A new guy needs help with Matching Center and Front L/R speakers

[iamnotaparkbenc]

Hi, I am a new member here and a total idiot when it comes to audio. I just got interested in getting an entry level Home Theater recently after I graduated, found a job and has a little bit of spare money.

I was wondering if I can use front speakers and use it as center channel? are they technically the same speakers with different shape? or it will not be a good idea to use a front speaker as center channel?

As of now, I am thinking of buying Onix X-ls, and since I am very new to this, I don't think I will be able to do all the fine tunes (timbre matching, and what not) by myself. I figure I would buy speakers from the same brand and line to minimize the problem. I know Onix has its own X-CS for the center channel, but I also am not sure if that should be better than using 3 front speakers (1 as CC) instead.

I know, my questions sounded stupid, but I am very new at this and would appreciate any information anyone can give me.

Thank You in advance

 

[ParadigmDawg]

3 speakers of the same exact kind are a great way to do it but often times you are unable to buy just a single speaker to be used as a center. If AV123 allows you to purchase singles; then it will make a wonerful sound stage.

Hi, I am a new member here and a total idiot when it comes to audio. I just got interested in getting an entry level Home Theater recently after I graduated, found a job and has a little bit of spare money.

I was wondering if I can use front speakers and use it as center channel? are they technically the same speakers with different shape? or it will not be a good idea to use a front speaker as center channel?

As of now, I am thinking of buying Onix X-ls, and since I am very new to this, I don't think I will be able to do all the fine tunes (timbre matching, and what not) by myself. I figure I would buy speakers from the same brand and line to minimize the problem. I know Onix has its own X-CS for the center channel, but I also am not sure if that should be better than using 3 front speakers (1 as CC) instead.

I know, my questions sounded stupid, but I am very new at this and would appreciate any information anyone can give me.

Thank You in advance

 

[Matt34]

3 speakers of the same exact kind are a great way to do it but often times you are unable to buy just a single speaker to be used as a center. If AV123 allows you to purchase singles; then it will make a wonerful sound stage.

You can buy just one.

 

[jcPanny]

X-series

Parkbench,
You could also use the X-CS speaker for all 3 L/C/R channels if you have a larger room. Check out the current deals on X-sereies speakers on the AV123 site and forum.
http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=24756

 

[iamnotaparkbenc]

Thank you guys,

I have a pretty small bedroom, around 12' by 12'. Now, jcPanny, why would you say that if I have a larger room, that I can use the center channel for C/L/R? does it has anything to do with the sound that the center channel puts out is different from L/R speakers?

As of now, I am thinking of getting ONIX just due to budget wise and I have found almost 90% of the reviews I read, all say good things about their speakers, but if you guys have any other recommendations, please feel free.

At the same time, I also haven't try out a lot of the speakers, since I can't find a good A/V stores near my place, in Chino Hills. But, since setting up my own home theater is going to be more like a project, I am not very rushed, and taking things slow.

Anybody ever tried out ONIX's speakers tho? and what is your opinion

 

[3db]

welcome aboard

Thank you guys,

I have a pretty small bedroom, around 12' by 12'. Now, jcPanny, why would you say that if I have a larger room, that I can use the center channel for C/L/R? does it has anything to do with the sound that the center channel puts out is different from L/R speakers?

As of now, I am thinking of getting ONIX just due to budget wise and I have found almost 90% of the reviews I read, all say good things about their speakers, but if you guys have any other recommendations, please feel free.

At the same time, I also haven't try out a lot of the speakers, since I can't find a good A/V stores near my place, in Chino Hills. But, since setting up my own home theater is going to be more like a project, I am not very rushed, and taking things slow.

Anybody ever tried out ONIX's speakers tho? and what is your opinion

The idea of having 3 identical speakers for Left Center Right positions ensures that timber is matched across all 3 so pans moving from left to right and visa versa sound identical in timbre. It makes for a more cohesive sound field. That being said, you have probably noticed that most center channels are oriented along the horizontal plain as opposed to the verticle plain that your L and R speakers use. I think the main reason for that is its physically easier to accomodate a speaker into a shelf above or below the TV than a speaker that is oriented verticle. Usually there's not alot of space for center channel speakers.

Manufacturers of speakers are very careful to timbre match L R and C speakers within a specific line regardless of the shape of the speaker itself. So buying speakers within in the same line of the same manufacturer ensures timber matching. Rememeber what I said about 3 identical speakers in my opening line? It was implied that the speakers are within the same line by the same manufacturer. Its that simple.

PSB for example makes the Alpha, Image, G, Synchrony and Platinum lines or series of speaker with eacr series having center channels, left and right and sometimes even surround speakers.

I hope this helped.

I can't comment on the onyx series as I've never personally heard them

 

[Matt34]

I have the Onix X-series really enjoy them. My room is just slightly larger than yours so I would stick with the X-LS for at least the L/R as the X-CS is quite large.

For a bedroom you could probably get away with a 2-channel setup for now and forgo the center. Just run your system as a phantom center and spend the money saved on a sub. I'm doing that right now in my bedroom, don't even notice the center channel is missing.

 

[j_garcia]

The difference between the X-CS and X-LS is more drivers obviously, which translates into a little more sensitivity so you get a little more output for the same wattage input. In a room that size, three X-LSs should be perfectly fine up front.

 

[iamnotaparkbenc]

oh wow, thanks guys.

Hm...I guess for now, I will try to find a store that allow me to listen to the X-ls, and just forget about the center for now. But in the future when I decide to get the Center Channel, It will be better if I get the X-Cs instead of other brands right?

For the sub, do you guys have any recommendation? I had many brands recommended to me, such as Mirage, HSU, SVS, and some others, but how can I tell if a sub is good or not though, is it also subjective like the speakers? or there is some information I should know before I look for subs?

Out of curiosity, how does ONIX compare with other brands like JBL, PolkAudio, Klipsch, etc? because ONIX seem to be cheaper than the others. Kinda make me wonder if I should save my money and go for a higher level speakers?

Does anyone know any good audio stores in LA area?

I know I asked a lot of questions guys. I appreciate all the helps you guys give me.

 

[j_garcia]

For the price, there is nothing from JBL, Polk or Klipsch that I have heard that will beat these speakers. That doesn't mean you won't like any of those, just my personal opinion.

These particular speakers are sold direct, so you won't find any stores that carry Onix, AFAIK. You CAN get a pair of X-LS for 30 days risk free, meaning if you aren't happy with them, they will refund everything to you and pay shipping both ways. The price is lower, but don't let that make you think you are getting less speakers for that money. They aren't perfect speakers, but as a starter set, I think they are an excellent choice.

 

[Matt34]

oh wow, thanks guys.

Hm...I guess for now, I will try to find a store that allow me to listen to the X-ls, and just forget about the center for now. But in the future when I decide to get the Center Channel, It will be better if I get the X-Cs instead of other brands right?
You won't find the Onix speakers in store, they are a internet direct company only. They do, however have a 30-day(risk free I believe?) trial period. Meaning it will cost you nothing to try them out.

For the sub, do you guys have any recommendation? I had many brands recommended to me, such as Mirage, HSU, SVS, and some others, but how can I tell if a sub is good or not though, is it also subjective like the speakers? or there is some information I should know before I look for subs?

For budget subs also include in that list the BIC H-100 and Elemental Designs new line of home subwoofers.

Out of curiosity, how does ONIX compare with other brands like JBL, PolkAudio, Klipsch, etc? because ONIX seem to be cheaper than the others. Kinda make me wonder if I should save my money and go for a higher level speakers?

Onix is able to sell at a lower price due to the elimination of the "middle man" and sell the speakers direct from the factory.

Does anyone know any good audio stores in LA area?

I know I asked a lot of questions guys. I appreciate all the helps you guys give me.

Now saying all that, don't get wrapped up on the Onix speakers. Do yourself a favor and go to the stores in your area and try out different speakers in your budget, you may just find a speaker that "do it" for you.

-dang you JG

 

[iamnotaparkbenc]

Yeah, I am planning on doing just that. Test driving all the speakers that I can find in the local stores.

Now, is there anything I need to know before I buy a sub? is there any indications of whether a sub is good or not? or I just have to try my luck and buy one and see how I like it?

I have decided that my budget would be around $1000 but negotiable, if the total price are out of my range, I would buy what components I can afford and wait until the next time I can afford the rest.

Thank you guys