Studio 20 as center channel (1 Viewer)

[JamesTay]

I currently have a pair of paradigm studio 20's as my mains and atoms as my rears that I am running with a yamaha 2400 receiver. I will be living in an apartment for the next four years and I have been considering buying a studio 20 for my center instead of the CC470. The CC470 seems a little overkill since I only have studio 20's and I can save about $150 if I buy a studio 20. Is this a viable option? The money isn't too important, but I would like to save the space and I just feel like the cc470 isn't really necessary. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
James

 

[ChrisWiggles]

it's usually recommended to have the same speakers all around. But the question then becomes, how are you going to buy just one...

 

[Ben Stern]

Actually, the Studio 20 would be the ideal center speaker with your set-up. I had a set-up like that with 5 Studio 40's(v2)until recently, but the G.F. said either the middle speaker goes or she does. :frowning: I sold my all 40's and now have 2 pair of Studio 20's(V3)and a CC-470. The only reason I didn't get a third Studio 20 for the front was simply because they're only sold in pairs.

 

[BrianWoerndle]

My 20's were sold individually and in seperate boxes.

If you have any sort of CRT TV you will need to make sure it is shielded.

The main problem with a bookshelf as a center speakers is placement. Bookshelf speakers are meant to be used vertically. If you place it on its side you may not get an even response across the room. But if you put the bookshelf upright, the tweeter will probably be very high. You ideally want the tweeter at ear level and at the same height as the mains. That is why most centers use the MTM layout.

 

[John Garcia]

The other benefit of the additional drivers in a MTM design is a slight increase in senstivity and somewhat wider dispersion. Other than that, there's no reason why you couldn't use a single 20 for a center, besides consideration for what Brian mentioned.