|   Does a center channel speaker have to be huge to be good? | jwd1
Apr 3, 2002 7:56 PM | | In setting up a home theater system from scratch I am trying to adhere to the school of thought that the center
channel is the most important speaker. However, so many center channels are so huge (e.g. the Paradigm studio/cc) that they would look ridiculous on all but the largest televisions.
Any suggestions for high quality, reasonably sized and reasonable priced (<$600) center channel speakers that I can further research would be greatly appreciated. |
| re: Does a center channel speaker have to be huge to be good? | macman
Apr 3, 2002 9:31 PM | | Generally speaking, yes. This is true of speakers in general. Large speakers move a lot of air and sound more natural as a result. |
| re: Does a center channel speaker have to be huge to be good? | MaxC
Apr 4, 2002 6:02 AM | | 1.) The center channel needs to reproduce dialog clearly so that the other speakers do not overpower it. Look for a center with a dedicated tweeter and midrange, not one with a mid/woofer. In this case, a smaller midrange driver may give you more male dialog clarity.
2.) Look for one with good dispersion so that it can be heard clearly from different locations. Some drivers use a dispersion cone, or mount the tweeter on top for this purpose.
3.) The center must be timbre matched to the the left and right and ideally the surrounds. So if you already have some main speakers, you may be limited to what center you can get. You don't want a Ferrari coming from the left speaker to sound like a Yugo once it gets to the center speaker.
4.) The center should still be able to reproduce bass down to at least 70-80Hz.
I liked the Def Tech center, but did not care for the bi-polar mains. I also liked Paradigm, Divas, Energy, and B&W. The Diva center is very nicely made but is very heavy. |
| re: Does a center channel speaker have to be huge to be good? | Bryan
Apr 4, 2002 8:12 AM | | I'd get the mains that you like the best and the matching center. I've got the nOrh 4.0 package and the shielded center is identical to the other speakers. Do not let the center determine your main speakers. Rather let your mains determine the center. |
| re: Does a center channel speaker have to be huge to be good? | MaxC
Apr 4, 2002 8:34 AM | | I think it depends on what your setup will be used for. If it is 100% HT, the center channel is the most important channel and more careful consideration should be taken towards the center speaker. If the setup is for music then the main speakers are the most important. For most people, their setup will be somewhere in between so both the main and center speakers should be demo'ed and put to the test.
In your case, you have identical speakers so your decision was easy. |
| Nope | Bobby Blacklight
Apr 4, 2002 9:46 AM | | No not really. The best way to go are identicle L,R, and Center. It depends on if you will be running the center and front channels full range and how big your room is. If you go with a full range center then by default it will be large to handle the low end. If the sub is going to be handling the bass then you have a little more latitude in selecting you speakers and can go with smaller designs that are easier to get into the room. I would try to get 3 identicle speakers up front if you can and it meets your needs. |
| re: Does a center channel speaker have to be huge to be good? | audionutz
Apr 4, 2002 3:34 PM | | NO....Not at all. Regardless of what you hear..when it comes to home audio, in most cases size is not important. A small amp can produce a big sound, a Small pre-amp can produce fantastic soundstag, and a small speaker can make beautiful music. Efficiency is the key. Listen for clarity. Enjoy |
| she says NO...but she LIES!!! | thepogue
Apr 9, 2002 2:18 PM | | |
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