Floorstander as center speaker

[M Lo]

Hello All,
I intend to upgrade my center channel and have been thinking about using a floorstand speaker as center. I use a pair of Axiom M80Ti as the main front channels and am leaning towards a third M80Ti as center.
Let me please have your opinion on that.
My current setup is as follows:

Receiver: RX-Z9;
Axiom M80Ti x 2 (main);
KEF Model 100 (center);
Axiom QS8 x 2 (L/R Surr);
Yamaha NS-C105 x 2 (L/R Surr Back);
Yamaha NS-C60 x 2 (L/R Presence);
Mirage BPS-400 (Sub);
Sony VPL-VW10HT (projector)
Kreische WS 106" screen.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Regards,

M Lo

 

[WmAx]

Hello All,
I intend to upgrade my center channel and have been thinking about using a floorstand speaker as center. I use a pair of Axiom M80Ti as the main front channels and am leaning towards a third M80Ti as center.

In fact, using a speaker that is identical to the Left and Right channels for the Center channel is optimal. However, most installations can not facilitate such a setup. If you can manage such a setup, then it is highly recommended.

-Chris

 

[mulester7]

Hello All,
I intend to upgrade my center channel and have been thinking about using a floorstand speaker as center. I use a pair of Axiom M80Ti as the main front channels and am leaning towards a third M80Ti as center.

.....could be too much of a match, M Lo....you're upgrading from a KEF center....doesn't Axiom make a center they think would sound the best with Axiom M80Ti's, and named the center in the same line?....I'd keep apples, apples.....

 

[Nick250]

In principle it seems like a good idea, the only question IMO is how and where would you place it? Thats the fly in the ointment as far as I can see. A big fly too.

 

[M Lo]

Hi Nick250, Mulester7 and WmAx,
I have the pair of M80Ti tucked inside a fake (plaster) wall, which was an idea I had and I deliberately built it by the front window (so I could hide the speakers). This wall is also wright underneath the motorized screen case, which is hidden by a fake ceiling (plaster, again). The pair of mains fits well under the screen when it is lowered when I turn the projector on and it will be possible for me to open a new place at the center of the wall for the third M80Ti, if you see what I mean.
I can always move the speakers out of their places whenever I want to enjoy music and movies and put them back in when I am done.

Regards,

M Lo

 

[Sheep]

Your not the first to do this...


http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_3/onix-rocket-rs850-speakers-8-2005.html


This is an all tower set up. If the tower sits in the middle, and is not obstructed by the screen, it willl work.

SheepStar

 

[MACCA350]

I did this about a year ago with my front towers, and now I'd never use a smaller or different center channel from my mains. I have the three towers up the front with the 100" fixed screen directly above them(which leaves only about 2" clearance to the ceiling). If you have room and budget for this, do it, you wont regret it

 

[jaxvon]

Just remember that the M80Ti speakers are rear ported, so you need to account for this before shoving them into a little opening.

 

[Sheep]

Just remember that the M80Ti speakers are rear ported, so you need to account for this before shoving them into a little opening.

I believe he puts them there when not in use.


SheepStar

 

[jcPanny]

If the center M80 would be partially coverd by the screen, they make "acoustically transparent" projection screens for this purpose.

 

[M Lo]

"I believe he puts them there when not in use."
Yeap Sheep,

As I said before, I can move them out of their places when in use and hide them back in the wall afterwards.


"Just remember that the M80Ti speakers are rear ported, so you need to account for this before shoving them into a little opening."

Jaxvon,
Please read above.


"If the center M80 would be partially coverd by the screen, they make "acoustically transparent" projection screens for this purpose."

JcPanny,
It will not be necessary to change screen as the L/R towers fit well under my current one.