JBL STAGE 2 245C

The JBL Stage 245C is a center channel speaker designed to deliver clear, accurate, and immersive reproduction of dialogue and the front soundstage in Home Theater systems. Developed at JBL's renowned Acoustic Engineering Center of Excellence in Northridge, California, it is engineered to integrate seamlessly with other speakers in the Stage 2 series, including floorstanding, bookshelf, and in-wall models, ensuring consistent tonal balance and perfect cohesion across the entire front soundstage.

The speaker features a 2.5-way design developed to achieve an ideal balance between vocal intelligibility, dynamic performance, and low-frequency extension. Its dedicated crossover manages the drivers differently: one woofer operates up to the crossover point with the tweeter to enhance midrange reproduction, while the remaining woofers are crossed over at a lower frequency to extend bass response. This configuration provides a rich, natural midrange while maintaining deep, powerful bass that adds realism and impact to movie soundtracks and special effects.

High frequencies are reproduced by a 25 mm anodized aluminum dome compression tweeter housed within JBL's proprietary next-generation HDI (High-Definition Imaging) waveguide. Developed through extensive refinement of previous JBL waveguide designs, this technology improves directivity control, minimizes diffraction, and delivers a more uniform frequency response both on-axis and off-axis. The result is detailed, dynamic high-frequency reproduction that blends seamlessly with the rest of the speaker's output.

Low and mid frequencies are handled by four 114 mm ribbed Polycellulose cone woofers. The specially developed cone material combines pure cellulose with selected reinforcing materials to increase rigidity and control, while the ribbed profile draws inspiration from classic JBL driver designs to improve precision and dynamic behavior. This configuration enables the speaker to produce deep, accurate, room-filling bass while maintaining speed and control even during demanding program material.

The cabinet incorporates dual rear-firing flared bass reflex ports designed to reduce air velocity and eliminate turbulence and unwanted port noise, resulting in cleaner and more natural low-frequency reproduction. The enclosure is engineered with particular attention to rigidity and vibration control, helping preserve accuracy throughout the audio spectrum.

Build quality is enhanced by numerous premium details that improve both aesthetics and functionality. The front grille attaches magnetically, eliminating visible mounting points and complementing the clean floating front baffle design, further enhanced by dedicated trim rings around the drivers. Anti-slip pads on the underside improve stability while reducing the transmission of vibrations to the supporting surface.

Heavy-duty five-way binding posts accommodate a variety of speaker cable terminations, including bare wire, banana plugs, and spade connectors, ensuring a secure and high-quality connection to the amplifier. Combining advanced acoustic engineering, carefully selected components, and premium construction, the JBL Stage 245C is an excellent choice for listeners seeking a center channel speaker capable of delivering exceptionally clear dialogue, realistic sound effects, and a wide, cohesive, and immersive front soundstage.

Technical specifications:

• Configuration: 2.5-way center channel speaker; rear bass reflex design.
• Drivers: 4 x 114 mm (4.5") Polycellulose cone woofers; 25 mm (1") anodized aluminum compression tweeter with Next Generation HDI (High-Definition Imaging) waveguide.
• Recommended amplifier power: 20–150 W.
• Frequency response: 55 Hz – 25 kHz.
• Impedance: 6 Ω.
• Sensitivity: 91 dB (2.83 V/1 m).
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 740 × 156 × 217 mm.
• Weight: 12 kg.