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Center Channel
#92952 05/02/05 05:24 PM
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ratpack Offline OP
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While I am new to this forum, I am not new to audio components, stereo, or Home Theater. I bought my first stereo receiver in the Summer of 1968 and have had many components over the years. My newest purchase is a VP-150 as I upgrade (replace) my JBL SCS 120 speaker system. I will probably purchase a pair of M80s or a SVS 20-39PCi next. The receiver is a Kenwood 1090VR. Even though it is 8 years old, it is pretty good. It has 5 channels at 150 watts per channel at 6 ohms.

The question I would like to pose to the board is why isn't there more empahsis on better center speakers since they tend to do most of the work?

I know there is a thread on this board about center channel speakers, but I think that it is a little more specific to a person's system as opposed to a general discussion.

Comments and discussion appreciated.

The Rat.


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Center Channel
#92953 05/02/05 05:38 PM
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In reply to:

The question I would like to pose to the board is why isn't there more empahsis on better center speakers since they tend to do most of the work?


I'm a "centre" guy. Why isn't there more emphasis? I've never ever heard an audiophile *tongue planted in cheek* say "listen to how detailed and crisp this dialogue is!"... it's always either "listen to how loud my floorstanders are" or "listen to how thumpy my bass is".

Same with a lot of things... performance cars aren't compared by how well they can hold the road, just a simple number - either 0-60 or top speed. Sure, buried in the sidebar it gives cornering G's right below fuel mileage and curb weight, but it's never the flag that's flown about the car.

Feel free to grunt and thump your chest.

Bren R.

Re: Center Channel
#92954 05/02/05 06:23 PM
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There have been a few very heated discussions regarding center channels, design and the VP150 in particular, in the past. Maybe a search will yield some results.
I think the reason many people are not fanatical about their centers is because they either work well or they don't. With the front channels being used heavily for music, we tend to get more emotional when discussing them I suppose.
Personally, I use the center once a week or so - the mains for hours each day. Thus I am more concerned with the mains.

Re: Center Channel
#92955 05/02/05 06:39 PM
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ratpack Offline OP
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Bren:

You make an interesting point. Maybe it is a universal answer, I just don't know.

I did see on another thread on this board that someone was going to use a M60 for a center channel. It will be interesting to see what he has to say.

But in any case, with most Home Theater systems, the center channel is a "lesser" speaker than either of the fronts. Now, assuming that you have a subwoofer, why shouldn't the center channel be at least the same? Why shouldn't it be better? I suspect that there have been discussions, somewhere over the years, as to why. I just haven't found them.

The Rat.


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Center Channel
#92956 05/02/05 06:41 PM
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ratpack Offline OP
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Big:

By any chance do you have a link to these discussions? If not, do you remember about when they were discussed?

The Rat.


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Center Channel
#92957 05/02/05 06:46 PM
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That adds in the extra variable of how each individual listens to each source. Some here (like myself) listen to music through a DSP that matrixes the two channels to 5 or 6, while other listen in pure stereo (keep them nasty DSPs off my music!)

Then factor in what percentage of each user's listening is:
Stereo music in pure stereo, stereo music in 5.1, multichannel music, television viewing, movie viewing, etc.

Bren R.

Re: Center Channel
#92958 05/02/05 06:57 PM
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I know some of you guys like the DSP modes (I don't, ughhh! ) and the new multi-channel formats, but I reckon most people still listen in mostly 2 channel.
ratpack, there was some fiery discussion about a year ago, involving a nit-wit named TonyGeno vs everybody else.

Re: Center Channel
#92959 05/02/05 07:29 PM
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In reply to:

I know some of you guys like the DSP modes (I don't, ughhh! ) and the new multi-channel formats, but I reckon most people still listen in mostly 2 channel.


I understand completely why you listen in pure direct... straight off the CD, amplified and into your ears... nothing messing with your tunes.

I smell a poll coming on.

Bren R.

Re: Center Channel
#92960 05/02/05 07:46 PM
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ratpack Offline OP
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Bren:

I use mine almost exclusively for Home Theater. I rarely just listen to music on it. The other day I finally got a DVD player and optical cable to really use the 5.1. What a difference!!!

I'm looking forward to getting my VP-150.

The Rat.


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
Re: Center Channel
#92961 05/02/05 07:48 PM
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ratpack Offline OP
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Big:

Thanks!

I'll do a search on TonyGeno and see what I can find.

The Rat.


The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV
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