3 centers for LCR?

[abefroeman]

does anyone use 3 center channel speakers in a left - center - right configuation for home theater? are there problems with this?

 

[majorloser]

I have seen many custom installations where a "center" channel speaker was used for all on the speakers in a home theater, including surrounds. Center channel designed speakers do lend themselves to better concealment behind custom cabinetry and accoustically transparent panels. In most cases they also utilizes almost the same drivers as their larger brothers the towers.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Some companies make speakers specifically intended for this. These usually contain "LCR" in the model name. Def Tech is one I know of offhand.

 

[j_garcia]

All 5 of my speakers are identical No LCR in the name.

Ascend has the CMT-340SEs with the CMT-340C center (slightly modified x-over, but physically identical AFAIK).

 

[no. 5]

Some companies make speakers specifically intended for this. These usually contain "LCR" in the model name. Def Tech is one I know of offhand.

B&W too, the LCR60, and LCR600.

I have not tried it, but having all the speakers the same is supposedly the best set-up.

 

[dd24skater]

does anyone use 3 center channel speakers in a left - center - right configuation for home theater? are there problems with this?

I had 2 set up for a while, left and right, I was impressed with the sound

 

[pewternhrata]

i thought having the same size drivers in all front speakers the same size, materials, and so on gives the best transition between the center and fronts (harder to depict where the sound is coming from)

 

[Tex-amp]

If you are planning to leave the L/R horizontal you're going to get some combing issues from being off axis.

 

[ChrisJam]

If you are planning to leave the L/R horizontal you're going to get some combing issues from being off axis.

In most cases I'd agree that there would be audio problems laying a speaker on its side if it's not designed as a center. A couple companies design around this, though. For example, the Phase Technology PC-3.1 II series has a rotatable tweeter/midrange array so that the speaker will perform to specs whether upright or on its side.

Chris

 

[billnchristy]

I had 3 X-CS across the front.

 

[Tex-amp]

In most cases I'd agree that there would be audio problems laying a speaker on its side if it's not designed as a center. A couple companies design around this, though. For example, the Phase Technology PC-3.1 II series has a rotatable tweeter/midrange array so that the speaker will perform to specs whether upright or on its side.

Chris

Sitting off axis will cause lobing with a MTM that is laying on its side. There is about a 15 degree angle at 9 ft. Outside of that 15 degree window the lobing is measureable. Now how for off axis you need to sit to actually hear it is a good question. If your room is narrow it won't come into play. Phase Tech and Ascend are to good examples of companies that use their CC upright for mains. When stood up right they will not have a lobing issue.

 

[j_garcia]

Well, technically, they DO still have the lobing issue, you just don't hear it. My speakers are MTMs and their response is still very good off axis in both directons (neither direction drops off significantly until about 30deg off axis). You have to also factor in that when sitting off axis from the center, the mains are picking up that fluff so you shouldn't get too many off axis issues in a properly calibrated system.

 

[billy p]

How about these

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=270

designed for that exact application.

 

[Sheep]

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=270

designed for that exact application.

Agreed.

SheepStar

 

[Tex-amp]

Well, technically, they DO still have the lobing issue, you just don't hear it. My speakers are MTMs and their response is still very good off axis in both directons (neither direction drops off significantly until about 30deg off axis). You have to also factor in that when sitting off axis from the center, the mains are picking up that fluff so you shouldn't get too many off axis issues in a properly calibrated system.

I agree it is rare its an issue for a CC. I read this thread as MTM across the front. If your sitting if front of one horizontal MTM main and the sound is coming from the other MTM main chances are that you're off axis enough for the lobing to show up.

 

[simpleHT]

Phase Tech PC3.1 are designed for this application. Anyhow, the speakers need to be designed for such use. You can not just stand up a center channel and call it front.