Center Channel Advice, Please

[DHicks]

Currently running 4.1.2 using a Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 to drive Pioneer SP-EFS73 mains, Klipsch RF-10 surrounds, phantom CC, and Hsu VTF2-MK5. I love the sound for music but sometimes strain to hear movie voices. I’ve seen the arguments for (anchor the dialog) and against (quality mains compensate at the sweet spot + a given angle) having a CC. Thing is, I’ve got a little money burning a hole and want to try 5.1.2.

I know to stay within the same family/line for timbral match so the best solution would be another SP-EFS73. It’s too tall for my application, however, and I don’t want to pay the premium for a height speaker that will never be used. So, would the Pioneer SP-FS52 ($129) be close enough to match (a bit shorter and can work spatially)? It's still an AJ design but not "Elite". Or should I spend more than double ($289) for the SP-EC73 and place it vertically to avoid the nodal dissonance a horizontal CC can bring. In other words, can I get away with skimping or should I spend more?

 

[shadyJ]

If it were me, I think I would try the SP-EC73 in a vertical orientation, as you suggested. It should be a closer match in sound to your mains, and it will have a better build quality than the regular SP speakers. It wasn't designed to work in that orientation, but I think it might still be OK.

 

[j_garcia]

If it were surrounds, you would have much less of an issue, but for front stage it should match ideally. That seems pretty expensive for the center compared to the other speakers in the line, but I'd bite the bullet and figure out a way to fit it in. FS52 is a good speaker, but isn't going to fully timbre blend IMO.

 

[DHicks]

Thank you, ShadyJ and J_Garcia. I'll go for the SP-EC73. You're right about $289 being high. Found it for $239 but noticed from some history searches about every two months it drops down to $220. If that holds true, late April will be my time.

BTW, J_Garcia...I followed the link to your HT system. Love the chronicling of your journey. Best part is none of your gear was crap. It just kept getting better. Pretty sweet. I wish I lived near you to buy the crumbs from your plate.

Thanks again, guys.

 

[DHicks]

Patience paid off. I snagged the SP-EC73 on sale on the 28th for $229. It arrives Tuesday. Can't wait to try it.

Interesting thing... In the original demo video found on YouTube, A. Jones says the design minimizes horizontal lobing found in other mid-tweet-mid center designs. I'll give both orientations a shot and let you know what I observe.

 

[TLS Guy]

Patience paid off. I snagged the SP-EC73 on sale on the 28th for $229. It arrives Tuesday. Can't wait to try it.

Interesting thing... In the original demo video found on YouTube, A. Jones says the design minimizes horizontal lobing found in other mid-tweet-mid center designs. I'll give both orientations a shot and let you know what I observe.

I don't see why it should not match. The front three will use the same concentric mid/tweeter. Because if that concentric unit I don't think it will matter whether it is horizontal or vertical.