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Center Channel with Vandy Quattros? Need help-

Problem, looking for suggestions and or answers. I am expanding my two channel system for some surround sound applications through video---for audio, I am a dedicated two channel guy---here's the issue--I have a beautiful cabinet that holds most every piece of my equipment, directly below my Plasma screen (CJ Amp, Pre, CD, DVD)---I was hoping to put a center speaker inside this custom cabinet but am limited somewhat to space---I need something in the range of 20-21" in width--in order to get other pieces on either side--otherwise I will have to put center channel on top of this beautiful cabinet--not my preferred choice in keeping it all looking clean---the Vandy VCC 1 fits fine, but I am told that I probably need the VCC 2, to optimize mix with Quattros--this is a wide unit--suggestions? I am really stumped on this one, not having much experience with a center channel---I am told it is always best to stay with speakers from the same manufacturer---should I consider, perhaps a different product?? Any and all helpful suggestions or observations are greatly appreciated.
bluesnbike1954
11 responses Add your response
griffithds
852 posts
 
You have a choice to make. 1) Do you want your cabinet to look nice? 2) Do you want your surround sound system to sound nice. My vote would be for #2.
The center channel is the most important speaker in a surround system. As sound travels from left to right, its tone must not change. Have you called Vandersteen and talked to Richard. He is a great guy and could give you advice perhaps on someother speaker that might blend with your Quattos.
bluesnbike1954 OP
31 posts
 
Thanks for the input--of course, sound is the most important criteria. Haven't spoken with Richard yet, but will--as he has always helped with discussions regarding his products---
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
My guess, and I emphasize its a guess, is that the VCC 1, even though perhaps not optimal w the Quattros, would be a much better solution than a speaker from another manufacturer. And for movies and most video software, IMO, any slight imbalance or tonal differences between the center and the front L & R is not that critical. I say IMO because to me (and I think most sighted people) the visual content carries much more weight for a movie or TV show or even a concert video, than the audio content in the L&R channels. Now if you listen to a lot of multi-channel audio only, then this probably does not apply, but I'm guessing from your post that that is not the case. My $0.02. Of course, I would defer 100% to RV's advice.
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Blues, I've had many CC speakers in my multichannel ssystems over the decades, including KEFs, Eminent Tech. LFT-12s when I had a pair of LFT-8s, and a damned-expensive VonSchweikert Visiun. (Was the latter a huge waste of time and money!) I use V'steen 5As as my L/Rs, and this summer I bought a VCC-1 after reading Richard's attitiudes on CC speakers...which are very close to mine. I believe that a CC speaker's main job is to articulate dialog and NOT to have extended bass response, which merely muddies male voices. I LOVE my VCC-1, and probably you too will.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/jeffreybehr/0%20Vandersteen%20other/24July2011_front_1280w.jpg
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stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
I don't have a need for really high end when I'm watching a movie....the plot/characters, etc. are far more important. I would retain the beautiful look and do the best I could regarding surround. ...but that's just me.
theo's avatar
theo
2,684 posts
 
I rode up in the elevator with Richard at RMAF this year on our way to the Vandy7 room and he told me his center channel speaker VCC-1 is designed to work all his speakers from 1-7 as well as Treos and Quattros. I wasn't sure that I would agree with his statement as I beleive his newer speakers are a departure from his "house sound". But I don't beleive he will be offering any new versions of Center channel speakers. So I would at least try the VCC-1, I think it will be as close to a voice match as you will find anywhere. My belief has always been that the center should voice match a close as possible to the L and R fronts.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
My belief has always been that the center should voice match a close as possible to the L and R fronts.

I don't have a need for really high end when I'm watching a movie....the plot/characters, etc. are far more important. I would retain the beautiful look and do the best I could regarding surround.
Exactly. I have no idea whether there is any significant diff btwn the VCC-1 and VCC-2, but cannot imagine that another manufacturer would have a speaker that is voiced more closely to your Quattros (or any other Vandy for that matter) Relax. Enjoy.
bjesien
1,286 posts
 
Jeff, please elaborate on the nut hanging above the VCC-1.
bobmcc
2 posts
 
I have a VCC1 signature that I used on a stand? The system used a Stewart screen not a cabinet. Fabulous center channel. A friend bought one after hearing mine but put it in a cabinet cavity. Didn't like the sound until we filled cavity behind the speaker with sound absorbent material. Then it was crystal clear.

I just moved and had to give up my theater, so the VCC1 sig and a pair of rear L&R VSM1's (signatures also) are going to be sold.

My fronts are Vandy 5's which I'm using in a stereo setup.

If you have an interest contact me.

Bob McCarthy
bluesnbike1954 OP
31 posts
 
Thanks to all for your input-spoke with Richard briefly yesterday--he stated that at a minimum, with the Quatros, the VCC 2 was what he recommended. He did not feel that the VCC 1 was sufficient for these speakers or even his 5A's-----so, I'm going with the 2-----we'll see how this all works out---I know crap about video---but just trying to optimize some video WITH the audio which I'm all about.
bobmcc
2 posts
 
I love Richard, but remember the audio holder rule, 2 is always better than 1.

I can't imagine how. The dialog was always perfect with the 1 sigs..

I guess I missed something. Best of luck, no doubt you'll be very pleased .

Bob
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