Center speaker "upgrade" to in-wall, any thoughts?

[TomekNet]

Hi! I currently have a 7.2.4 HT speaker system powered by Purifi nad Hypex amps, with KEF R3's and R2c as LCR.
Soon I'll be moving in to a new apartment and I'd like to move all my AV-electronics into a hidden locker in the corner of the living room, clearing out the space under my oled TV. For now I want to keep R3's (as a part of my stereo setup), but I'm thinking of swapping R2c for an in-wall central speaker (to really clear out the space under TV).

I've already pre-selected some speakers in my current budget:
- Dali Phantom M-250
- Klipsch THX-504-L
- Paradigm CI Pro P1
I know none will probably match R2c sound (hence quotes in the topic for "upgrade"), but will any of those be good enough?

I've also consider waiting a bit and saving more money for:
- Focal 300 IW6LCR
- KEF Ci3160RL-THX
But they are more expensive (KEF is twice as expensive). Is it worth it?

 

[Adi777]

Witam kolegę z Polski

 

[Skyro]

The landlord is going to let you install an in-wall speaker in your new apartment?!?

If I were you I would just get a stand for the center channel. I wouldn't bother with the hassle of in-walls unless I was moving to a new construction house where I could pre-wire everything. Or if not a new construction perhaps a false wall setup to hide everything.

 

[TomekNet]

The landlord is going to let you install an in-wall speaker in your new apartment?!?

If I were you I would just get a stand for the center channel. I wouldn't bother with the hassle of in-walls unless I was moving to a new construction house where I could pre-wire everything. Or if not a new construction perhaps a false wall setup to hide everything.

I'm buying this apartment so I'm free to do any changes.
And I will wire everything for sure during its light renovation / repainting (including surround in-wall and Atmos in-ceiling speakers)

 

[Skyro]

I'm buying this apartment so I'm free to do any changes.
And I will wire everything for sure during its light renovation / repainting (including surround in-wall and Atmos in-ceiling speakers)

Ah ok then. Personally I don't think "tonality" matching the LCR is as big of a deal as people make it but in this particular case since you are running coaxial speakers it probably is worth it to match in this case. Plus coaxial centers have a lot of advantages over MTM centers.