I recently began searching for a new center speaker for my home theater. My reason for changing is I want something smaller (physically) that will still generate plenty of output. After looking around a bit I came across the BG Radia CC-400. A wall mount would be perfect (mounted under the screen). Doesn't just solve the size issue, it removes the issue altogether.
Information on this speaker is minimal. I hear comments that its a very good speaker and have seen several installs (big $$$ ones) on the web. But have really not communicated with anyone who really knows about them.
There is a used one for sale on Audiogon. And during an information search, I stumbled across a new in the box CC-400 on E-bay for a ridiculous price, so I just bought it. Should be here by the weekend.
But I still would like to hear from those with direct experience listening to one. Thanks for any and all info you can provide.
First off, this is a fan-effing-tastic center. period. end of story. I have either owned or demo'd just about every (worthwhile) high-end center speaker, and the CC400 is the king of all kings. BG has a new CC500 coming out soon that will be the new "ultimate" center, to go with the updated LA-800's.
I actually have two brand new LA-800's and a CC220, but will be installing the CC400 next week. My dealer has two CC400's stacked behind his massive screen, and it's amazind- but so are the six LA-800's around the room, and four BGX subs. crazy.
Anyway, this speaker will only sound as good as:
A: your source
B: your amplification (run at least a high-current reference 100w to this speaker, I'd prefer 200w. I will be running mine with a Theta Intrepid (125w) initially and later on an ATI 3007 (300w). The dual-gap 8" woofers like to have some power. Run it full range or x it over around 50hz. If your backbox is small, x it over at 80hz.
C: installation- this is the most important part. Don't just cut a hole in the wall and pop it in. Either buy the $200 CC400 back box (made of aluminum, google it- order it directly from BG or your dealer) and use the back box for inwall install. Note that the back box uses the thickness of your drywall for it's face before inserting speaker (or a ring cut out of mdf), read the backbox install manual (google it and it's on the BG website).
ideally, build a suitable backbox/inwall enclosure out of 3/4" mdf- the closer you can get the box internal volume to 2.89 cubic feet, the better the woofers will play down to 20hz. the smaller the box, the higher the woofer rolloff. These are the same woofers as in the LA800's, and with my 2.89 custom back boxes, I am getting a solid in-room response down to 16hz.
Anyway- good luck. you picked a winner. this center will work with pretty much any high end L/R speakers so no worries- but, it will embarrass lesser main speakers. don't forget the key is the install! build a solid box or buy the BG back box. If you build a box, the internal depth clearance needs to be 4.1". Internal height can be 14" and length can be anything at least 2" longer than the speaker itself. The longer / deeper / wider you make it, the more you'll increase box volume to the ideal 2.89 cu ft.
Use a ratio of 30% poly fill inside the box - essentially 1.5lbs of polyfill to each cubic ft of box volume. even with a smaller box, polyfil will help fool the woofers into thinking they are in a slightly larger box, which equals better low end response.
you will need about 40hrs of break in on the speaker. when you watch movies, you will freak out on the level of nuance / detail on dialogue tht you could not hear before.
