Start with Center Channel? (1 Viewer)

[autoengineer_70]

I've been thinking about upgrading my speakers. I really like my HSU subwoofer but would upgrade everything else and maybe get a 2nd HSU. Given the following assumptions: 1) its use will be 95% Home theater. 2) The center channel is the most important speaker for Home Theater. 3) You should match your L/R to your center. Shouldn't the first question be is who makes the best center channel in my price range and start from there?

 

[kalm_traveler]

I've been thinking about upgrading my speakers. I really like my HSU subwoofer but would upgrade everything else and maybe get a 2nd HSU. Given the following assumptions: 1) its use will be 95% Home theater. 2) The center channel is the most important speaker for Home Theater. 3) You should match your L/R to your center. Shouldn't the first question be is who makes the best center channel in my price range and start from there?

Can you share which speakers you have as well as your price range?

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

Given the following assumptions: 1) its use will be 95% Home theater. 2) The center channel is the most important speaker for Home Theater. 3) You should match your L/R to your center. Shouldn't the first question be is who makes the best center channel in my price range and start from there?

Huh... I hadn't heard that before. Where did you get that from?

IMHO, you can actually get away w/out a center speaker at all under certain circumstances/configs, but never the front L/R (and still be trying to do HT) -- I actually did go w/out a center speaker (w/ perfectly fine results) for many years, but I wouldn't recommend that for a large HT/space (and/or w/ the front L/R spaced far apart) or using cheap-ish gear/speakers.

BTW, I like my Hsu (VTF-3 Mk5) subwoofer as well... and is the only speaker I've kept in my recently updated HT -- I went w/ all ELACs for the rest (w/ their Uni-Fi 2.0 series for L/C/R).

_Man_

 

[JohnRice]

Shouldn't the first question be is who makes the best center channel in my price range and start from there?

The problem is, if there was an actual "Best" then there wouldn't be 2,000 different speaker manufacturers.

As Man said, the center is important, but not more important than the L&R. They all just need to match, ideally. So, you need to decide on the front three speakers. Of course, budget is the main factor in that, as well as some info about the room. So, you need to provide a budget in order to get any constructive suggestions.

 

[autoengineer_70]

Huh... I hadn't heard that before. Where did you get that from?

IMHO, you can actually get away w/out a center speaker at all under certain circumstances/configs, but never the front L/R (and still be trying to do HT) -- I actually did go w/out a center speaker (w/ perfectly fine results) for many years, but I wouldn't recommend that for a large HT/space (and/or w/ the front L/R spaced far apart) or using cheap-ish gear/speakers.

BTW, I like my Hsu (VTF-3 Mk5) subwoofer as well... and is the only speaker I've kept in my recently updated HT -- I went w/ all ELACs for the rest (w/ their Uni-Fi 2.0 series for L/C/R).

_Man_

You got me. I made it up.


Nah, JK. Here you go.

Why a Center Channel is the Most Important Speaker in Your Home Theater

Why a Center Channel is (Arguably) the Most Important Speaker in Your Home Theater Truly enjoying a home theater is all about immersing yourself in the visuals and sounds of a thrilling movie, energizing concert Blu-ray or stream, or even your favorite TV show. Getting the full experience...

www.svsound.com

From the above article...."The center channel carries roughly 70 percent of the entire soundtrack, and even more in specific moments".

What is a Center Channel and Why Do I Need One? | Klipsch

A center channel offers crisp, clear dialogue. Hear from a Klipsch expert about why a center channel is such an important part of a high-quality home theater system.

www.klipsch.com

From the above article..."A center channel speaker is a critical component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers about 70% of the dialogue from movies and television. Without one, you’re missing out on vital parts of what you’re watching. Trust us - we know what we are talking about, especially on this topic."

I think too it comes with the assumption that whatever L, C, R speakers one uses, they are going to be the same manufacturer and family. I've also read that is extremely important as well.

 

[autoengineer_70]

Can you share which speakers you have as well as your price range?

I currently have a 5.1 system with Phase Technology Teatro series 6.5 center channel and Teatro 4.5 surrounds. The center has dual 5 1/4" woofers and 1" soft dome tweeter. The Surrounds have a 1" tweeter and a single 5 1/4" woofer.

I'd be looking to get floor speakers for the L and R. My budget would be around $1000-$2000 for the center and 2 towers. I'd probably just keep the Phase techs for the rears for now.

 

[JohnRice]

Some suggestions...

ELAC Debut F62 and C62 - $1,440
Monoprice THX-460T and THX-365C - $2,000 or $1,700 with Open Box THX-365C
ELAC UniFi UF52 and UC52 - $1,850 but there are frequent sales.
KEF Q550 and Q250C - $2,000

 

[autoengineer_70]

Some suggestions...

ELAC Debut F62 and C62 - $1,440
Monoprice THX-460T and THX-365C - $2,000 or $1,700 with Open Box THX-365C
ELAC UniFi UF52 and UC52 - $1,850 but there are frequent sales.
KEF Q550 and Q250C - $2,000

I really like all these suggestions. I did a little research into each of them and of course when I got on the KEF website I was actually drawn to the Q750's which the towers aren't bad at about $800 each but its another $800 for the center. A little over my budget but it looks like Best buy carries them so hopefully I can go listen to both the Q550's and 750's and compare.

Thanks.