Piega Ace Center white
Overview
A center channel speaker must reproduce dialogue with precision, regardless of 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 from 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 vibrations. The oval profile, 14 cm wide and 16 cm deep, has no seams, corners, or visible screws. The internal damping, which Piega says is particularly meticulous, 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 Piega has been manufacturing itself 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.
Why is this relevant for a center speaker? Consonants and sibilants, which are crucial for dialogue intelligibility, are reproduced with great clarity. The manufacturer claims extension up to 40 kHz, well beyond the human audible range but contributing to time accuracy in the frequencies we can perceive.
Two MDS drivers for voices and the midrange
The two 120 mm (4.7-inch) drivers are MDS units (a Piega-specific 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 cabinet helps maintain even dispersion on the horizontal axis, where the listener typically sits.
The sealed enclosure provides more controlled bass behavior than a bass-reflex port, with a more gradual roll-off. The response down to 50 Hz remains modest for a speaker of this size; a subwoofer will usefully complement the system for low frequencies.
Integration into a home theater system
The Ace Center is designed to match the Ace 30 (bookshelf) and Ace 50 (floorstanding) speakers, forming an acoustically consistent set. All three models share the same MDS and AMT-1 drivers, ensuring tonal coherence between channels. Designer Stephan Hürlemann created a common aesthetic for the entire series.
With 87 dB sensitivity and 4-ohm impedance, the Ace Center requires an amplifier capable of delivering ample current. Piega recommends power between 20 and 150 watts. Connection is via Multi-Connector binding posts.
Its compact dimensions (34 cm wide, 14 cm high, 4 kg) allow it to be placed under a TV on furniture or mounted on a wall using the optional bracket. The horizontal format fits the typical installation constraints of a center 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 the Ace 30 and Ace 50 speakers
- Ideal for a 5.1 or 7.1 home theater setup
- Modern aesthetics to match the speakers in the Ace range
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Ace Center work on its own, or are the Ace 30/50 required?
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 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 bracket, compatible with the Ace Center, is sold separately. It allows you to adjust the tilt angle to aim the speaker toward 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 has 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, though the sonic impact is generally negligible.
Does the Ace Center handle music well, or is it only for 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 voices 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: 692066