Finding right center channel and surrounds for JBL 4312A

[munkeeespank]

Greetings Audio Gurus,
I am setting up a second surround 5.1 system in my basement out of some things I am cobbling together. I have a pair of JBL 4312A control monitors and an Epik Empire subwoofer that is en route. I am looking for recommendations for a center channel that would match the JBLs, as from what I have read, that is most important--Is it the case that any JBL center channel speaker would work?

Also, I would be interested in recommendations for bookshelf surrounds, but from what I have read, getting a match is less important. Obviously, from my questions, I am new to the game. I know the JBLs are midrange/mediocre, but I would like to make them work.

I have about 800$ to spend for center and surrounds.



thanks

RC

 

[AVRat]

Getting the front three to match is the main priority. And finding an exact match for the 4312s would be difficult. I would use the JBLs for surrounds and purchase a matched set for the fronts. The Empire should be an awesome sub and cover the below 80 Hz frequencies very well. The Ascend Acoustics CBM-170/CMT-340C can handle more power than the JBLs and perform very well. http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html

We have a resident munkee here so watch out!!! (Alex)

 

[Slare]

Another 4312A would be ideal, of course. Any number of small 6.5" bookshelf along the lines of the 4408 or L20t would work ok.

In terms of modern centers you can buy new, JBL recommends the LC1 or LC2 as the least expensive models to use the 1" pure titanium tweeter. Personally I do not like the LC1.

For used, the EC35 and S-center centers are best of JBL dedicated centers. Even though the EC35 has a smaller laminate dome its dedicated midrange and large enclosure allow it to perform very well. S-centers are also excellent true 3-way centers. There is also an exceptional center PC600 but it is quite unique and does not match well to vintage gear.

If you use a good receiver that has the ability to eq the center/surrounds to match the fronts, you could have good success using a LC2 along with a pair of L820's for surrounds or any of the above.

 

[JJMP50]

I have no problems with the LC1. I'm using it with L830s (L810s as surrounds). According to the JBL owners thread over at AVS the LC1 matches best with the 830s and the LC2 with the 820s both due to their similar cabinet designs. Of course everything depends on your ears (and your room).

 

[Slare]

I've spent time with them all, and the LC1 sounded very dull to me. I attributed it to the lack of a true midrange driver, and that opinion was only bolstered listening to the 35 or s-center.

In terms of matching LC1/L830/L810 yes, that makes sense. None have a midrange, similar crossover points.

Those modern Studio L Series speakers are well built, fine speakers. But they have a different sound than anything from the previous Studio series on back. Heavy in the mid bass and not as bright.

Just my .02.

 

[munkeeespank]

Slare,
thanks for your input. I know this further reflects my ignorance on the matter, but I didn't think that I could use any JBL bookshelf speaker for a center. From the little I read, I thought that center speakers have some "special" qualities for conveying dialogue.

Thanks for the specific recommendations of JBL center speakers--I guess I will be ebaying. Perhaps easier, I think AVRats idea of finding a matched 3 elsewhere and using the JBLs as surround may be the easiest and best solution.

 

[jostenmeat]

Slare,
thanks for your input. I know this further reflects my ignorance on the matter, but I didn't think that I could use any JBL bookshelf speaker for a center. From the little I read, I thought that center speakers have some "special" qualities for conveying dialogue.

No, they don't. If the center speaker is horizontal, then it is an aesthetic compromise, pure and simple. The better designed have a top mounted tweeter (WTMW for instance) or perhaps a coaxial driver, when using the compromised horizontal configuration.

If horizontal orientation was indeed superior, then all of your speakers, or at least the best speakers in the world would be designed that way as well.

The one thing you give up with the bookshelf is output capability since there is only woofer.

Otherwise, with the horizontal MTM, the two woofers playing the identical audio will suffer lobing once you become offaxis (not perfectly straight on). Some educational stuff right here:

http://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/vertical-vs-horizontal-speaker-designs

http://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-speaker