Recommend a center channel speaker? (1 Viewer)

[Jake Gove]

I'm looking to get a new center channel speaker. I just want to replace that one speaker, not get new ones all around. I might get a new subwoofer, too. My current speaker system is the Energy Take 5, which I've had for a few years now. I don't want to replace the other speakers because I have the wiring in the ceiling and I figure I can't go much bigger than with what I already have (see photo, note speakers in ceiling: Link Removed
Please recommend a new center channel speaker, with price, where to buy (preferably online). How concerned to I have to be with the center being not "matched" to the other speakers because it will be a different brand?
I have a Sony STR-DB930 receiver.
thanks
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Jake
JAWSMovie.com - My JAWS Fansite
My Arcade PC
My Home Theater Pics

 

[Bob McElfresh]

Jake: one of my favorite center channel speakers was the Energy AC-300. I think this is now a discontinued speaker so you may have some trouble finding one, but you might get a clearance price.
As far as tone-matching, it wont! This is the one big problem with the Take5 and other "sets": they dont offer an upgrade path.
A better idea would be for you to go out and audition for an entire new front array of speakers. Then buy just the center and plan to upgrade the L/R later.
You could even go for the internet-only HTD series of bookshelves, or some of the NHT Super series (Zero, One, Two). The Paradigm CC-350 (?) center speaker has a lot of fans on this site as well.
Good Luck.

 

[Jake Gove]

I'd like to replace all five speakers but with my wiring in the ceiling, (again, see photo Link Removed ) I have to stick with smaller speakers. Suggestions?
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Jake
JAWSMovie.com - My JAWS Fansite
My Arcade PC
My Home Theater Pics