Center Channel qusteion

[sophie smith]

Building HT system for the entire family, expecting more than 6 people spread widely in the room. Many center speakers reviewed have narrow horizontal dispersion, and so wide seating would be a problem. I also have a budget, so not looking for very expensive options. I would not consider CC for more than $500. Was thinking of getting two high fidelity fronts to act as a virtual center. Is that a bad idea or not? All suggestions are welcome.

Thank you.

 

[kyuu]

Phantom center won't be stable over a wide seating area.

Monoprice THX-365C is a 3-way center in your budget. Alternately, you can use a bookshelf speaker (in the normal orientation, not on its side) for the center if it will fit and you aren't listening at elevated volumes where you need a speaker with a lot of power handling.

 

[DVDdoug]

Building HT system for the entire family, expecting more than 6 people spread widely in the room...

...Was thinking of getting two high fidelity fronts to act as a virtual center.

The main advantage of an actual center speaker is that the phantom center is not very effective if the listeners are not in the "sweet spot"

 

[sophie smith]

OK. Thanks. Will keep looking for CC.

 

[alex-z]

MTG Designs - Nexus Center

Full measurements for the Nexus Center taken 11/6/2021 Link to the Nexus Center Channel Design The following measurements were performed on my 10' tall outdoor turntable, measurements taken at 2.83v / 2M on tweeter axis and scaled 6dB for approximate 1w/1m level. Measurements gated at 14ms and

www.mtg-designs.com

Nexus Center is under $500 if you are willing to build it. 86dB sensitivity, lots of power handling, and wide horizontal dispersion. Typical baffle edge diffraction, but nearly all centre channels have that flaw.

If your budget can reach $650 then a recertified KEF Q6 Meta is possible. This will give broader vertical dispersion and likely better mid-range/treble quality, KEF coaxial drivers are some of the best on the market.

KEF Q6 Meta EACH 6.5" 3-Way Center Channel Speaker Walnut

KEF Recertified Product

www.accessories4less.com