Upgrade the center speaker on a blah SS system?

[6AM]

I have a Samsung HT-X40 that I used for my surround sound. It sounds okay, but it's very basic. Is it worth upgrading the center channel to a Klipsch Synergy C-1. Is this even worth it?

[kingofgrills]

What's the rest of your system like? Without knowing, I would recommend putting some thought into your front soundstage (left, center, right) as a whole before pulling the trigger on anything.

Ideally, you want your speakers to be all timbre matched, meaning they're voice matched for better immersion and sound panning. At the very least, you want to make sure your front sound stage is timbre matched, while ensuring your surround speakers are also timbre matched.

I wouldn't recommend buying a center channel by itself without having a gameplan in mind. I would also suggest you audition everything first. Blind buying speakers without hearing them, and other possible options, is never recommended.

[6AM]

It's just an "in a box" POS.

I'm not interested in putting much money into it because room limitations preclude ever achieving optimal sound. I'm really only interested in making the dialogue sound better.

[jlafrenz]

Originally Posted by 6AM

It's just an "in a box" POS.

I'm not interested in putting much money into it because room limitations preclude ever achieving optimal sound. I'm really only interested in making the dialogue sound better.

What about your room is limiting your potential for better sound?

[6AM]

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

What about your room is limiting your potential for better sound?

Due to a door, the placement of the left and right front speakers can not be separated far enough from the tv. The room has a high, angled ceiling. Seating is on the sides rather than in the center due to another door and size of the room.

[6AM]

I'm looking at just upgrading the whole thing to an Onkyo HT-S3200. Seems pretty solid.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by 6AM

I have a Samsung HT-X40 that I used for my surround sound. It sounds okay, but it's very basic. Is it worth upgrading the center channel to a Klipsch Synergy C-1. Is this even worth it?

It's difficult to upgrade these boxed systems. I just had a look at the specs for it and it's driving 3 Ohm speakers. You're going to end up with a mis-matched, screwy sounding front stage if you go mixing a different center speaker in there. Your best bet would be to replace all three front speakers at the very minimum. Ideally you would replace the receiver and front three speakers. The problem that creates is that it would be risky to try to run your remaining 3 Ohm speakers as surrounds. These systems don't lend themselves to being upgraded piece by piece. You pretty much have to junk the whole thing and start all over. The only boxed systems I know of that are easily upgraded are from Onkyo, and the reason is because they're build around a real AV receiver with "normal" specs.

[stcurell]

Originally Posted by Steve

The problem that creates is that it would be risky to try to run your remaining 3 Ohm speakers as surrounds.

You could utilize the old (front + rear) in series to create a 6 ohm load for the surround channels. Any receiver could handle that.

Other than that just sell the whole box kit after you upgrade, the parts aren't worth anything separately.