Center Channel - Klipsch vs Polk audio

[vikky_25]

Hi Guys,

I'm needing an expert advice regarding selection of a center channel speaker for my 5.1 Sony Home theater System.
sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10551&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665360000

My receiver's output to center channel is 135 W RMS.

I've narrowed down my choices to:
Klipsch Synergy C-1 Center Channel Speaker
amazon.com/Klipsch-Synergy-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/tech-data/B000M5GALG/ref=de_a_smtd

Polk Audio RM8 Center Channel Speaker
amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/tech-data/B000ZKUYEC/ref=de_a_smtd

I haven't seen any good comparisons between these two on net. I've to make my decision quickly. Please suggest me the best out the two.

Thanks.

 

[jnelson88]

Be careful with that system, those specs are rated at 6ohms, for the speakers and the receiver. The Klipsch Synergy C-1 is rated at 50w continuous 200w max. The Polk RM8 is 20w-125w. Both are rated at 8ohms. I'm cautioning you, and both are good brands and you cannot go wrong with either, of course I'm biased, I would go with klipsch myself, but that is me.

 

[vikky_25]

Thanks jnelson88.

Will there be any impact of combining 8 ohms speaker with 6 ohms receiver? Can you please explain if there will be any sound quality decrease or not good for receiver?

 

[corey]

Don't worry about the 8/6 ohm thing.
Do worry about matching your front 3 speakers.

Between the 2 centers you list, I'd go with the Klipsch for 2 reasons:
Larger drivers
More efficient

 

[vikky_25]

I'm going with Klipsch.

So far I have been running my receiver with default settings for all 5 channels. What would an ideal dB level settings for 5 speakers and woofer? I use this in my living room 12 feet wide * 20 feet long.

 

[zieglj01]

I'm going with Klipsch.

So far I have been running my receiver with default settings for all 5 channels. What would an ideal dB level settings for 5 speakers and woofer? I use this in my living room 12 feet wide * 20 feet long.

The Klipsch and Sony are not a good match.

 

[dkane360]

Either of those and sony arent a good match. You should match your front 3 speakers.

 

[GlocksRock]

I like both Klipsch and Polk, but I'm not a fan of the Synyergy line from Klipsch, so I would probably opt for the Polk in this case, but just try to keep your fronts matched as much as possible.

 

[GranteedEV]

Between those two, I'd go with the Polk.

Actually, with that budget I'd probably take some weekend time off and make one (or three) of these:

http://www.zaphaudio.com/audio-speaker18.html

In your case the filter might even be unecessary to get a sound quality improvement... you could literally plop the driver into a box and probably get better SQ.

 

[GranteedEV]

Between those two, I'd go with the Polk, I don't think the klipsch would sound anything like the tiny sony satellites. On that note, I don't think the Polk will either. Nor will many other speakers... you should really have decent, similar speakers for all 3 of your fronts... I think the difference between a proper center channel and a tiny satellite will be readily audible and irritating. If you're not pairing the center with the sony satellites, and already have a pair of fronts, then I'd like to know what you're running as your fronts.

...Actually, with that budget I'd probably take some weekend time off and make one (or three) of these:
http://www.zaphaudio.com/audio-speaker18.html

 

[jnelson88]

I'm going with Klipsch.

So far I have been running my receiver with default settings for all 5 channels. What would an ideal dB level settings for 5 speakers and woofer? I use this in my living room 12 feet wide * 20 feet long.

Try and demo the speakers then go with what sounds good. As far as your settings, its all in what sounds good to you. Try getting a tunning dvd.