Need suggestions for center channel speaker upgrade

[aprabhu]

Hello
This is for living room home audio setup
I currently have an Onkyo HT R591 receiver. I was using its stock 5.1 speakers setup(391 series) Recently I replaced front 2 speakers with Polk r50 tower speakers. I could visibly notice the Onkyo center speaker is not able to match r50s. Dialogues audio output is very weak with r50s blasting. I realize now the center speaker need an upgrade. Here are my choices and need suggestions
Polk csr, cs180 types - should I match Polk only?
Or will upgrade to klipsch series around $200 bring a difference?

 

[shadyJ]

I would stay with a Polk center from the same speaker line as your left/right speakers. A Klipsch center might be too large of a timbral mismatch to the Polks.

 

[lovinthehd]

You might also look thru these articles

Vertical vs Horizontal Center Channel Speaker Designs – An Alternate Perspective

This article contains an in depth discussion of the trade-offs of different center channel designs (MTM vs WTMW, etc) and their real world applications and limitations.

www.audioholics.com

Center Channel Speaker Design Additional Considerations

This article explores the various center channel designs while also referencing past works on the topic. Horizontally mounting drivers can compromise off-axis performance but there are alternatives.

www.audioholics.com

Pros & Cons of Various Center Channel Designs

This article and YouTube Video takes you on a tour of the most common center channel driver arrangements and discusses their strengths and weaknesses to help make the best selection for your needs.

www.audioholics.com

 

[1MoreFord]

OP, if you decide to try some Klipsch I'd suggest the RC-62ii, RP-450c, or Rp-504c. While none of these are Klipsch's latest all can be found at discounted prices on Amazon for easy returns. I have and like a 62ii for it's 6.5" woofers and front porting. Of course the 450c and 504c are newer designs. All three are larger centers so be sure to check for available space.

I have a RC-35 on my little bedroom system along with some antique Pioneer CS-66(a's) that I find to match well. Mismatched centers and mains can work together.

 

[aprabhu]

Thanks, I upgraded the center channel speaker to Polk CS180. Now I could see audio output is deep. Left & right channels are going along with center. Previously L & R channels were blasting with center muffled. Thank you for valuable suggestions

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks, I upgraded the center channel speaker to Polk CS180. Now I could see audio output is deep. Left & right channels are going along with center. Previously L & R channels were blasting with center muffled. Thank you for valuable suggestions

You did go thru setup on avr to accommodate different speakers when you originally changed L/R speakers?

 

[aprabhu]

You did go thru setup on avr to accommodate different speakers when you originally changed L/R speakers?

No I just removed old speakers and hooked new ones. But from your message, I suspect I missed this key part.

 

[lovinthehd]

No I just removed old speakers and hooked new ones. But from your message, I suspect I missed this key part.

You need to adjust the new speakers to the system, re-running the setup routine is a good thing

 

[aprabhu]

You need to adjust the new speakers to the system, re-running the setup routine is a good thing

Sure. I will do it today. Thanks for the guidance.

 

[Teetertotter?]

More info on center channel help: erin audio for center channel - Search (bing.com)