People will laugh but need advice

[brewmeister]

After reading a lot of the threads, I like how knowledgeable it is here. With that said I will move on...
I have an old motley crew system that I would like to add a center channel too. I am strapped for cash (med student and all) and I am looking to add either an infinity primus c25 or a Polk audio cs1 or cs2. I have a Pioneer receiver and technic floors I bought in '97, yes quite out dated and no where near where most of you guys are at, but it serves my purpose at this time in my life. I like my receiver and speakers, my technics have what I consider good low and somewhat ok mid range and high range. I initially bought this system to listen to metal music my freshmen year of college and it has served me well. However, now that I have incorporated into a home theater I am sorely missing dialogue in movies. I am (someday) going to upgrade when I make some money but need a filler in the mean time. I like both fore-mentioned speakers; however the infinity may sound kind of bright while the Polk possibly could sound to "bassy" with my current speakers. Any advice from anyone on these two speakers or on any other brands under about $200?
Thanks

 

[corysmith01]

Just my thoughts..others may differ. I understand your budget constraints. We all have them to varying degrees and that shouldn't be a reason for you not to enjoy your system. Being that you have speakers that you know you will eventually upgrade, I'd consider looking into a center speaker that you'd like to keep around long term. It won't match up right now, but think about something you may want to get down the line. For instance, you mention the Infinity and the Polk center, but are your plans to build around that with Infinity fronts or Polk fronts? If so, fine. But if not, it may be a waste. Just quickly, off the top of my head, I'd maybe look at eBay. Considering your on a budget, but don't want to sacrifice sound, I'd look at someone like paradigm, specifically their performance series. I found this cc 170 on there now for about $100

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3276&item=5762554091&rd=1

What this does is it then allows you to add some Paradigms around it in the future, without negating the investment you've made up front for the center channel.

There are many others too. Like Axiom. You can get their center (brand new by the way) for $240:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/vp100.html

That would then allow you to build around it with some Axiom speakers.

There are plenty others out there. I guess the long and short of it is, if you think about long term, you could get a center that's a patch now, but then grow into in the future as your budget allows. That would be my approach.

Hope this helps some.

 

[zumbo]

Great advice corysmith01.

brewmeister. Does your receiver have a center output?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

The best center channel under $300 for any money is the BIC DV62CLR-S.

Go to Yahoo shopping, shopzilla.com, or any google search and you can find it for around $110. You will not be disappointed.

www.bicamerica.com/CENTER SPECS 2.htm

 

[MacManNM]

I agree with buckeye, the BIC is the BEST out there under 300, I have it I love it.

 

[brewmeister]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice everyone. And Zumbo---
Yes, my receiver is set up for dolby surround, so it has all channels. All look into all the additional suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Tex-amp]

Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 center channel is under $200


Now as for the best sub $300 center channel Ascend has that too.