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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
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
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 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
bjesien
1,286 posts
 
Jeff, please elaborate on the nut hanging above the VCC-1.
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.
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.
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.
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
.
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.
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---
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.
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