Suggestions for center channel speaker

[alexwakelin]

I currently have a speakercompany.com RC1 center channel speaker. My home theater setup limits me to having the center channel sitting on top of my TV (30" 1080i CRT), or just underneath the TV in my cabinet. Either location interferes with the picture on the TV. The specs for this speaker say that it is magnetically shielded. Is it unreasonable to expect to place the speaker this close (~6 inches) to the TV and not get interference? Or is the shielding on this speaker just inadequate? I was happy with the sound quality out of this speaker, but it looks like I will be shopping for something else. Anyone have suggestions for a replacement in the $100 (under $100 would be ideal) ballpark? I'm currently using JBL bookshelf speakers for my f/r surrounds hooked up to a sony STR-DG510.

 

[Adam]

The shielding is inadequate. My center channel sit directly on top of my CRT TV without any interference at all.

What is the model number of your bookshelf speakers? If possible, it would be great to find the matching center channel for those speakers. Given the model number of the bookshelves, we might be able to track that down for you.

In the meantime, is it physically possible to elevate the speaker off of the TV more? Do you know how far away from the TV the speaker needs to be to not have interference?

Adam

 

[alexwakelin]

Wow, quick reply! My front speakers are pretty old (http://www.jbl.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=J2045&CheckProduct=Y) JBL bookshelfs, still sound decent though. When I upgraded to a surround system a couple weeks ago I kept the old bookshelfs for the fronts and added the JBL tour venues for the rears. I need to have the center channel about 12" from my tv to not get any interference. If the speaker is closer than 6" I get interference, after that it starts to fade going away completely at about 12". I've been reading favorable reviews about the BIC DV62CLR center speaker, many of which say it matches well with pretty much any setup.

 

[Adam]

Hi. Sorry for the delay in responding again, but I don't have any info on that center channel. I didn't want to just leave you hanging on this thread, though. I took a look at your receiver earlier today, and I got the impression that it's auto set-up system doesn't include any equalization of the speakers. Do you know if it does that? If it does, then matching the center channel to the front speakers isn't as critical because the equalizing can help get them to sound similar.

If you can return that BIC speaker if you don't like it, then I'd say that you have nothing to lose. You might as well check it out and see if it works well with your other speakers. That's the best that I can say because I have no experience with either the BIC or JBL.

If you would, please let us know what you decide to do. Thanks!

 

[alexwakelin]

Well, I was all set to order the BIC center channel until I noticed that it is too large to fit in my cabinet. I really prefer to have the center channel in the cabinet for aesthetic reasons. I think I will order one of the JBL center speakers and then add some matching fronts when I save up some more cash.