Piega Ace Center black
Overview
A center channel speaker must reproduce dialogue with precision, regardless of the volume level. Piega, a Swiss manufacturer based in Horgen on the shores of Lake Zurich, offers the Ace Center as a solution: a compact sealed-box speaker that combines two 120 mm MDS drivers and an in-house developed AMT-1 ribbon tweeter. This 2-way / 3-driver configuration is designed for clear, articulate vocal reproduction.
An uncompromising aluminum cabinet
Where most manufacturers build their speakers in MDF or wood, Piega uses aluminum exclusively for the Ace Center’s cabinet. This choice, which is costly to machine, offers an acoustic advantage: metal provides high rigidity and eliminates unwanted cabinet resonances. The 14 cm wide by 16 cm deep oval profile has no seams, corners, or visible screws. The internal damping, which Piega has paid particular attention to, makes the cabinet acoustically “neutral”: only the drivers contribute to the sound reproduction.
AMT-1 ribbon tweeter technology
The AMT-1 (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter is a ribbon driver, a technology that Piega has manufactured in-house since the company was founded in 1986 by Leo Greiner and Kurt Scheuch. Unlike traditional dome tweeters, the 24 x 36 mm aluminum ribbon offers a larger radiating surface and faster transient response. A neodymium magnet motor drives this lightweight assembly.
What’s the benefit for a center speaker? Consonants and sibilants, which are crucial for dialogue intelligibility, are reproduced with great clarity. The manufacturer claims a response up to 40 kHz, which far exceeds the human audible spectrum but contributes to temporal precision within the perceptible frequency range.
Two MDS drivers for vocals and midrange
The two 120 mm (4.7-inch) transducers are MDS units (a Piega proprietary name) that cover the midrange and bass. Their symmetrical placement on either side of the tweeter creates a coherent sound source. This three-driver configuration in a horizontal-format cabinet helps maintain even dispersion on the horizontal axis, where the listener typically sits.
The sealed-box loading gives more controlled bass behavior than a bass-reflex port, with a more gradual roll-off. Extension down to 50 Hz remains modest for a speaker of this size; a subwoofer will usefully complement the system for the lowest frequencies.
Integration into a home theater system
The Ace Center has been designed to be paired with the Ace 30 (bookshelf) and Ace 50 (floorstanding) speakers, forming a sonically consistent system. All three models share the same MDS and AMT-1 drivers, which guarantees tonal coherence between channels. Designer Stephan Hürlemann created a common aesthetic for the entire series.
With a sensitivity of 87 dB and an impedance of 4 ohms, the Ace Center requires an amplifier capable of delivering sufficient current. Piega recommends power between 20 and 150 watts. Connection is via Multi-Connectors binding posts.
Its compact dimensions (34 cm wide, 14 cm high, 4 kg) allow it to be placed under a TV on a piece of furniture or mounted on the wall using the optional bracket. The horizontal format suits the typical installation constraints of a center channel speaker.
Documentation
Technical specifications
Acoustic characteristics
- Sensitivity: 87 dB/W/m
- Impedance: 4 Ω
- Frequency response: 50 Hz – 40 kHz
- Recommended amplifier power: 20 – 150 W
- Design principle: 2-way center system
Design and drivers
- 2-way configuration with high-quality drivers
- 2 x 120 mm MDS mid-bass drivers
- 1 AMT-1 ribbon tweeter
- Crystal-clear, natural vocal reproduction
- Clear and precise sound for optimal dialogue intelligibility
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 14 x 34 x 16 cm
- Weight: 4 kg
- Distinctive oval shape
- Contemporary design by Stephan Hürlemann
- Available finishes
- Silver aluminum with silver fabric grille
- Black anodized aluminum with black fabric grille
- White lacquered finish with white fabric grille
Connectivity
- Multi-Connectors
Compatibility
- Pairs perfectly with Ace 30 and Ace 50 speakers
- Ideal for a 5.1 or 7.1 home cinema setup
- Modern aesthetic to match the speakers in the Ace range
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Ace Center operate on its own, or do I absolutely need the Ace 30/50?
The Ace Center works with any main speaker system. However, for optimal tonal consistency in a home theater, pairing it with the Ace 30 or Ace 50 is recommended: the identical drivers ensure a uniform timbre across channels.
Do I need a powerful amplifier to drive the Ace Center?
With 87 dB sensitivity and 4-ohm impedance, the Ace Center requires an amplifier or AV receiver capable of delivering current into a low-impedance load. A unit providing at least 50 watts into 4 ohms will offer comfortable dynamic headroom for demanding movie scenes.
Is the wall mount included?
No. The universal Piega wall mount, which is compatible with the Ace Center, is sold separately. It allows you to adjust the tilt angle to aim the speaker towards the listening position.
What’s the difference compared to the Ace Center Wireless?
The Ace Center presented here is passive: it requires an external amplifier and speaker cables. The Ace Center Wireless integrates its own 100-watt amplifier and a WiSA receiver to operate wirelessly in a compatible multichannel system. The drivers are identical.
Are the grilles removable?
Yes. The fabric grille can be removed, revealing the three drivers. Some listeners prefer to listen without the grille, although the sonic impact is generally negligible.
Does the Ace Center perform well with music, or only with dialogue?
The configuration with ribbon tweeter and MDS drivers is also suitable for music listening. In a 5.1 or 7.1 system, the center speaker contributes to the reproduction of vocals and instruments placed in the center of the stereo mix. However, its primary role remains the reproduction of dialogue and central sound effects.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: 692059