UC52 Center -- Matching Fronts?

[jjdresselhaus]

Hey All! Currently have this setup. 80% TV/Movies, 10% Video Games, 10% music.

AVR: Denon x1300
LR: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones
Center: Elac UC52
Surrounds: Cambridge Audio Minx Min 22 (space constraints)
Subwoofer: VTF-2 MK5 with a miniDSP and Raspberry Pi running BEQ.

Thinking about upgrading my LR, but unsure as to the best path. I've read from some that you need to stick in the same brand and product line, others say same brand is fine, while still others say matching is irrelevant and Audyssey will fix any EQ issues.

I'm leaning towards the Elac Debut DB63, but am wondering if it would be better to pair with the Unifi 2.0 UB52. It seems like the DB63 is the better speaker, but maybe not for my specific environment.

I'm also open to other suggestions altogether!

Any insight and opinions are welcome and appreciated!

 

[jjdresselhaus]

Bump

 

[Laika2]

X32 wont make different speakers brands sound the same, stay with the same brand as your center, make sure they use the same tweeter and same or larger midrange driver. For rears its not as important since sound behind you naturally sounds different than in front of you with the exact same signal

 

[jjdresselhaus]

Is same brand sufficient or should it be the same line within the brand?

 

[Laika2]

Depends on the tweeter mostly, if the lines use the same tweeter and same midrange or bigger. Look at the lines and find the ones that use the same tweeter.

 

[Laika2]

Seems the best setup if it fits is another BS22, the same mains for the front and center are always the best match if you like the pioneers. Might be able to find a good used one.

 

[Laika2]

But looking at your center I would go with 2
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52
Floorstanding speakers for L/R
Those are some fine towers. Big step up from the Pioneers.

 

[Oddball]

Most important is the size of your center compared to your towers. Pairing a small center with large towers is not good even if within the same brand and line. Most brands to this though - offer a small center for big towers.

Pairing equally competent speakers across LCR line from different brands is a better solution, even if you might sometimes notice it during the panning. Better that then notice it all the time when small center just keeps being small compared to bit sound from LR.

Sorry not familiar with your choice of speakers, so can't help there.

 

[Timcognito]

Elac is a very good brand especially what you get for the money. Some minor issues with some though. So read ASR and Erin's reviews and push the budget. Data base down at ASR so search Elac, titles only, member amirm and read comments. Searching is harder at EAC but it's almost all speakers and some good shoot-outs. Good luck