Choosing a center channel

[RodHQ]

Hey guys, so I've been using a pair of RP 600m for a couple weeks. So far, I'm loving them, and I'm starting to think about the next pieces in the puzzle. I'm not sure if I should gor for the sub first or the center. I have a set of HT in a box hand me down speakers, so I was thinking the sub could wait a bit more, and I would go for the center (timbre matching really does makes or break the effect). So I checked Klipsch's center channels in the RP line, and there's 5 different ones (2 basic models: 4 drivers, 1 center horn or 2 drivers, 1 center horn. Divided into different sizes)

So basically the question is: What's the difference? How do I choose between all 5? (besides budget)

Also, while I'm here, my dealer is selling of a pair of R-15M from his old show room, would these work fine for the surrounds? I know the surrounds don't really matter *that* much, the HT in a box ones are doing just fine for now

For refrence: https://www.klipsch.com/reference-premiere-series

 

[ryanosaur]

It's been said that Klipsch centers don't perform very well and are known to have clarity issues. 2-way Centers, in general, are known to have uneven off-axis dispersion due to the layout of the drivers (read about Lobing).
In terms of sticking within the Big-K ecosystem, I can't really give you a recommendation. (Which is to say, my rec would be contrary to what you may want to hear. *shrugs)

Protect yourself and make certain you can get one to try in-home with a return policy that will cost nothing or have minimal stocking/shipping charges associated (like Crutchfield).

Otherwise, return the 600s and start over with a different brand. JBL Studio 5 series are very popular and can be had on sale for a great price. One friend here replaced his RP 8000s With Studio 590s: though he said he missed the impact of the Klipsch, he also admitted the 590s were much better speakers with more accurate SQ.

Just my 2¢.

 

[lovinthehd]

Can you fit a third RP600M for center in its normal position? Three of the same across the front is a good way to go....

 

[RodHQ]

@ryanosaur thanks for the imput, it's always apreciated, but I would like to keep the 600m, even if it means going for a different brand center

@lovinthehd Getting a third 600m to use as a center is something I have considered. My current setup doesn't allow it, but I don't plan on staying here for long, so I haven't discarded that option (I suppose I could just find a different place for my turntable lol)

 

[Pogre]

Can you fit a third RP600M for center in its normal position? Three of the same across the front is a good way to go....

That's exactly what I was thinking! You can't get a better timbre match than that.

Also... I'd be looking into subwoofage first, and it wouldn't be Klipsch. Klipsch can make some good speakers, but for the most part their subs leave a lot to be desired. Matching subs with speakers is not necessary and in fact a lot of us don't. SVS, HSU, PSA, Monoprice and Rythmik are all great subwoofer companies. I think you get the most bang for buck with HSU, but SVS is also on my short list. They're a bit more pricey but they sure do look nice and perform incredibly. Unparalleled customer support with SVS too. Once you get into their ecosystem it's tough to get out!

You could take a look at SVS' Ultra speakers too, if you ever consider trying something else. 45 day free trial period with them and they'll pay the shipping if you decide to not keep. Totally risk free. I have Ultras and I love them. I prefer them over the Klipsch speakers I've auditioned.

 

[lovinthehd]

Might need to know more about his situation for 3.0 vs 2.1....but generally I'd also go 2.1.

 

[RodHQ]

Technically I do have a sub, from the HT in a box. I suppose I don't really feel the need to upgrade that one first because I'm not used to a *good* sub. And yeah, I wasn't planing on going with Klipsh for that, one of the first thing I learned is "Don't buy subs from a speaker company, buy subs from a sub comapany"

But the center channel is really obvious when listening to the crappy one I have, I actually find myself turning it off sometimes and just going with 4.1 since I'ts really just me most of the time

 

[Pogre]

Technically I do have a sub, from the HT in a box. I suppose I don't really feel the need to upgrade that one first because I'm not used to a *good* sub. And yeah, I wasn't planing on going with Klipsh for that, one of the first thing I learned is "Don't buy subs from a speaker company, buy subs from a sub comapany"

But the center channel is really obvious when listening to the crappy one I have, I actually find myself turning it off sometimes and just going with 4.1 since I'ts really just me most of the time

Once you experience a real, *good* sub you'll completely understand and I can almost guarantee you you'll be shocked at the difference. Good subs do more than just add bass and thump. Properly set up and balanced a good sub can have a way of cleaning up the entire system. Cheap or undersized subs add more distortion than folks tend to realize, and it's not as easy to hear as it is with higher frequencies. I didn't even realize I was hearing it until it was gone. My experience was, everything was cleaner, clearer and there was texture to my bass I'd never heard before. Subtle texture, not boom and bombast. Nice and clean. It made all of my music new again!

You just gotta get over that hurdle. I resisted the same suggestion but finally gave in and now I know what I was missing the whole time.

 

[lovinthehd]

Technically I do have a sub, from the HT in a box. I suppose I don't really feel the need to upgrade that one first because I'm not used to a *good* sub. And yeah, I wasn't planing on going with Klipsh for that, one of the first thing I learned is "Don't buy subs from a speaker company, buy subs from a sub comapany"

But the center channel is really obvious when listening to the crappy one I have, I actually find myself turning it off sometimes and just going with 4.1 since I'ts really just me most of the time

Is it at least an active sub to use with normal gear? Some HTIBs had only the passive sub.... (nm you said 4.1)

Yeah I'd move the turntable....

 

[Pogre]

But the center channel is really obvious when listening to the crappy one I have, I actually find myself turning it off sometimes and just going with 4.1 since I'ts really just me most of the time

Yes, you have that option of going 4.1, which still gives you all of the center info a la phantom mode. There's nothing wrong with going that route until you do eventually get a new center. A new sub however, would give you an immediate sonic upgrade and would be a lot more impactful than a new center. When I switch between my center channel and phantom mode I can barely tell the difference because my speakers are timbre matched. If you were to replace my subs with smaller, cheaper ones the negative effect would be huge and immediate.

 

[RodHQ]

Is it at least an active sub to use with normal gear? Some HTIBs had only the passive sub.... (nm you said 4.1)

Yeah I'd move the turntable....

Yes, it's active, I also have a passive one lying around, but my reciever doesn't have an input for it

You guys are making me reconsider going for the sub first. Really the main reason I was thinking going for one is to avoid going off center, but considering that if I do have people over they probably wouldn't even notice, maybe those extra dollars are better spent on the sub for now

 

[lovinthehd]

I do like a center myself, but a phantom center could well be worth a poor one. But if your tt is in the way....or poorly positioned then the speaker may not be the only issue....

 

[Pogre]

I do like a center myself, but a phantom center could well be worth a poor one. But if your tt is in the way....or poorly positioned then the speaker may not be the only issue....

I do too, but given a choice for an upgrade path I like the sub option before a new center. As you point out tho, we might have a couple other little issues to address first.

 

[RodHQ]

For sure my layout isn't optimal, I'm in a rental, one I moved into *before* I started reading up on sound systems, and before I had bought any components. But I am planing to move soon and I'm planing to have a dedicated listening room (I'm in my bedroom right now lol)