Just got a $300 Amazon Gift Card - Would like to upgrade Center Channel Speaker

[StrawHatRonin]

Hope everyone is having great holidays. Currently have a Def Tech CS-8040HD center which I'm thinking about upgrading with the Amazon gift card. I could chip in $100 to $200 additional funds so looking at $400-$500 on Amazon. Would like to keep it closer to $300 if possible. Current Home Theater usage is mostly games and streaming with some music thrown in on a 5.1 system (RSL CG24 L/R, Kef Q300 surrounds, RSL 12S sub, Onkyo TX-NR7100 (Dirac)). Horizontal space isn't an issue; vertical space is so an additional vertical bookshelf isn't an option. Also not worried about brand mis-match.

I've been reading about the MTM issue with center speakers. Would like to get a 3-way to alleviate the MTM issue but that really limits the selection on Amazon. Basically, the main one I can find is the SVS Prime. A Crutchfield rep recommended the new Elac Debut 3 DC53/DC63 but those are two way. There's also a Magnat Signature 53 3-way on sale at Adorama for $125 that I could just buy and use the gift card form somthing else. Not sure about that brand though. There's also other brands such as Triangle, PSB, Martin Logan, Klipsch (RP-450C) but these are all 2-way in this price range.

Recommendations? The Klipsch RP-450C is a 2.5 way so perhaps that would be better for off axis?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Imho, SVS Prime Center is a much better speaker. Amazon gift cards don't expire and this speaker is often on sale from 299 to 350. Just sent price alarm on site like keepa and wait for your price:

Amazon.com

The chart comes from Keepa.com Firefox/Chrome plug-in
If you're impatient, you could buy it today for $290 from 3rd party seller in "like-new" condition.

 

[Tankini]

@OP, what is it that you don't like about the one you have now. Not loud enough? If so just increase channel level. Or angle it up or move it closer to your seating area. Most CC speaker aren't that great to begin with. A really good CC will run closer to 1K+.

 

[StrawHatRonin]

@OP, what is it that you don't like about the one you have now. Not loud enough? If so just increase channel level. Or angle it up or move it closer to your seating area. Most CC speaker aren't that great to begin with. A really good CC will run closer to 1K+.

I like it ok. Just thinking a 3-way would be an upgrade since the Def Tech is a MTM 2-way. I need to spend that gift card somehow

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I like it ok. Just thinking a 3-way would be an upgrade since the Def Tech is a MTM 2-way. I need to spend that gift card somehow

It doesn’t matter what the design is as long as it sounds good to you. No need to waste money. You can spend $300 card on something else.

 

[Tankini]

Use that free A-money, on movie-blu-ray/music-CD's. Or a really nice Hotdog-Popcorn machine.

Or some really nice speaker cable risers or plants. Or room treatments or..... Spend it on a homeless person. Nothing worse than the itch you can't scratch. That's the thing about free extra scratch huh? En-Joy

 

[Tankini]

I like it ok. Just thinking a 3-way would be an upgrade since the Def Tech is a MTM 2-way. I need to spend that gift card somehow

No need convincing me. My suggestions were subjective. Other than that MTM, anyone who's worth their salt in this hobby, already knows it's a two-way CC. One of the oldest speaker designs. You sure you don't work online or something? Lol

Quote: "I like it ok" you just convinced yourself. spend it on something else.