3 way Center Channel Recommendations

[AngryGinger]

Hi, new here.
I am looking for 3 way center channel recommendations and opinions.

Current setup (5.2.4)
Denon AVR-X4500H
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE (L/R)
Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE (C)
SVS SB-2000 (2)
SVS Prime Satellite (2)
SVS Prime Elevation (4)

It’s a small room and I’m currently happy with everything except the CMT-340SE center. No matter what I do, the dialogue just doesn’t seem quite clear enough.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[kma100]

@sweetchaos has a list of speakers. Other options are 3-way speakers from Ascend, Philharmonic, Revel, Monoprice...depends on your budget and location.

 

[AngryGinger]

Thanks!

It looks like the Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 even tops lists for price ranges considerably above it!

 

[Putter]

I will point out that a coaxial speaker avoids the dispersion issues that even a 3 way speaker can suffer from. KEF is likely the cheapest coaxial available although their cheapest, the Q150 and 350 is only sold in pairs. They do have the Q250 for $600 which is a dedicated center.

 

[Bruce Morgen]

Hi, new here.
I am looking for 3 way center channel recommendations and opinions.

Current setup (5.2.4)
Denon AVR-X4500H
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE (L/R)
Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE (C)
SVS SB-2000 (2)
SVS Prime Satellite (2)
SVS Prime Elevation (4)

It’s a small room and I’m currently happy with everything except the CMT-340SE center. No matter what I do, the dialogue just doesn’t seem quite clear enough.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

If you have the room for a small "bookshelf"-size speaker turned sideways, I've gotten great results with a Kali Audio IN-5 active 3-way monitor as my center channel speaker -- just remember to set the appropriate back panel DIP switch for horizontal orientation. Although the IN series Kalis are 3-way models with a separate woofer, the midrange and tweeter are coaxial or, as the Kali folks prefer, "coincident."

 

[Timcognito]

 

[phoenixdogfan]

You might want to look on EBay for a KEF HTC-3001 SE. It runs around $150 used, is mostly coaxial and is a small ovoid design that fits well under most monitors. It's a very low cost option and if you're unhappy with it, you're only out $150, but I don't think you'll be unhappy.

 

[AngryGinger]

What are everyone's thoughts on the Paradigm 500C?

Thanks.

 

[AngryGinger]

And thanks for all the input!

 

[hjames19]

@sweetchaos has a list of speakers. Other options are 3-way speakers from Ascend, Philharmonic, Revel, Monoprice...depends on your budget and location.

Where is his list?
I’m in the same position as the original poster above. Trying to find a center channel.

 

[sweetchaos]

Where is his list?

Here you go:

Passive Speaker Recommendations for USA (by @sweetchaos)

I'm constantly asked which speakers to purchase...so, here you go! :D This guide is for PASSIVE speakers. For ACTIVE speakers go here. Click on the "Spoiler" buttons below to expand each section. Readme: Legend: Never Buy This Brand: Passive Bookshelf Speakers: Passive...

www.audiosciencereview.com