Which Center Channel? (KEF REFERENCE 2 META VS GENELEC 8361A)

[Geronimo.USMC]

I was looking for some opinions/advice/knowledge from experienced members.
My current audio setup is:

• TRINNOV ALT32 (Latest version w/ESS DACS/HDMI 2.1)
• L/R -KEF BLADE ONE META powered by PURIFI 1ET9040BA Monoblocks
• C -KEF REFERENCE 2 META Center powered by a single McINTOSH MC301 Monoblock
• SL/SR -KEF LS50W2
• SLB/SRB -KEF LS50 and TOPS -KEF 4x Q150s powered by a McINTOSH MC257
• RYTHMIK G25HP + F18 subs

I wanted to try digital speakers, so I replaced one pair of passive LS50 with the LS50W2. Both support digital coaxial S/PDIF at 192/24. This worked out great.

My reasoning/plan was to later take advantage of my TRINNOV ALT32 AES/EBU digital outputs, and to downsize amps.

I'm keeping the KEF BLADE ONE META powered by monoblocks, but will possibly, eventually replace the rear LS50s with another pair of LS50W2, or some GENELEC powered digital speakers, and MAYBE the ATMOS speakers to GENELECS as well.

The question:

Is there any gain/advantage/loss in using a GENELEC 8361A for a center channel. It would be nice to simplify my setup, sell off the KEF Center, and the McIntosh MC301monoblock powering it, and pocket a few grand, but not at a loss on ANY audio quality. Sidegrading is definitely acceptable.

So......Any thoughts, and discussion on why the GENELEC 8361A would be a bad idea for me?

 

[FrantzM]

Hi @Geronimo.USMC

You have a superb set of components, and it seems you are looking at achieving the absolute best, You 're asking for suggestion from us and it seems you arenot adverse to spend a bit so ....

Me, speaking:

I would keep the 2 Kef Blade for L and R channels
I would suggest the KEF Reference 4C, reviewed HERE. It costs more than one single Genelec 8361B but .. you stay in the family while getting substantial performance, than the 2C Reference Meta. THe 4C is likely to be able to match up with the Blade, in term of SPL output, and is similar in term of the debatable "sound signature".
I would suggest, more capable surround and Atmos speakers as well , the LS50W while good are not capable of the high SPL that may be required in an HT set in a large room.I would suggest that you look in to this Kef line: Kef Extreme Home Theater Speakers.

You already have the amplifiers.. keep them but .. there are better and less costly alternatives .

And the 8361B would not be a bad idea. It is more capable than the 2C you presently have

 

[murl]

I'll follow along. I am doing something similar with an Altitude CI and all KEF surrounds. Keep us posted on what you decide.

 

[Descartes]

Hi @Geronimo.USMC

You have a superb set of components, and it seems you are looking at achieving the absolute best, You 're asking for suggestion from us and it seems you arenot adverse to spend a bit so ....

Me, speaking:

I would keep the 2 Kef Blade for L and R channels
I would suggest the KEF Reference 4C, reviewed HERE. It costs more than one single Genelec 8361B but .. you stay in the family while getting substantial performance, than the 2C Reference Meta. THe 4C is likely to be able to match up with the Blade, in term of SPL output, and is similar in term of the debatable "sound signature".
I would suggest, more capable surround and Atmos speakers as well , the LS50W while good are not capable of the high SPL that may be required in an HT set in a large room.I would suggest that you look in to this Kef line: Kef Extreme Home Theater Speakers.

You already have the amplifiers.. keep them but .. there are better and less costly alternatives .

And the 8361B would not be a bad idea. It is more capable than the 2C you presently have

The KEF Reference 4C Mets is phenomenal!

 

[TheKoC]

Although beyond my price range to give real recommendations, Center should be as close as possible to L and R speakers, ideally identical. Onother Blade is impossible because of the screen I guess?

 

[Geronimo.USMC]

I'll follow along. I am doing something similar with an Altitude CI and all KEF surrounds. Keep us posted on what you decide.

I sold my ALTITUDE32 about 2 months ago.

My new ALTITUDE CI will finally get delivered to me tomorrow.

I bit the bullet, and I was able to acquire a single 8361A last week via a trade. This thing is chunky. On its side will definitely take up more height space in comparison.

I still have the KEF REFERENCE 2 META in its box with plans on selling it, along with the McIntosh monoblock that was powering it.

Have you gotten your setup up and running? Any impressions yet?

I figured that I would get this ball rolling.

I have an idea what my previous ALT32 did with the REF2 META’s frequency range.

I will compare that to the 8361A via a pure digital AES connection.

I also bought an EVERSOLO DAC-Z10 to use on my BLADE METAs via AES from the CI.

My next step will be to source a pair of 8331B for a comparison to my LS50W2. I would think that is the equivalent to the LS50W2. Someone here correct me if I am wrong.

 

[murl]

Yes I have mine working and it is good. There are still a few kinks to work out for the CI. Mine has a few bugs they are working on. Overall I am very happy with it.