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4.1 HT?

Last night I tried an experiment by setting center channel to none in the Proceed PAV setup. My rationale was that the KEF 104.2 LR speakers provide excellent stereo imaging with a solid centered image when appropriate, and they use dome tweeters, whereas the KEF 200C uses a Uni-Q tweeter. Finally, the 104.2s are just much better speakers than the 200C. I think I prefer the sound without the center channel. I played the Opus Arte Blu-ray opera & ballet sampler, and definitely preferred the sound without the 200C; I played Robin Hood, and at least imagined the dialog is clearer; I played an HD-DVR recording of the Charlie Rose program, and could tell little or no difference. I'll live with 4.1 for a few days before deciding.

db
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patrickp
59 posts
 
I'm with you dbphd, I have Infinity Prelude MTS for my mail speakers placed 8-9ft apart and the center image is dead solid. Not exactly small and not exactly close together. I can see that if a person sat way off center than a center would help but otherwise I just don't experience any positive benifit.
summitav
163 posts
 
Some might find it interesting to shut down their mains and run a good quality CENTER with a sub and surrounds.

Movies and DVD tracks are mixed for the CENTER.

There have been times that I have forgotten to "turn on" the monoblocs for the mains and didn't even realize it.

If you have a good center and can run it FR, try it.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
I dumped my Bose center channel after upgraded to Focal mains. It seems that as long as you're sitting between the mains the center isn't necessary as the mains can ghost it in just fine, BUT if you have people sitting outside of the mains then it won't be able to image properly. Not an issue for me as my system all but crushes those of my friends so they are happy either way.
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dbphd OP
1,630 posts
 
I've replaced the KEF 200C with a pair of KEF Reference 102s that have a tweeter that matches that of the KEF Reference 104.2s. Despite warnings about mutual interference with two center speakers, I've tried both single and twin 102s, and think the twin arrangement better matches the 104.2s. I perceive the 3.1 soundstage as seamless, HF clean, and centered images firmly established. I've listened to a wide variety of DSD surround, Blu-ray films, and TV. I've been impressed with this arrangement. I bought another pair of 102s that I plan to install as surrounds to replace the Uni-Q 102.2s.

I've moved the Proceed PAV/PDSD to the living room system, and installed a Cary Cinema 11a in the media room; thus the DSD surround via HDMI.

db
sthomas12321
408 posts
 
Theres A LOT of expensive junk center speakers out there. I've had centers over $1k sound bad. Specially if the sound muffled! Yuck!

Its funny, one of my favorite center channels is a Cerwin Vega CLS 6c $109 to your door brand new. Loud, clear voices, always blends with minor EQ.......what else can you ask from a dialog speaker?

Way better with a center in the setup, if it sounds good. Forget the retail price or name brand IMO. I believe the best home theaters are the ones with matching speakers for all channels
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