Any suggestions on center channels?

[dj02bothell]

I'm going to start a dedicated home theater so i am looking to buy speakers starting from the fronts to backs slowly through the year. My first speakers I am looking for is the center channel and i am looking for a good one that doesn't distort and have good mid-range, etc. My budget for center channel is around $500. Any suggestions would be great, im still not to sure what type my speakers all should be but i was thinking about JBL, is that good? Any suggestions/advice would be great, thanks

[stickb5]

Definitive Technology have some nice speakers, http://www.definitivetech.com/ check out their line up and you can check out prices at BB just to have and idea.

[Fors*]

For that amount, I know Def Tech's and Paradigms should be considered as well....

EDIT: By the way, make sure you try to listen to different kind of speakers as Blu-Raider suggests below. There are many variables that can influence your decision, and by listening, you will help yourself greatly when making a purchase of this type. Spending $500 on a center should be a wise and educated investment, so listening to all brands is really the only way to make such a purchase in my opinion.

[Blu-Raider]

You really should take the time to go listen to a few different brands. There are striking differences. I have Klipsch and wouldn't own anythiing else. Others think Klipsch speakers sound "harsh". It's personal taste. Since you are in the beginning stages, now is the time to make the right decision for you.

[dj02bothell]

Originally Posted by Blu-Raider

You really should take the time to go listen to a few different brands. There are striking differences. I have Klipsch and wouldn't own anythiing else. Others think Klipsch speakers sound "harsh". It's personal taste. Since you are in the beginning stages, now is the time to make the right decision for you.

Originally Posted by forsberg21

For that amount, I know Def Tech's and Paradigms should be considered as well....

EDIT: By the way, make sure you try to listen to different kind of speakers as Blu-Raider suggests below. There are many variables that can influence your decision, and by listening, you will help yourself greatly when making a purchase of this type. Spending $500 on a center should be a wise and educated investment, so listening to all brands is really the only way to make such a purchase in my opinion.

Alright, thanks for the advice guys! Does Best Buy sell Paradigms? i know they have Def Techs but im not sure about Paradigms.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by dj02bothell

Alright, thanks for the advice guys! Does Best Buy sell Paradigms? i know they have Def Techs but im not sure about Paradigms.

Expand your boundaries and go visit some high-end audio shops. You'd be surprised at what they can offer you for a good price.

John

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by dj02bothell

Alright, thanks for the advice guys! Does Best Buy sell Paradigms? i know they have Def Techs but im not sure about Paradigms.

I missed the whole BestBuy thing, sorry dude, but $500 for a center, please go to a high end audio store as John72953 suggests...you will regret it later down the road when you realize what you could and should have bought.

[dj02bothell]

Originally Posted by John72953

Expand your boundaries and go visit some high-end audio shops. You'd be surprised at what they can offer you for a good price.

John

Originally Posted by forsberg21

I missed the whole BestBuy thing, sorry dude, but $500 for a center, please go to a high end audio store as John72953 suggests...you will regret it later down the road when you realize what you could and should have bought.

Dang, alright i'll keep that in mind

[callas01]

I suggest going to the websites of the following MFGs and finding local dealers and then listening to the front 3 speakers in unison and then decide what you want to get. You need to AUDITION the speakers yourself and find what sound great for you at your budget.

www.polkaudio.com
www.monitoraudiousa.com
www.energy-speakers.com
www.definitivetech.com
www.klipsch.com
www.mirage-speakers.com
www.paradigm.com
www.bowers-wilkins.com
www.maritnlogan.com

There are a ton of others too, but I think that would be a good starting point. you can also check salk, totem, elemental designs and swan. You really need to spend a few weekends just going and listening to speakers. IMO and then decide where you want to go from there.

My top 3 are paradigm, energy and b&ws, yours may be different, you just never know until you hear them.

Also you said you wanted good mid range, Energy and Monitor Audio (according to JasonR) as well as Paradigm, IMO, have great midrage.