Thinking of replacing my surround speakers

[DanH12]

I own JBL sat10 surround speakers for my 5.1 system and I am having a problem with the center channel. The original speaker I used for the center started to make voices in movies sound muffled so I switched it out with a different front speaker. That speaker was not muffled but part of the sound seems to be missing from that speaker and no matter how loud I turn up the volume it seems like some part of the sound is not being reproduced. I again switched out this speaker with my other front speaker to use as my center and this one sounded better. This one seemed to be producing all of the sound but out of this speaker, voices in movies sound way too high pitched and it hurts my ears. I have adjusted the center channel volume for this speaker and for all the speakers used as a center and it never helped. So I have used all three of my front speakers and none of them work well as a center speaker. I have tried my two rear speakers and they actually sound better than the fronts but they are not reproducing all the sound for center because they do not have a tweeter as they are rear speakers.

Adjusting speaker levels on my receiver has not helped this matter and I don't even like watching movies with my surround system anymore because of this center channel problem. The funny thing is that no matter which speakers I use for my front left and right speakers, they all sound fine (with the exception of the muffled speaker I mentioned). It is only the center channel I am having problems with. I am looking for a quick and cheap fix and I noticed that Parts Express sells the Dayton Audio B652 bookshelf speakers for $40/pair and the speakers have a lot of good reviews on the website. Cnet said they are the best speakers you can buy for under $50. Parts express also sells the Dayton Audio CCS-33B three way center channel speaker for $50. I think this could be a good temporary and cost effective option for the next year or so until I do a real upgrade when I have enough money. I would continue using my JBL sat10s for my rears. I already have a JBL subwoofer that works fine. I use a Sony STR-DE 845 receiver and it works fine. I feel like almost anything would sound better than my front sat10 speakers that I have right now.

Do you guys think this is a good option? I am trying not to go much higher than $80/pair for the front speakers and no higher than $70 for the center speaker.

 

[afterlife2]

I'd say save a little more. I like you went through 2 centers that I disliked. I bought the Klipsch Icon VB-15 speakers for my mains and I love them: Klipsch Icon VB-15 2 Way Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) - Black 743878022827 | eBay
or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320882585515?ssPageName=STRK:MEBOFFX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1427.l2649

The Center speaker Is the best I've tried. Very clear vocals. Not on ebay right, but keep checking: VC - 25 Center Speaker | Klipsch

For my surrounds I recently use a pair of Whaferdales WH-2 and they are pretty good. I think a board member has a pair for sale.

PS I had JBL sat 5.1 as well and sold them. I still like JBL. I own a E20 Northridge pair that I might use for rears for a 7.1.

 

[markw]

The front three speakers should match.

Why not just bite the bullet and get two pair of the 652's and use one for the center. If your receiver can handle it, you could use the spare for the 6th channel*.

Actually, why not go for a full setup (three pair) of these. With a sub you can do amazingly wellfor that price, and you'll have a spare in case a speaker blows. Or, perhaps you could connect two 652's in sries for use as a center speaker.

*[edit] it won't. it's a 5.1 unit.

 

[zieglj01]

If you really want to step it up - and can stretch the budget
a little more. Then, I would get the new Pioneer speakers.
They would be an ear opener for you. $200 shipped.
BS22 speakers are $99 a pair in the cart
The C22 center channel $99
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3381565&CatId=5689
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3381567&CatId=5693

Move down and read about Pioneer here
http://www.audioholics.com/news/trade-show-coverage/2012-cedia-show-report

 

[DanH12]

I had actually considered getting those pioneer speakers but they are rated at 6 ohms and I have an 8 ohm receiver. Could I still operate these on my receiver safely?

 

[markw]

I had actually considered getting those pioneer speakers but they are rated at 6 ohms and I have an 8 ohm receiver. Could I still operate these on my receiver safely?

Not a problem. Good speakers.

 

[zieglj01]

I had actually considered getting those pioneer speakers but they are rated at 6 ohms and I have an 8 ohm receiver. Could I still operate these on my receiver safely?

As markw stated, you will be fine.

Your Sony receiver, can handle lower impedance speakers.

 

[ImcLoud]

I have heard them Pioneers {yesterday actually} and I heard the series before {I think they are the same, they sounded identical to me}.. They have to be the best speakers for under $500...