Chit chat: Its what they do!
May 14 '01
The Bottom Line "So choosing one which matches you current setup is imperative."
Center speakers are all to do with voices, they are the key element in separating the effects from the voices. Some choosing one which matches you current setup is imperative. So here are my quick tips!
Impedance
While not totally important it is a point worthy of mentioning. You see, impedance can affect the amplifier, for instance; a 4 ohm rated speaker may double the RMS value from the amp, e.g. 100w amp (8ohm) goes to 200 watt. SO you should be careful, and choose one that does not over exceed the recommended range the amplifier can handle. Otherwise, a too low impedance can often reduce bass and increase distortion at high levels.
Frequency range
This is a very important factor, if you have a subwoofer in the room too. A center channel is unlikely to go as low as a floorstander for example, but actually the more expensive range can. So if your subwoofer starts at around say, 80Hz, you cannot use a center channel with a low freq roll off of below that range, for a pure sound, otherwise there will be a bass gain between the subwoofers 80Hz and the centers low freq roll of. But if you don’t have a sub it isn’t at all a problem.
If you are using the new SACD format, see if you can get one which has extended high frequency extension. It isn’t honestly important, but you should be after one which ahs a range of at least 20,000Hz.
Sensitivity
This is a real critical element for a center channel. What you first must do is cheakc your current setups sensitivity. For example; you have a 90dB/w/m sensitivity of your current setup, if you bought a 85dB/w/m sensitivity center channel speaker, the sound would be slightly quieter. If this is a problem which you must risk, you may be able to use a ‘test tone generator’ to setup the five or more speakers in the surround setup.
Connections
If possible, try a biwireable speaker, which may be useful if your center chennl amplifier has two outputs for the center channel. It isn’t greatly important though, just useful for the high end equipment. I would recommend you get the big binding posts, whereby a large thick rod can be inserted into for better quality.
Shielding
This is a definite must have, if you are using a tube TV. Any speaker which is not magnetically shielded could damage the TV. I have not seen many which are not shielded.
Power
It depends on your amp, but get one which fits in your amps range of power output.
Finish
In my opinion black is better for home cinema use, I know its up to you and your décor, but a black center channel just means that much more acoustic invisibility, meaning you can’t see the speaker in the dark!
FINAL TIP
My final tip is to always run your speakers in, for at least 24 hours. This allows the speakers to run at its best. Otherwise you’ll only notice the best performance after, say twelve 2-hour movies?
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MichaelHatton
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