Which center?

[dalessandro12]

Hi All,

I am going to install Speakercraft AIM5 Ones for my rear surrounds and front L/R speakers and am looking for a solid center under $300. I was leaning toward this mostly because it is timbre-matched to the One speakers:

http://www.wwstereo.com/website/ecommerce/productdetail.aspx?product=ASM97615

But I haven't been able to find a shop where I can hear this speaker. When I went to Magnolia at Best Buy I heard this speaker and was pretty blown away:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Definitive+Technology+-+ProCenter+1000+4-1/2"+Center-Channel+Speaker+-+Gloss+Black/7656413.p?id=1190678281674&skuId=7656413#tabbed-customerreviews

Which one should I go with? I know I need something good since my fronts will be in the ceiling but does timbre matching really matter? The LCR is a bit larger but I'm not sure what to get, especially since I can't hear the LCR.

Opinions are appreciated.

 

[sholling]

I don't know a thing about either of these two speakers but yes timbre matching matters a lot.

 

[AVRat]

The SpeakerCraft LCR would be preferred to maintain timbre match.

 

[dalessandro12]

Ok, so even though I can't hear the Speakercraft one, theoretically it should produce the optimal sound???

I originally wanted this but am nervous that I can't hear it. I need a strong center since my speakers will be in the ceiling but really liked the DT.

 

[sholling]

What you don't want is obvious transitions from (for example) the left main to the center and then back. That's why a timbre match is so important. It really sounds like you are uncomfortable with ceiling mounted mains. If so then perhaps you might want to reconsider. I don't have an opinion on them but it sounds like you do have reservations. If worse comes to worse you can always use them for the height channel.

 

[dalessandro12]

I'm actually ok with the ceiling mounted mains but just want solid sound from my center since that will be the only speaker coming directly from the front of the room. I've considered towers but with kids, I don't want them to end up on the floor in pieces (plus my ceiling came pre-wired for speakers from the builder, so all I have to do is cut a whole and make the connections).

 

[billy p]

Where are you located? Judging by an eariler thread I figured you lived in Canada because you had used a future shop link...but now I'm not so sure?
This could effect your overall cost since your working with a budget...fwiw.

 

[dalessandro12]

In Southern California

 

[billy p]

In Southern California

Just curious how did you come up with that Velodyne link because everything up here is about 40-50% more. Having a seamless soundstage up front would require you to incorporate a set of speakers that use same or similar components and the easiest way to achieve this is to use the same mfg or series of speakers...imo.

 

[dalessandro12]

Just curious how did you come up with that Velodyne link because everything up here is about 40-50% more. Having a seamless soundstage up front would require you to incorporate a set of speakers that use same or similar components and the easiest way to achieve this is to use the same mfg or series of speakers...imo.

I use www.froogle.com a lot but I'm not 100% sure that is how I found that link.

Thanks for the input. I'll do some research and read reviews on the Speakercraft LCR. I'm sure it is a good speaker just wish I could hear it.

 

[sholling]

In Southern California

Hey neighbor.

Back on the subject. Another option can be ceiling mounted bookshelves using the existing wiring. The whole ceiling speaker thing is way out of my area of expertise so hopefully one of the installers will have better advice than I can give - but yes a timer match matters.

 

[dalessandro12]

Hey neighbor.

Back on the subject. Another option can be ceiling mounted bookshelves using the existing wiring. The whole ceiling speaker thing is way out of my area of expertise so hopefully one of the installers will have better advice than I can give - but yes a timer match matters.

Wow you are really close, I am in Elsinore

I think I am set on the in ceiling, with the Speakercraft speakers I can aim the speaker toward the listening area. I'm sure this isn't as good as a bookshelf hanging from the wall but I think it will suit my purposes.

 

[dalessandro12]

I'm leaning now toward the DT center. I listened to a similar setup at Best Buy (Speakercraft in ceiling speakers and a DT center) and I thought it sounded fantastic.

The DT center is significantly smaller than the Speakercraft (specifically height) and with my 73 inch Mitsubishi, I am having trouble finding a reasonably priced stand that will 1) hold the DLP and 2) fit my components.

Will the Speakercraft sound so much better that I should consider spending 2-3 times as much on a stand? Perhaps mount the center from the low point on my ceiling above my TV? It is about 15 inches lower than my ceiling.

Thanks for opinions.

 

[sholling]

Sears sells a stand that sits on top of DLPs and holds the center.

 

[dalessandro12]

Sears sells a stand that sits on top of DLPs and holds the center.

Funny you say this; I was looking at the below shelf to mount the center directly on top of the TV (it doesn't sit on it but mounts on the wall). I was thinking about the kind that sits on the TV but the Speakercraft center weighs 24lbs and some reviews I've read on several of these types of shelves said that they wouldn't hold past 20 and some said they scratched their TV.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05731091000P?vName=Computers+&+Electronics&cName=Televisions&sName=Accessories&prdNo=56

I think I have finally decided on the Speakercraft. I get the timbre matching plus I got an authorized dealer to give knock off $100 from retail plus free shipping (I can also get $20 off using Google Checkout). $399 speaker for $280 new with warranty shipped to my door. I'm happy

 

[billy p]

imo that is the route most of us would've taken ....
Good luck, Bill...

 

[dalessandro12]

imo that is the route most of us would've taken ....
Good luck, Bill...

Thanks Bill, really looking forward to setting this up. This is my first "real" HT set up and although basic, should be a major improvement over my 5+ year old "system in a box."

I was looking my current system yesterday and was amazed by the horrible specs. That system sounded "ok" to me so I am sure that my new system will sound spectacular to these somewhat virgin ears