I can find both the B&W CDM CNT and the Thiel SCS3 at a pretty good price. I like the design but I can't find much information on either of them. Does anyone have any input? Other center speakers worthy of consideration? My budget is up to $500.
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Looking at buying a used center speaker
- Thread starter JWAmerica
- Start date
Your center should match the design characteristics of your L-R. What stereo speakers are you using?
- Thread Starter
- #3
I don't believe in timbre matching. If the speaker is reproducing the audio accurately and has its crossover set correctly there should be no integration issues. Resonances and driver materials imparting a particular sound would be considered inaccuracies.
I was thinking more about dispersion characteristics…
I have a bias towards Thiels; I have owned a pair of the Thiel CS6 for many years. Very high quality construction with Thiels, but there could be a matter of age. The SCS3 midrange looks very similar to that of my CS6 which I quite enjoy.
However, I’d say that the KEF LS50 that I own also sound very similar to the CS6 in the midrange, owing to their similar concentric design and dispersion pattern.
I have a bias towards Thiels; I have owned a pair of the Thiel CS6 for many years. Very high quality construction with Thiels, but there could be a matter of age. The SCS3 midrange looks very similar to that of my CS6 which I quite enjoy.
However, I’d say that the KEF LS50 that I own also sound very similar to the CS6 in the midrange, owing to their similar concentric design and dispersion pattern.
With a $500 budget I would buy a Philharmonic BMR kit, rather than anything second hand.
Although the question of what speakers you have for your front left/right is a valid one. While timbre matching isn't necessary with modern EQ capability, a major directivity mismatch would ruin that possibility. The Philharmonic BMR has a wide radiation pattern, approaching 70 degrees. Something like a KEF Q350 is about 55 degrees. Anything horn loaded will be significantly narrower than that.
Although the question of what speakers you have for your front left/right is a valid one. While timbre matching isn't necessary with modern EQ capability, a major directivity mismatch would ruin that possibility. The Philharmonic BMR has a wide radiation pattern, approaching 70 degrees. Something like a KEF Q350 is about 55 degrees. Anything horn loaded will be significantly narrower than that.
LightninBoy
Addicted to Fun and Learning
If your setup can accommodate a single bookshelf, you could buy a single Revel M16 or other quality bookshelf available individually. Otherwise, looks like you are focusing on 3-way designs, which is good. Keep a look out for other 3-ways such as the Infinity RC263, the KEF Q models, or ELAC UC52 (https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/elac_uc52/)
