Any recommendations for a matching center speaker for the Epos Epic 2's ...

[Ponzio]

... besides the M8i or the previous series model, the ELS 3C? Obviously if you own a pair of Epic 1 or 5’s I welcome your input also.

I currently can't afford the M8i ($439 + ??? shipping, used on Amazon) right now and the ELS 3C doesn't often come to market.

I've tried matching them up with a PSB Alpha series model (too laid back). On a positive note it worked perfectly with the Alpha's in the kitchen but my beloved wanted no parts of a 2.1 in there, even though I put a TV in there for her, as she requested. So now I'm hoping to sell it to plow back the money for other goodies (Topping amp). I also purchased an Energy RC-Mini-C (not bad but the 2's overwhelm it). I'm keeping that and I'm on the lookout for the matching bookshelves. It's a rock solid little puppy ... and I mean little ... and puts out a great sound, relative to its size.

The best match I've come up with so far has been my Polk CS2. Great for dialogue but the timbre/tone is off kilter to the 2's. I know; I'm probably pissing in the wind.

I was thinking maybe a Wharfdale model but I’m not a fan of their laid-back sound. I don't know. I guess I should just save my money and hang tight till I can afford the M8i model but with my daughter’s wedding and the possibility of starting to build our retirement home coming up this year, it's looking more & more distant.

BTW I contacted Epos and they were useless as shite, as the Brit’s say. Their rep in a response stated that they currently don’t have a matching series center for the Epic 2’s and to contact my sales vendor for a recommendation, which I plan on doing this week. He also stated that “We don’t get any exposure to other brands so I’m unable to advise you.” Really Sunshine? You don’t listen to what your competitors are producing? Either he’s lying or living a very insular life.

So whad’ya think?

 

[j_garcia]

I was considering these when they were selling for such a great price but the lack of a matching center was one of the things that held me back. ELS-C may or may not blend well with them perfectly either, but probably better than the CS2. For a brand like them, I'm not surprised at their response about other manufacturers. Perhaps try looking for a single or used pair of Epic 1s or call them back and see if they'll sell you a single 1 or 2?

 

[psbfan9]

Have you considered playing with the toe in to try a 'phantom' center?

For some reason this came to mind,
Cambridge Audio - Aero 5 - Center Channel Speaker-Audio Advisor

AudioAdvisor is a great company to work with. They used to be an authorized Epos dealer, maybe you could call and ask what they think would be the best match.

Epos has the Elan 20c, but it looks like it may be $800.00.

+1 for what John said about trying to find a single Epic 2.

 

[Ponzio]

I was considering these when they were selling for such a great price but the lack of a matching center was one of the things that held me back. ELS-C may or may not blend well with them perfectly either, but probably better than the CS2. For a brand like them, I'm not surprised at their response about other manufacturers. Perhaps try looking for a single or used pair of Epic 1s or call them back and see if they'll sell you a single 1 or 2?

In hindsight I was a moron. I assumed there was a matching center that I could purchase down the line.

Things got hectic this afternoon and I never got a chance to call Music Direct. I'm going to give them a buzz tomorrow. I doubt MD is going to sell a single Epic 1 or 2 but I'm hoping to plant an idea in their head that if someone returns a set of 1 or 2's with a single unit defective, maybe we could talk turkey. As a teacher told me once and I have found to be true, there is no such thing as a dumb question, only stupid answers. What's the worst that can happen? They say no. Big deal, I'll survive the embarrassment.

 

[Ponzio]

Have you considered playing with the toe in to try a 'phantom' center?

For some reason this came to mind,
Cambridge Audio - Aero 5 - Center Channel Speaker-Audio Advisor

AudioAdvisor is a great company to work with. They used to be an authorized Epos dealer, maybe you could call and ask what they think would be the best match.

Epos has the Elan 20c, but it looks like it may be $800.00.

+1 for what John said about trying to find a single Epic 2.

They're already toed in about 10 degrees and they sound o.k. with the stereo "phantom" effect but you're not really going to get a true center's realism. Thanks for the heads up on AudioAdvisor. I'll give them a call tomorrow too. Any reason why you're recommending the Cambridge Audio model?

is right about the Elan 20c model, especially for a 3rd sound room.

 

[Ponzio]

Contacted AudioAdvisor, per psbfan9 suggestion and the sales rep recommended the Monitor Audio Bronze BX center ($300), a mostly aluminum-manganese drivers unit. Being that the Epic2’s are “soft dome with high-temperature voice coil, ferrofluid cooling and neodymium magnet system” and the bass/mid-range drivers are a “polypropylene cone” I discounted his advice and then looked closer at psbfan9’s recommendation, the Cambridge Audio Aero 5 ($400). The specs added up and the driver units material are different but by degrees. The BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator) tweeter technology is an interesting idea compared to soft domes/ribbon/etc. Good read here on Cambridge Audio’s white paper, if you’re interested.
http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/media/bmr_white_paper-1372411331.pdf

… and then it was off to Music Direct. The sales rep (John) was engaging but, like the Epos rep in the UK, wouldn’t commit to a recommendation, even within the existing or older Epos line of center speakers; disconcerting to say the least. BTW the Epic 2’s will not be sold in North America anymore but sales will continue in the rest of the world markets, according to John. I also inquired about the Cambridge Aero 5 but they don’t carry the line and he really didn’t have an opinion, one way or the other.

Back to square one.

 

[Ponzio]

Cambridge Audio rep explaining their BMR technology.

 

[psbfan9]

Any reason why you're recommending the Cambridge Audio model?

is right about the Elan 20c model, especially for a 3rd sound room.

I'm a closet Cambridge Audio fan.

It seemed to be the best match for what you have. Sucks you received less than stellar service from AudioAdvisor. Call back, ask for Joe. Tell him you're interested in the Cambridge, but it's kind of high. Ask what he can do for you. AA is known for giving discounts.

Good luck!

 

[Ponzio]

It seemed to be the best match for what you have.

I'd have to agree. If I decide to pull the trigger, I'll be sure to take your advice on who to ask for at AA.

Thanks again.

 

[zieglj01]

Also contact Spearit Sound, they have experience with Epos speakers,
They are a good company
Used, Demos & Specials

Welcome to Spearit Sound

 

[j_garcia]

I was going to recommend HCM Audio also, but they seem to be pushing the Elans right now. Might be worth checking with them though - HCM Audio