Center Channel

[ryanmormon]

ok i don't wanna have to do this more than once more. I know i'm being that guy, but i need some opinions quick.
i'm looking at a few different center channels, i'm leaning towards either a paradigm or b&w. this b&w doesnt look like its going any higher than 200, that'd be great, but if its a substantial difference, anybody know of a mind blowing center channel under 500?
Just general talk about center's is much appreciated!!!
thanks much!

[SumSuperman]

Is there a particular reason you're looking to buy a new center? I ask because it's best to have your center channel match your front left and right speakers. This provides a more seamless front stage. Are you looking to replace the Boston Acoustic center you currently have for some reason?

[ryanmormon]

Originally Posted by SumSuperman

Is there a particular reason you're looking to buy a new center? I ask because it's best to have your center channel match your front left and right speakers. This provides a more seamless front stage. Are you looking to replace the Boston Acoustic center you currently have for some reason?

i'm pretty sure i have one of the lowest centers that they made : /
i was just on a pretty big budget at the time.
but i was looking at boston's vr10 and vr12 centers.
Then I started doing a little more research and heard great things about b&w in comparison to boston's center. so i'm looking at the cc6 from b&w and its lookin pretty nice.
Then again if i was comfortable with that, i wouldnt be here seeking opinions : )
so the simple answer, i just want to upgrade

[CosmoKid]

Originally Posted by ryanmormon

i'm pretty sure i have one of the lowest centers that they made : /
i was just on a pretty big budget at the time.
but i was looking at boston's vr10 and vr12 centers.
Then I started doing a little more research and heard great things about b&w in comparison to boston's center. so i'm looking at the cc6 from b&w and its lookin pretty nice.
Then again if i was comfortable with that, i wouldnt be here seeking opinions : )
so the simple answer, i just want to upgrade

then upgrade your entire front sound stage. don't do just the center. not matching all 3 speakers up front is a big no-no.

[StimpsonJCat]

Are you using the VR2s as mains? If so I would recommend getting a E70 from ListenUp.com They are going for $250 (MSRP $800) with free shipping and have the same tweeter as the VR2s. I used one with my VR2s for a bit before deciding to replace all my fronts with the E70 and the matched well for the front soundstage. Take a look at my gallery to see what the speaker looks like. They only have it in Cherry, but it only has a panel on each side in wood.

I love my VR2s, btw. They will be setup in the game room soon.

[prankster]

Originally Posted by CosmoKid

then upgrade your entire front sound stage. don't do just the center. not matching all 3 speakers up front is a big no-no.

as stated by cosmokid, don't upgrade your center unless you're planning on upgrading the l/r's. the front 3 speakers should be timbre matched for optimal sound.

[crazyBLUE]

You can allway's use you're HS 450's up front & get one 450 for the center !!
I did & it sounds great !

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by prankster

as stated by cosmokid, don't upgrade your center unless you're planning on upgrading the l/r's. the front 3 speakers should be timbre matched for optimal sound.

+1. If you just want to do it once, like you stated, just wait and upgrade your front soundstage all at once. It is very important that your fronts are all timbre-matched and designed to work together.

Missmatched speakers will prevent you from having an immersive soundfield, and it will pull you out of the experience.

[StimpsonJCat]

I agree with the other posters on matching the fronts. So if you keep the Boston Acoustics mains you still have some upgrade options.

Older VR centers in order of best to worst IMHO:
VR14
VR12
VR920
VRC
VR10
VR910

The VR14, VR12, or VR920 would really be the way to go, but they are still going for $250-$400 on ebay.

I wanted to upgrade my VRC and just wasn't comfortable paying that for a speaker that was several years old in unknown condition. Also the VR14 & VR12 are REALLY big centers.

This is why I think if you are going to upgrade the center and keep the BA VR2s then go with the BA E70 (you can call them and ask if it will match), but I've heard it with the VR2s and it sounded great. It uses the same exact tweeter.

Now, if it turns out you are using the HS 450s for mains then you are already not matching timbre with the center because it uses a totally different tweeter.