PSB C2 center channel..is it much better?

[am74Gibson]

Hi all, I have a pair of PSB Image T55's I bought about 5 months ago. (they sound great for the $$) Currently I am using a Infinity Alpha 37c that I have had a few years for center channel. I have found a good deal on a PSB Platinum C2 center channel. I would like advice before pursuing it. First, the Infinity has 8 ohm impedence, the PSB C2 has 4...is my Denon 4308ci ok with driving this? The t55's are rated at 6 ohm nominal, 4 minimum....the PSB C2 at 4 nominal, 4minimum. I don't really have room or budget for a separate amp. I would think the PSB C2 would match timbre better than the Infinity...But for an inexpensive speaker the Infinity is highly rated and sounds pretty good.

So the Second question... will the PSB sound THAT much better?... I mean if I am going to upgrade, I would like a noticeable difference.

Thanks

 

[am74Gibson]

Amp Info

Somehow some text got cut out of my first post... I have a Denon 4308ci driving these.

 

[jostenmeat]

You must be talking about the Audiogon listing? I spotted that the day it was listed. I check in a lot because you and I are in the same boat. PSB T-55s with a mismatched center.

So, I asked for the opinions of a couple of very knowledgable folks, as you are trying to do as well here.

The best advice is to go with the Image line. Its not about getting the best center speaker you can afford, but having the stage matched. You can also consider a vertical Image bookshelf which would afford you other important improvements in center channel performance. Undoubtedly, its hard to pull off in many setups.

There was one jocular fellow who thinks I should've got it just to provide impetus to upgrade my mains to the Platinum series. ehhh.... hehehe... spent well enough for now!

As for comparing Infinity with Platinum. The best match is another T-55 for a center, heh. Then next best is others in the same line. Next is something of the same brand.

I was twiddling my thumbs over the C2 because I know its going to a much better match than what I have now. I might reinvestigate the whole upright bookshelf possibility. It was not possible last I checked it out, but Im going to double check. Want to split a pair of PSB B-25s?

Good luck, and keep us updated. Get an Image center, if you can't implement an upright B25/15 or T-55.

-jostenmeat

 

[jostenmeat]

I wanted to qualify some statements. While an upright bookshelf can give you better performance since you will not suffer lobing (as the Image centers would) , they will not be able to crank as loud or low as the towers. Well neither would the centers really, but the B15 could be pushing it in a larger room. That's why I think I crossed that off the list.

Also, if viewers are in a relatively small viewing/listening angle, say 15 degrees or less, you won't suffer lobing with those Image centers. I think its about 20 degrees where one will deal with lobing, at least with the larger c60 (or whatever its called), and something similar for the other/smaller one.

Aight?

-jostenmeat

 

[am74Gibson]

Thanks for the feedback

Yes, I was talking about the Audiogon listing. It is located in Austin Tx and I live in Houston. So my girlfriends son who lives there could bring it to me! Even so, shipping would only be about $25. But, this is just a way to appease my upgrade itch. Don't get me wrong...the T55's are wonderful speakers at an affordable price....but I didn't buy them for long term. So given your response...which I am sure is spot on... I think I will go back to Plan A... sell the T55's and get Klipsch RF-63 mains (or maybe even 83's) and an RC-64 center channel. I wouldn't have to worry so much about low impedences, and I think I would be happy with them for a long time. If you know anyone looking for a pair of t55's let me know.... Also the infinity

Glad you saw this post and replied... It helped me decide to go with what I really want instead of cutting corners!

 

[jostenmeat]

am74Gibson, you are very welcome. Hmm... some things I'd like to say...

First of all, the Denon 4308 is not a slouch.

Second, it wouldn't surprise me at all, whatsoever, if those Klipsch models had an even lower impedance than the PSBs. I've seen a lot of Klipsch with 3 ohm minimal. However, their extremely high sensitivity is what makes them easier to drive.

Lastly, do you truly prefer the performance of the Klipsch line? If it was ME, and I was buying the whole front stage all over again, I would definitely lean towards a top mounted tweeter for a horizontal center. They sometimes can be a lot pricier, yes. The first two I think of are B&W and Revel. Also, the concentric designs of KEF will avoid lobing issues. Of course, as I was implying before, nothing beats the identical speaker, or at least an upright cabinet of some sorts.

I may PM you in the near future. But I live in CA.

 

[am74Gibson]

I just love the Klipsch sound!

You are right, the B&W I heard at my AV shop was quite awesome (X-Men3 was playing) ...very impressive. And I know this sounds crazy...but I am getting the RC-64 due to space constraints...( Huh, you say?) Due to my current AV setup and 61" DLP I will be setting the TV on top of the RC-64.... now before you cringe, rest assured that I have researched the feasability of this very thoroughly, and spoken with Klipsch, AV dealers, etc. Some say it may even be a good idea because the weight of the TV may subdue any unwanted resonance. Plus it is at the right height so I won't need to tilt. And the TV footprint is about right for the dimensions. The RC-64 has reinforced internal baffles and is built like a brick... So the weight of the TV (95 lbs) should not be a problem. ( I have read that the RC-64 could support 500 lbs) Besides, I fell in love with the Klipsch sound over 25 years ago and always wanted it. But, for the last 20 years, My Infinity RS6 Kappa 6 have sounded pretty good, and I just could not justify the money... ( The Infinitys are Natural Oak and Beautiful speakers on matching stands ...(EMIT tweeters are awesome)...they look much better than the Klipsch IMO, so it was hard to part with them) , but now it is time to move on....

BTW, the specs on the Klipsch say they are 8 ohm nominal... So the 4308 should be fine.

Thanks for your fine advice.

 

[Deezer]

What are you looking to get rid of t55's for?what color,were r u located at

 

[Midcow2]

Good to match fronts and center

Yes, I was talking about the Audiogon listing. It is located in Austin Tx and I live in Houston. So my girlfriends son who lives there could bring it to me! Even so, shipping would only be about $25. But, this is just a way to appease my upgrade itch. Don't get me wrong...the T55's are wonderful speakers at an affordable price....but I didn't buy them for long term. So given your response...which I am sure is spot on... I think I will go back to Plan A... sell the T55's and get Klipsch RF-63 mains (or maybe even 83's) and an RC-64 center channel. I wouldn't have to worry so much about low impedences, and I think I would be happy with them for a long time. If you know anyone looking for a pair of t55's let me know.... Also the infinity

Glad you saw this post and replied... It helped me decide to go with what I really want instead of cutting corners!

This sounds like a good plan, but at that speaker price level, ~ $3,000 you might want to consider auditioning other speakers; one that comes to mind immdetiately is the Def Tech 7002 super towers and the CLR3000 center channel. It is good to match the fronts and center speaker to maintain timbre ( a contigious sound across the front and center).

Your Denon 4308 is a nice AVR 140 watt RMS per channel. It can easily drive 4 ohm speakers ( even though it says only 6 ohms on page 89) So another alternative is to get a matching center speker for the T55s which would be the C60; But you indicated you wanted to upgrade. I say great but at that price level it is good to audition and pick the speakers that sound best to you. Klipsch is a good brand and if that is what sounds the best to you great, go for it!

Good Luck!