Klipsch vs DefTech vs Paradigm for Center (1 Viewer)

[KenV]

I was looking for advice for upgrading my center channel speaker. I have a mixed set of brands for my current system and listen to 50% music, 50% movies:

Yamaha RX-Z1
Acoustic Research S-50 Mains
Paradigm PS-1200 Subwoofer
Klipsch RS-3 II Surrounds
Currently an old Inifinity Center

I was considering:

Klipsch RC-7 498.
DefTech CLR 2300 599.
Paradigm StudioCC 498.

I know many will groan at the AR S-50's, but these are the next for an upgrade. As far as sonically matching - the Klipsch surrounds are a bit bright IMHO, but I have listened to and would still consider their towers for new mains.

Anyone have any advice?

 

[Dan Cabral]

Ken,
You might want to also check out the Klipsch KLF-C7. It's discontinued, but readily available new over at Ubid for around $250+shipping. Might be able to find it elsewhere for less than the RC-7 (although I'm not knocking the RC-7).
I have one and it's incredible. Great for music, movies, and just about anything else you can throw at it. It is a bit on the large side, but that's about the only shortcoming that I, or anyone else, can come up with about it.
Here are some reviews over at AudioReview.

 

[Matt_Briol]

Yeah the RC-7 and the KLF-C7 are both good but like Dan said the C7 can be found cheaper.

 

[Al B. C]

I have an RC-7 and it smokes. What a diff over my old Infinity POS.

 

[Mike Strassburg]

You also should consider getting mains to match whatever CC you decide upon. And I'll throw out another vote for the
C-7 as it's a great center for movies & music.

 

[John Dunlap]

I have'nt heard the Definitive or the Klipsch center but I just brought home a Studio CC last night and...WOW!! This was an Upgrade with a capital "U" over my old center!!! The center I replaced was an Energy AC-300 which was no slouch and the Paradigm kills it in every possible way. Check out AudioReview.com where the Studio CC scored a perfect 5.0 out of 40 reviews!!!