center channel question

[perry]

I currently have http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Center-Channel-5-Inch-Speaker/dp/B000EZ764E/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1302138842&sr=1-1.
I am not happy with this center it is not loud or clear at all. If I have the windows open and a car passes by that sound completely drowns out the voices and I can't hear what is said and loud movies when music playing or some kind of action scene drowns out the voices as well. I am looking to get a better center and was wondering if this is better http://www.amazon.com/BIC-FH6-LCR-6-5-Inch-175-Watt-Frequency/dp/B0015A8Y3E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1302115769&sr=8-3. It got a lot of good reviews. I have no way of testing it because the local best buy here does not sell brands like bic america. Could anyone help based off of experience or just knowledge of the specs because I don't know much about what to look for in specs.

 

[miggs29]

Have you calibrated your system to make sure that every speaker is at the same level? You could search around this site to find out how to do it. I once had an issue with lower volume and detail from my center and once I calibrated everything was much better. A simple SPL meter from radio shack did the trick! I would do that before the new purchase.

 

[perry]

i used the audssey mic to calibrate. I have an onkyo tx-sr608

 

[Bismarck]

Checking your system witb an spl meter is a great idea.

I would also ask what speakers and receiver you are running.

One more thing to consider is the placement of your center speaker. Is it close to ear level?

 

[perry]

Checking your system witb an spl meter is a great idea.

I would also ask what speakers and receiver you are running.

One more thing to consider is the placement of your center speaker. Is it close to ear level?

speakers are JBL venue series, receiver onkyo tx-sr608, and the center channel is not ear level by its not too far off from it sits just below the tv on the stand.

 

[jcmccorm]

Try tilting the center speaker up a bit so that it aims directly at your listening position (ear height). That usually helps a bit.

Cary

 

[Midwesthonky]

I recommend giving the previous suggestions a try. When I upgraded to my current configuration, I still didn't care for the sound coming out the center even after using the auto balancing feature and mic on my receiver. So I manually upped the center channel a bit and I am happier as I can hear the dialogue.

Now, I occasionally have a problem where I can't hear my center channel. But I have learned that I may have been an idiot and left it in 2-channel mode.

I have not used an SPL meter. But some movies don't have the center audio as well balanced as I would like. Take the new Sherlock Holmes movie. It's center sound is not as bright as I would like for dialogue purposes and the base is really loud (on my system). So sometime you may have to fudge your system for specific movies. Just my opinion.

 

[Bismarck]

speakers are JBL venue series, receiver onkyo tx-sr608, and the center channel is not ear level by its not too far off from it sits just below the tv on the stand.

I would play around with placement, tilting like another post said, and SPL. Your Onkyo has test tones it can play out of each speaker and you can make sure your center speaker is the same volume level ad the rest of your speakers. Of course, you could purchase a new center speaker but many times the problem isn't actually the speaker.

 

[DD66000]

As you have the center out front there should be no early reflections.
But THAT JBL center does leave much to be desired. That is b/c its a true mtm, with the tweeter mounted on the midrange centerline. All other JBL centers have vertical arrays for the tweeter and midrange. I would suggest getting another JBL center. Either one of the centers from the Studio L series or ES series. Or look for an older center, like the EC35.

 

[LAB3]

If you have tried to use a meter or Auddessy and still not happy. I have a Klipsch RC-62 Reference Series center (sound bar) and it is mounted just above my flatt screen. Horns are super clear and accurate if set up correctly. I see these on that auction site. I purchased mine used several years ago and have been super happy. I am sure there are other brands that are good too ......just saying what works for me.