Another EMP question

[gambini]

Based on the positive reviews, I'm seriously considering the EMP E55Ti speakers. My main concern is the E5Ci center channel. I want to replace my main speakers for music, but my wife is more concerned with replacing the center channel for movies. So, I really want the center channel speaker to shine. I've auditioned, and like, the Paradigm center channel speakers from both the monitor and studio series. Can any of you EMP owners tell me how the E5Ci stacks up against the Paradigm center channels (probably the cc-290)?

 

[GranteedEV]

When it comes to a center channel, I think the e5ci is great - HOWEVER - it's a horizonal MTM design, which means that it may not sound ideal as you get horizontally away from the tv. with that said, my favorite spot is awful - probably 45 degrees from the center and very un-ideal and i've never had an issue with clarity, maybe a bit of tonal difference from the mains at this position i'm sitting in right now but that's about it. Why I love this spot is hard to describe... there's a love seat perpendicular to the television that i lean back on and use as a headrest which also aims my head up. the TV's mounted a bit high and down so it works perfectly. THe stereo sweetspot(s) over on the other coach are nice and all, but this one right here has a special place in my heart.

The CC-290 on paper will probably be relatively better off axis for people sitting diagonal to the TV by virtue of its design. I can't say whether it's a better on-axis speaker though.

With all that said, the Aperion 5C (and the matching 5Ts) is also one I would consider.

 

[Swerd]

When it comes to a center channel, I think the e5ci is great - HOWEVER - it's a horizonal MTM design, which means that it may not sound ideal as you get horizontally away from the tv…

About a year ago Gene examined this issue, and showed clearly that this is not as big a problem as most people make it out to be. Under the conditions that most people use them, horizontal MTM speakers used as center channel speakers work well.

Based on the positive reviews, I'm seriously considering the EMP E55Ti speakers. My main concern is the E5Ci center channel. I want to replace my main speakers for music, but my wife is more concerned with replacing the center channel for movies. So, I really want the center channel speaker to shine. I've auditioned, and like, the Paradigm center channel speakers from both the monitor and studio series. Can any of you EMP owners tell me how the E5Ci stacks up against the Paradigm center channels (probably the cc-290)?

What speakers do you now have, and what is wrong with your center channel now? It always helps to know what you now are used to hearing.

I've heard the E5Ti towers and the E5Bi bookshelf speakers, and I think they are very good for their price. I've not listened to the E5Ci center speaker, but it seems to have similar drivers and is probably similar sounding. It should do voices and dialog very well.

I don't know the price of the Parasound CC-290, but it might be much more than the E5Ci.

 

[gambini]

With all that said, the Aperion 5C (and the matching 5Ts) is also one I would consider.

It's funny you mention that, I was just looking at those speakers last night. I really like the idea of a 3 way center channel like the 5C or CC-290 (maybe the cc-190, also 3 way, is a better comparator to the E5Ci). I had decided I liked the E55Ti's better than the 5T's, but the center channel definitely sways things a bit.

 

[gambini]

Center Channel

About a year ago Gene examined this issue, and showed clearly that this is not as big a problem as most people make it out to be. Under the conditions that most people use them, horizontal MTM speakers used as center channel speakers work well.

A very interesting article. Of course the statement "The only way of knowing which design is inherently superior in this respect is to do a side by side comparison" is a bit of a challenge with online dealers, but it gives me more to think about.

What speakers do you now have, and what is wrong with your center channel now? It always helps to know what you now are used to hearing.

My current speakers are Infinity Studio Monitors from the early 90's. Perhaps more importantly, the center has it's own shelf that is 50"x8"x20". I've pulled the speaker as far forward as possible, but I'm sure there are still issues, especially with a rear ported center. The issue has been clarity in dialog. We often have to turn up during dialog and down during action scenes.

 

[Swerd]

My current speakers are Infinity Studio Monitors from the early 90's. Perhaps more importantly, the center has it's own shelf that is 50"x8"x20". I've pulled the speaker as far forward as possible, but I'm sure there are still issues, especially with a rear ported center. The issue has been clarity in dialog. We often have to turn up during dialog and down during action scenes.

At the risk of sounding like Capt. Obvious , this seems like a classic case of unbalanced channels. Your left & right speakers may just be louder than your center speaker. When was the last time you balanced the sound levels coming out of all the channels in your HT system? Often people refer to this as "calibrating" their system, but it isn't really that complicated.

If you have an older HT receiver, you need a sound pressure level meter (Radio Shack sells them) to adjust all the channels to the same volume. I find it works much better with the SPL meter than to do it by ear. Newer HT receivers have various ways to do this automatically, but with varying success.

 

[eddie]

How About a Professional Review?

http://www.affordableaudio.org/aa2010-03.pdf
They seem to be very positive about the E5Ci.

 

[gambini]

At the risk of sounding like Capt. Obvious , this seems like a classic case of unbalanced channels. Your left & right speakers may just be louder than your center speaker. When was the last time you balanced the sound levels coming out of all the channels in your HT system? Often people refer to this as "calibrating" their system, but it isn't really that complicated.

If you have an older HT receiver, you need a sound pressure level meter (Radio Shack sells them) to adjust all the channels to the same volume. I find it works much better with the SPL meter than to do it by ear. Newer HT receivers have various ways to do this automatically, but with varying success.

To give a bit of background, I recently replaced my 18yo Yamaha HT receiver with an Onkyo HT-RC270. I have set up the speakers using audysee and have checked the sound pressure using a meter and test tone from my Chesky stereo setup disc. That's how I got into this whole dilemma. My main speakers don't have the same dynamic range they once had, so I'm looking to replace the set. As I'm writing this I realize that I haven't looked at my center channel alone using a test tone. I bet there are some interesting bumps in the cure because of the cabinet placement.

 

[Swerd]

To give a bit of background, I recently replaced my 18yo Yamaha HT receiver with an Onkyo HT-RC270. I have set up the speakers using audysee and have checked the sound pressure using a meter and test tone from my Chesky stereo setup disc. That's how I got into this whole dilemma. My main speakers don't have the same dynamic range they once had, so I'm looking to replace the set. As I'm writing this I realize that I haven't looked at my center channel alone using a test tone. I bet there are some interesting bumps in the cure because of the cabinet placement.

Audyssey has been known to get it wrong sometimes. Double check the loudness of all your speakers with the meter. Maybe your center channel needs to be louder.

The placement of your center speaker might have an effect on mid and lower bass, but should have little effect on voices.

But don't let anything I say talk you out of shopping for new speakers .

 

[gambini]

But don't let anything I say talk you out of shopping for new speakers .

Now we understand eachother...
But what I really want is the SongTowers! Even more after reading your review.
In all seriousness, I really do need to replace the towers, so the center will need to go as well. The #1 request from my family in the new speaker set is a good quality center channel.

 

[KEW]

http://www.affordableaudio.org/aa2010-03.pdf
They seem to be very positive about the E5Ci.

Those guys sure do like the cable reviews, but I guess we can infer something from the accolades they directed to the center speaker.

 

[gene]

Here is our official review of the EMP E55Ti Towers

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/emptek-e55ti