Center to match the rest...

[so_cal_forever]

So my system (very budget minded) will most likely consist of 2 x Fluance AV-F3 in the front, and 2 of the same in the rear (if my budget allows, I MIGHT get SM-938s for the fronts and use the AV-F3s as the rears). I'm puzzled on what to do for a center channel. Fluance's seperate offering doesnt look too enticing, and there's no other center offered in their product range. So, I need some ideas for a low cost, $150 at max center channel. So far my two thoughts are the Wharfedale Crystal Center or the Wharfedale Diamond 8 center. The first is poly like the woofers of the speakers, so it'd most likely be a better match for the sound. The second uses kevlar woofers, which would possibly be too different a response. However, I've always been told to pay attention to the center channel, because it's pretty much the most key speaker in the system.

So, will the Diamond 8 center be too much of a deviation in sound? Should I look at other centers, and if so, which ones?

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

If HT is your priority, then I'd start your shopping with the Center Channel, rather than the fronts and surrounds. Find a decent center in that range and then see if you like the towers or bookselves that are in the same class as the center. That may be an easier approach. I don't like mixing brands (other than sub). I'll upgrade my rear surrounds with my front klipsches when I'm able....the polks just sound too different.....the timber difference is noticable and doesnt come close to matching.


Just remember that your center is your most important piece for HT (think dialogue) and you'll want to round up every dollar you can and build your system around that. You could always start with your front three and save for your surrounds later (like me...lol)

 

[so_cal_forever]

Being completely honest, this system will see as much music (if not more) as it does movies and games. Vocal clarity IS something I want, and I'm still hung on the Diamond 8 Center, but I'm not so sure using a center with kevlar midbasses would define it away from the rest of the system.

 

[shokhead]

Being completely honest, this system will see as much music (if not more) as it does movies and games. Vocal clarity IS something I want, and I'm still hung on the Diamond 8 Center, but I'm not so sure using a center with kevlar midbasses would define it away from the rest of the system.

I'd try real hard to keep the 3 fronts same brand . Heck go 5X AV-F3's

 

[Xsound]

Is there a particular reason you would't consider the Diamond 8's for the whole system? If any of your system is going to match, the front 3 are the most crucial. The surrounds are much less significant. Also, the sound of the tweeter is probably going to be the biggest difficulty in timbre matching.

 

[runninkyle17]

If you haven't already bought your speakers there are some good prices on Athena speakers on eBay. There is an AS-C1 center for $140 shipped which is a pretty good price. I have heard these speakers in person and they are very nice for music, but will work very well for HT too. Just my two cents.

 

[so_cal_forever]

Is there a particular reason you would't consider the Diamond 8's for the whole system? If any of your system is going to match, the front 3 are the most crucial. The surrounds are much less significant. Also, the sound of the tweeter is probably going to be the biggest difficulty in timbre matching.

Simply price. I'd love to go Diamond 8 for the whole setup, but I'm pretty much set on floorstanders for a few reasons. Dissapointing, because the Diamond 8 series is already budget-minded, but I'm on a strict budget and have the itch for something new.

 

[shokhead]

Audioadvisor has Energy C3 speakers on sale for $75 a pair. 4 wont break the bank and from what others have said,an ok speaker.

 

[so_cal_forever]

Say I tried to go with Diamonds for my setup, they're 6 ohm speakers and my receiver ends at 8 ohms. Are the diamonds efficient enough to not be a problem with my receiver (Onkyo TX-SR302)?

 

[so_cal_forever]

Well, after a little research and thinking, I've decided that I'll be going with a full 5.1 Diamond 8 system (or something else, you never know), since the bang/buck ratio on these speakers seems great. Might take me a little longer to get the full system, but it'll be worth it.

Thanks for your help, everyone.