it reflects the wide operating bandwidth of the MPD III transducer and leaves the audible high-frequency spectrum comfortably within its capabilities.
Gold Series 6G Crossover
The crossover network divides the incoming signal between the twin bass drivers, dedicated midrange and MPD III transducer.
- Bass to midrange crossover: 800Hz
- Midrange to MPD III crossover: 2.7kHz
Monitor Audio developed the Gold Series 6G crossover networks using carefully selected components and extensive acoustic measurement and listening.
The crossover is therefore treated as part of the complete acoustic system alongside the drivers and enclosure.
Sealed Cabinet Design
Unlike the main Gold 6G stereo speakers, the Gold C250 uses a sealed cabinet rather than a bass-reflex port.
This makes placement around a television or projection screen more straightforward because there is no rear port whose behaviour changes significantly as the speaker moves closer to a wall.
The sealed alignment also suits the controlled low-frequency handover normally used between a centre speaker and subwoofer in a home cinema system.
Centre Speaker Placement
Position the Gold C250 6G as close as practical to the centre of the screen, ideally at approximately seated ear height and aimed towards the main viewing position. If it must sit lower than the screen, angle the cabinet towards the listeners rather than allowing it to fire straight across the room.
87.5dB Sensitivity
The Gold C250 6G has a free-field sensitivity of 87.5dB at 2.83V/1m.
Nominal impedance is 4 ohms, with Monitor Audio specifying a minimum impedance of 3.9 ohms at 165Hz.
As with the rest of Gold Series 6G, capable amplification is important if the speaker is to maintain control during demanding soundtrack peaks.
Amplifier Matching
Monitor Audio recommends amplifier power between 130 and 500 watts RMS into 4 ohms with a music signal.
The C250 itself is rated for 250 watts continuous power handling under the CTA 426-B measurement standard.
In practice, the quality and current delivery of the AV amplifier or power amplifier are just as important as the headline wattage figure.
121dB Maximum Peak SPL
Monitor Audio specifies a maximum peak sound pressure level of 121dB using the AES75 Z-weighted measurement method.
This provides substantial dynamic headroom for dialogue, film scores and effects and helps the C250 keep pace with the larger Gold floorstanding models within a high-performance cinema system.
Compact for a Three-Way Centre
Despite its ambitious three-way architecture and twin 6-inch bass drivers, the Gold C250 remains relatively compact for a high-performance centre speaker.
With all standard accessories fitted, it measures:
- Height: 205mm
- Width: 537mm
- Depth: 335mm
- Weight: 15.3kg
The relatively low 205mm cabinet height makes it easier to position below a television or projection screen than many large three-way centre speakers.
Self-Adhesive Rubber Feet
The Gold C250 6G is supplied with self-adhesive rubber feet for use when the speaker is placed on suitable furniture, shelving or a third-party support.
The feet help isolate the cabinet from the supporting surface and reduce the likelihood of the speaker moving during use.
Three Premium Finishes
The Gold C250 6G is available in three finishes:
- Macassar
- High Gloss Black
- Satin White
These match the wider Gold Series 6G range, allowing a complete cinema system to maintain a consistent appearance across the front, surround and stereo channels.
Magnetic Driver Grilles
Individual magnetic grilles are supplied, allowing the drive units to be covered without permanent visible fixing points on the front of the cabinet.
This gives you the choice between displaying the Gold Series driver technology or creating a more understated appearance beneath the screen.
Building a Gold Series 6G Home Cinema
The Gold C250 6G can be combined with different main Gold Series speakers depending on room size and the scale of system required.
Compact Gold System
- Gold 50 6G front speakers
- Gold C250 6G centre speaker
- Gold On-Wall 6G surrounds
- Suitable Monitor Audio subwoofer
- Ideal for smaller and medium rooms
Full-Size Gold System
- Gold 300 or Gold 500 6G fronts
- Gold C250 6G centre speaker
- Gold On-Wall 6G surrounds
- High-performance subwoofer
- Greater scale for larger rooms
Gold C250 and Gold On-Wall
The Gold On-Wall 6G makes a particularly useful partner for the C250 because it uses the same generation of MPD III and HDT C-CAM technology within a slim wall-mounted design.
It can be used for side and rear surround channels or incorporated into wall-mounted front-channel installations where required.
This allows a high-performance Gold Series cinema to be built without needing conventional cabinet speakers at every position in the room.
Supplied Individually
The Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G is supplied as a single speaker.
One C250 therefore provides the dedicated centre channel required for a conventional multi-channel home cinema system.
Key Features
- Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G
- Premium centre-channel speaker
- Supplied individually
- Three-way configuration
- MPD III high-frequency transducer
- 3-inch HDT C-CAM midrange driver
- Steel midrange pod
- Die-cast aluminium midrange baffle
- Twin 6-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers
- Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology
- Gold Series 6G crossover design
- 800Hz LF / MF crossover
- 2.7kHz MF / HF crossover
- 64Hz to 60kHz free-field response
- 54Hz to 60kHz in-room response
- 87.5dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.9-ohm minimum impedance at 165Hz
- 121dB maximum peak SPL
- 250W continuous power handling
- 130 to 500W recommended amplifier into 4 ohms
- Sealed cabinet
- No reflex port
- Magnetic driver grilles included
- Self-adhesive rubber feet included
- Macassar finish
- High Gloss Black finish
- Satin White finish
- 205 x 537 x 335mm dimensions
- 15.3kg weight
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G?
The Gold C250 6G is the dedicated three-way centre-channel loudspeaker for Monitor Audio's Gold Series 6G home cinema systems.
Is the Gold C250 6G sold individually?
Yes. It is supplied as a single centre-channel speaker.
Is the Gold C250 6G a two-way or three-way speaker?
It is a genuine three-way design using separate bass, midrange and high-frequency drive units.
How many bass drivers does it use?
The Gold C250 6G uses two 6-inch HDT C-CAM bass drivers.
Does it have a dedicated midrange?
Yes. A separate 3-inch HDT C-CAM driver handles the midrange and operates within its own dedicated enclosure.
What tweeter does the Gold C250 6G use?
High frequencies are handled by Monitor Audio's MPD III Micro Pleated Diaphragm transducer.
What is HDT?
HDT stands for Hexagonal Diaphragm Technology. Monitor Audio uses a hexagonal pattern on the C-CAM diaphragm to improve cone behaviour and control break-up modes.
How low does the Gold C250 6G play?
Monitor Audio specifies an in-room -6dB response extending to 54Hz and a free-field response extending to 64Hz.
What is the sensitivity?
87.5dB at 2.83V/1m in free-field conditions.
What is the nominal impedance?
4 ohms.
What is the minimum impedance?
Monitor Audio specifies a minimum impedance of 3.9 ohms at 165Hz.
What amplifier power does Monitor Audio recommend?
Monitor Audio recommends 130 to 500 watts RMS into 4 ohms with a music signal.
What is the continuous power handling?
The Gold C250 6G has a continuous power-handling specification of 250 watts using the CTA 426-B measurement standard.
What is the maximum peak SPL?
Monitor Audio specifies 121dB using the AES75 Z-weighted measurement method.
Is the Gold C250 6G ported?
No. The Gold C250 6G uses a sealed cabinet design.
What are the crossover frequencies?
The bass drivers cross to the dedicated midrange at 800Hz, while the midrange crosses to the MPD III transducer at 2.7kHz.
Where should the Gold C250 6G be positioned?
Ideally, position it centrally above or below the display, pointing towards the main viewing position and as close to seated ear height as practical.
Should the centre speaker be set to Large or Small in an AV receiver?
That depends on the system and subwoofer integration. In many systems, setting the centre to Small and using an appropriate crossover to the subwoofer can provide better bass management and greater headroom.
How large is the Gold C250 6G?
With all standard accessories fitted, it measures 205mm high, 537mm wide and 335mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
15.3kg.
Which finishes are available?
Macassar, High Gloss Black and Satin White.
Are grilles included?
Yes. Individual magnetic driver grilles are included.
Does the Gold C250 6G include feet?
Yes. Self-adhesive rubber feet are supplied for use when the speaker is placed on an appropriate shelf, cabinet or support.
Which Gold speakers can I use with the C250?
The C250 is designed to match the wider Gold Series 6G range, including the Gold 50, Gold 100, Gold 300, Gold 500 and Gold On-Wall 6G.
What warranty does the Gold C250 6G have?
Monitor Audio specifies a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Monitor Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Monitor Audio From Audio T?
The centre speaker is one of the most important loudspeakers in a home cinema system, so matching it properly with the front speakers, AV amplification and subwoofer matters. Audio T can help you build a balanced Gold Series system and optimise its positioning, crossover settings and channel levels.
- Monitor Audio demonstrations
- AV amplifier and processor matching
- Centre-channel positioning guidance
- Gold Series 6G system matching
- Subwoofer integration
- Speaker crossover advice
- Channel-level setup guidance
- Room-size advice
- Home cinema system planning
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G demonstration or discuss a complete Gold Series home cinema system.