Should I go with DIY or KEF?

[Inertia]

Which would be of higher quality?:

This DIY center channel?:
http://www.geocities.com/cc00541/Statements_Center_Channel.html

or this KEF center channel?:
http://www.amazon.com/KEF-iQ6C-Channel-Black-Ash/dp/B000EWGHWE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1236391238&sr=8-1

 

[jostenmeat]

Whatever you do, you want the front three to be identical as possible. Well, since you are looking at a horiz center, you still want the mains to be from the same line, or brand at the bare minimum.

Therefore, are you ready to build some mains as well, or add some KEFs?

I have no knowledge which would be superior, but I think you are making nice choices for candidates. I encourage you to build your own, and that's from someone who runs away in fear from DIY. I think if you are willing, then you should.

 

[Inertia]

Yes i would end up getting matching mains either route.

Anyone know which center would sound better?

 

[lsiberian]

Which would be of higher quality?:

This DIY center channel?:
http://www.geocities.com/cc00541/Statements_Center_Channel.html

or this KEF center channel?:
http://www.amazon.com/KEF-iQ6C-Channel-Black-Ash/dp/B000EWGHWE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1236391238&sr=8-1

Well if you are bad at shopping as to pay 200 dollars too much for a speaker than accessories4less then I guess we better keep you on the DIY

I would say a DIY will always be higher quality on the same budget level. However if you want to build a center speaker I don't suggest a non coaxial design. Coaxials are the WTG IMO for Centers. You can also use a matching speaker for the center as well. I think these drivers can be very price though. But then you are getting 2 drivers in one package. DIY = way more fun and way more rewarding than buying it for me.

If you want some real help on this. Dr. Mark(TLS Guy) is extremely helpful. Also the tech talk forum at parts-express is also every helpful for speaker builds. I always think a center should have the tweeter above the midrange if possible. And then maybe a couple woofers to the sides.

Though I think the KEF iq6 is one of the best center speakers on the market period.

 

[RacineBoxer]

I'd put the statement center way above the KEF's. I'm sure the KEF's are well worth their retail/big box store price of $650ish. If you were looking in a retail store for a center channel with the drivers & crossover of the statements I think you'd need to spend $2000-2500. Maybe more.


FWIW the statements are not the easiest project for a first time DIY'er but can be done.

 

[TLS Guy]

Which would be of higher quality?:

This DIY center channel?:
http://www.geocities.com/cc00541/Statements_Center_Channel.html

or this KEF center channel?:
http://www.amazon.com/KEF-iQ6C-Channel-Black-Ash/dp/B000EWGHWE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1236391238&sr=8-1

I have just seen your post. I would not go with that Statement center.

Here is why. The main reason is that Tangband mid range. Most of their drivers are only marginally above junk. They are not honest with their specs. That Titanium cone has to break up before they say it does.

Also the driver is only 25 watt continuous, 50 watt peak. Max spl I calculate to be about 103 db, which is insufficient for HT.

The crossover points are 350 and 4 kHz. So that one inadequate driver has to handle about half the power of the speaker, as the power divide is around 400 Hz.

The KEF units on the other hand have better power handling and 3 db higher sensitivity, which is equivalent to doubling your amp power. They have a maximum power handling of 150 watts and can achieve an spl of 111 db.

So in my view it is no contest in favor of the KEF.

I think coaxial drivers are the best solution for the center channel

This driver is one of the best, if not the best coaxial driver available.

That driver can handle 80 watts continuous and 250 watts peak, and it does.

There is a kit available for it, the Loki kit.

I used this driver as the basis of my center. I used two of them to correct the step response (diffraction loss). I used an active solution for this. Onle the lower driver has the tweeter connected. Using two drivers greatly increases the power handling.

 

[R-Carpenter]

I second TLS's opinion except that 103 db may be enough for HT in a small room. You don't necessarily need to blast away HT to high heaven to enjoy the movie. However if you decided to go DIY there are other option and readily available kits besides this one. It also depends if you are handy with woodworking tools and have plans to invest time and a few $$$ in to the project. If you don't have time or $, go with commercial loudspeakers because in the end DIY will end up costing you much more. You will most likely end up with a better loudspeaker and perhaps develop an addiction in this hobby also.