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Will Kef 202/2c center match Wilson Sophia mains?

Here is my question. I am looking to upgrade my center channel which is currently a Thiel SCS3. My ideal situation would be to replace it with the Wilson WATCH center in order to sonically match the best with my Wilson Sophia mains. The problem is that the center is 14" high and I am very constrained on the height of the new center speaker choice.

Currenly I have 8" height clearance and I could potentially move my plasma about 1 1/2" heigher to give me a maxumum of 9 1/2" height for the new center speaker. With these constraints in mind I have been looking at my options. It seems that the Kef reference 202/2c would meet my requirements nicely. I would love hear your thoughts on this speaker or any other suggestions. I am looking to improve the clarity of center channel and remove some the "thickness" in sound I get from the Thiel.

Here's a little more about my system:
Wilson Sohpia's powered by VTL ST-150, with VTL TL-5.5 preamp and HT bypass.
Center is Thiel SCS3, with Thiel CS 1.6 surrounds powered by Rotel RSX-1055 receiver.
musictime
statman's avatar
statman
285 posts
 
Save your money and buy a used Watch version 1 off of here.That's what I would try and do.The Watch center will match the timbre of the Sophias.Voices are very distinct on some recordings.The center is the most important speaker in a multi channel system especially with movies. The Kef will work if that's the most you can spend for a center but most likely give you timbre problems in the upper mids highs due to different drivers being used by the two different manufacturers. It will be noticed when there is a pan in the front soundstage, or better yet a well mixed M/C soundtrack.
musictime OP
12 posts
 
Statman,

I would love to buy the Wilson center, but does the version 1 have a shorter height than the current version? The height restrictions is my biggest problem. I see someone here on audiogon has one up for sale but no height specs were given...

Musictime
statman's avatar
statman
285 posts
 
Musictime,
I've checked out your page and looked at your setup which is very nice if I may add!If you are to use the Watch which is what you'd like to do if space permits.Unfortunately you have maybe two options.First is to try and raise the flat panel as you stated and have the Watch sit on the cabinet.That may be pushing it.I did a quick measure of my Watch and it's approx 13.5 inches from it's base to the top of the tweeter housing. What about using the stand Wilson sells or go with a custom stand and place it in front of the entertainment stand on the floor? I used Sound Anchors but my decor is different and I don't have the WAF anymore;)
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Dont get sucked into the timbre match scam, any number of centers will work just fine, if you dont have the cash for a Wilson dont sweat it
musictime OP
12 posts
 
Statman,

Thanks for your input. My system has gone some upgrading since I posted those pictures a couple of years ago. I moved the 50 inch plasma (which is shown in pictures) to another room and put in a Pioneer Elite 60 inch plasma in its space. It looks wonderful mounted on the cabinet but it leaves me even less room for the center channel than is shown in those pictures. A dedicated stand in front of the cabinet just will not work as this is my living room and my kids are 7 and 5 years old. I still need to consider the whole family...

That bring me back to the original problem. I have lived with the Thiel center for last 6 years and yes the timbre match, and micro dynamics are not close to the same as the Wilsons, but I have been relatively happy. I can accept a compromise when necessary, but I still would like to get closer to a seemless "front stage" as possible.

Any other suggestions or comments are welcome.

MusicTime
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