What's new

Best compact center channel (1 Viewer)

awcamaro

Agent
Joined
Aug 30, 2012
Messages
45
Real Name
Alvin
I have some space constraints and I was wondering which center channel would be best for me. The only constraint is that it cannot be more thank 6 inches deep and 10 inches high. Width does not matter. Also, I would prefer it be under $150.
 

awcamaro

Agent
Joined
Aug 30, 2012
Messages
45
Real Name
Alvin
None so far. I guess I'll need to match them, but I would like a center channel recommendation first.
 

schan1269

HTF Expert
HW Reviewer
Senior HTF Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2012
Messages
17,104
Location
Chicago-ish/NW Indiana
Real Name
Sam
Best is subjective...at best(ahem)...
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TL1-Speaker-Center/dp/B0043M6668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354572755&sr=8-1&keywords=center+speaker
http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-CCS-33B-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B000I7U1OK/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1354572843&sr=8-12&keywords=center+speaker
http://www.amazon.com/Cerwin-VE-5C-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B000EI0EB8/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1354572926&sr=8-16&keywords=center+speaker
 

awcamaro

Agent
Joined
Aug 30, 2012
Messages
45
Real Name
Alvin
Are these actually good or did you just go to amazon and click "sort by rating"?
 

schan1269

HTF Expert
HW Reviewer
Senior HTF Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2012
Messages
17,104
Location
Chicago-ish/NW Indiana
Real Name
Sam
No, I spent about 2 minutes checking "center speaker" on Amazon.
In that 2 minutes I went to those three manufacturers websites and checked the size. The CW is actually 6.1, but I figured that was "close enough".
So, that is my involvement. "Good or not" depends on your ears.
 

gene c

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2003
Messages
5,854
Location
Bay area, Ca
Real Name
Gene
I haven't looked at small center speakers that much but given your constraints I'd look at these two for sure.
I've never heard the Polk TL-2 but the size and price is right. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-TL2-Center-Channel-Speaker-Black-Brand-New-/230866942323?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35c0bdf973#ht_1565wt_1399
.Veritas V-Mini from WorldWideStereo.com via ebay but it's $20 over budget. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Energy-Veritas-V-Mini-C-2-Way-Center-Channel-Speaker-Each-Rosenut-/350598928832?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item51a15319c0#ht_2359wt_1399 There's matching small satellites for $120 each. Or larger bookshelves.
If you're not afraid of buying used. But you'ld have to be the only one to bid on it. Axiom VP150 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Axiom-Audio-VP150-Center-Speaker-/271114860038?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item3f1fb47606#ht_177wt_1399
 

awcamaro

Agent
Joined
Aug 30, 2012
Messages
45
Real Name
Alvin
I am really liking the Polk TL compact speaker series. Great combination of looks, quality, and sound quality (from reviews).
From my understanding, this is their lineup (amazon prices):
TL1:
Center - $74
Bookshelves - $79 (each)
TL2:
Center - $139 (out of stock temporarily)
Bookshelves - $95 (each)
TL3:
Center - $199
Bookshelves - $149 (each)
However, much I would like to have the TL3, it's too expensive. A TL2 center fits the budget, but the bookshelves at $200 a pair seem a little pricey. Would it be okay if I mixed and matched with the TL2 center and the TL1 bookshelves? They are part of the same "series", but I think they use different drivers. Not sure.
 

gene c

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2003
Messages
5,854
Location
Bay area, Ca
Real Name
Gene
I can't really answer that but it looks like they use the same tweeter which is always good. Polk "timbre matches" their speaker to one another, even in different lines-or so they say- but there's no way to know how successfull they were until you listen to them.
There's always two lines of thought. Some think all speakers should be as close to each other as possible. Can't argue with that. But I've alwyas felt having a center channel that might be better than the others is a good trade-off. Especially if the tweeters are the same.
 

awcamaro

Agent
Joined
Aug 30, 2012
Messages
45
Real Name
Alvin
Yeah, they say the center channel and subwoofer are the things you need to focus on. I already have a BIC F-12, solid sub, and was going to get the Polk Audio CS2 Series II, but way to huge. I just reorganized a furniture a bit, and I think compact is the way to go, but I really don't want to sacrifice sound quality.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Latest Articles

Forum statistics

Threads
356,810
Messages
5,123,567
Members
144,184
Latest member
H-508
Recent bookmarks
0
Top