Center speaker advice, please

[ChrisJam]

Hi,

I'd like to get a decent center channel speaker to go with this sytem:

Yamaha HTR-5280 amp (equivalent to the RX-V800)
Eosone RSF-200 main speakers (bookshelves, 48-20,000 Hz)
Yamaha sub YST-SW315 (20-160 Hz)
No surrounds yet, though I'm shopping


I have to say that I love my Eosone mains, and would like a center that matches them in tone. I'm considering

• A used Eosone 300 center speaker. OK, this is a no-brainer for the matching, but can I do better with something below?

•*Jamo Center 100, used. Note that this is the old Jamo 100 with the permanent metal grill, not the Center 100 mkII. I can buy it locally for $40.

•*Infinity Primus C25, new. Recommended to me to go with the Eosones.

•*Sony SSVS7ED, three new speakers and two stands (two surrounds and a center) for $199.00:

Overall Sony SSVS7ED description:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/548499710

Sony SSVS7ED Specs:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/548499710


I have to say that I'm intrigued by the Sonys. I could get three speakers for $199 at Vann's (with free shipping), and complete my set-up, using the three for center and surrounds.

But I'm skeptical about these speakers: they seem too good to be true. Though they offer a 40-70,000 Hz range and can take 170 watts of power (my amp can send 100 watts per channel), do they sound good? I hope someone in this forum has heard them.

Is it possible for these Sony speakers to offer this frequency range and yet sound thin, somehow? I've read that for home theater use, a good center speaker is important. In spite of the impressive specs, would these small Sonys (3-inch woofers and 3.75" x 14.63" x 4.75") disappoint in my home theater set-up?

More info about the Sonys: I called Vann's and a salesman told me that these are speakers that have been sold for a few years, mostly in Europe. Vann's got a deal on a bunch of new ones and can sell them with the full Sony warranty. There's no way I can hear them befoe buying. What do you think?

The used speakers are, of course, relatively inexpensive, as is the 3-speaker set of Sonys. I don't want to spend more than $150 for my center. I know that that narrows my choices substantially.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[j_garcia]

Stick with the matching center or upgrade all 3 fronts and use the Eosones as surrounds. I'd skip the Sonys.

 

[chaos24]

Stick with the matching center or upgrade all 3 fronts and use the Eosones as surrounds. I'd skip the Sonys.

I agree...Sony is not known for their speakers. The most important timbre match is your 3 fronts.

 

[Jack N]

I have an Eosone 300 that I've had stowed away for years. I honesty don't remember if it has any scratches or not, but it should be in pretty good shape. I know it worked fine the last time I used it. If you're interested, send me an email with an offer. I could send you some pics too if you like.

 

[ChrisJam]

J_garcia, I'd like to upgrade the mains one day, but will wait till we have a bigger house. I could fit some thin floor-standing speakers in our living room, but with everything else in there right now, the room would start looking crowded. My 200s would make good surrounds, for sure. And I'll take the advice that chaos24 and you gave me to try to match my mains. I'll forget about the Sonys.

Jack N, thanks for the offer. There's an Eosone center I've been talking to a fellow about. If that falls through (I'll know by the middle of next week), I'll drop you a message. I appreciate the offer to send some photos, but before I put you to any trouble, let me see what happens with the other center.

Thanks again,
Chris