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Infinity IL36c review: Infinity IL36c

Infinity IL36c

Steve Guttenberg
Ex-movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has also worked as a high-end audio salesman, and as a record producer. Steve currently reviews audio products for CNET and works as a freelance writer for Stereophile.
See full bio
Steve Guttenberg
2 min read
2001
If svelte center speakers turn you on, the IL36c, Infinity's relatively massive center speaker, may turn you off. But if you want the best sound you can get from a home theater, size matters. The Interlude Series test system is positively glorious, and we're convinced that the superb center-channel speaker contributes more than its fair share to the overall sound. This hefty three-way speaker is outfitted with two 6.5-inch woofers, a 4-inch midrange, and a 1-inch tweeter. If svelte center speakers turn you on, the IL36c, Infinity's relatively massive center speaker, may turn you off. But if you want the best sound you can get from a home theater, size matters. The Interlude Series test system is positively glorious, and we're convinced that the superb center-channel speaker contributes more than its fair share to the overall sound. This hefty three-way speaker is outfitted with two 6.5-inch woofers, a 4-inch midrange, and a 1-inch tweeter.

Putting the pedal to the metal
The Saving Private Ryan DVD's ferocious soundtrack gave the complete Interlude home theater setup a full-tilt workout. The Interludes' uninhibited dynamics are thrilling and add to the experience in ways that are unavailable with puny subwoofer/satellite speaker systems. The dialogue on this DVD is superclean and most definitely displays the best of the IL36c's ample talents. Though the magnetically shielded IL36c shares the IL40's 4-inch midrange driver, we preferred the center speaker's more neutral midrange sound. Though the tower speakers were fuller, we found them slightly chesty while the center speaker was more transparent. More good news: the IL36c's rather high sensitivity--91decibels at 1 watt--lets it sing with even moderately powered amps or receivers.

8.0

Infinity IL36c

The Good

This substantial three-way center speaker eats petite two-way centers for breakfast.

The Bad

Big and bulky.

The Bottom Line

Finally, a center speaker that can keep up with healthy floor-standing speakers.

For a $499 list price, this is a truly amazing three-way center speaker. The IL36c is $300 less expensive than PSB's excellent Stratus C6i or Monitor Audio's Silver Centre 12. The IL36c's refined middle range puts it at the top of its class.