How big should center spkr be to set to "large"?


in the processor, that is?

My center speaker is pretty big as center speakers go, a Paradigm cc570. But it pales in LF response compared to my front L/R. Also, I am not currently using a sub.

I have tried it with the center set to small and large. When center is set to large, the movies seem to lose a lot of overall bass. I have plenty of amp power to the center, 200w.

I would like to set the center to large to get a bigger sound right there in the middle, but perhaps you have to have an even bigger center speaker. But that is going to get really expensive.
mtrot
Sorry, no such agreement here, due to financial considerations!! My question is just trying to get at what the best setting might be for my setup, and so far, it seems the consensus here is that I should set it to small.

My front L/R are Legacy Signature III, which have a rather large subwoofer section and go down to about 20hz in the right room, which mine is not. But they do shake the room pretty good if you turn it up.

It does seem that movies overall sound better with the center set to "small". It seems the processor in my receiver sends the bass for the center to the front L/R since I have it set to "no sub".
Mtrot...I think what D Edwards is getting at is that what your focusing on is just a temporary solution to a situation that should really bring the best out of your setup. This is part of the reason why attention should be paid to speaker selection.

Setting the center to small may work fine for you for now, but once seen and heard how sub intergration really effects the overall performance..if you haven't already, there's a good chance you gonna want to change. If you fix things early instead of slapping a band-aid on it, you're gonna be much better off.

Since there are certain limitations holding you back, I can see how you've focused on just the settings and not the overall setup. If the band-aid approach works for now, although it wouldn't be my first choice of approaches, then do what works for you. But, keep in mind you will be selling you system short though.

"But they do shake the room pretty good if you turn it up. "

I had the same misconseption about a sub and/or front-sub combo system. I was close to spending the $2500 for a Def Tec setup. Glad I didn't. Room shake is just a added bonus to a strong sub. However, it really isn't the main point though. It bares more weight and has more effect on the entire system than you think.
Good Points CDW,

My solution would be get rid of the Paradign Center channel immediately, use phantom mode and pine for a Legacy Silver Screen I center channel. ($450 used?)

Best? you don't even have a shot at mediocre. The Paradigm and the Legacy speakers you have couldn't be more different and incompatible. (who recommended that combo anyway?) In your case no center channel is better than the combo you have.

Another cheap fix which I don't recommend but I know audio guys are, is to get the Behringer "feedback Destroyer EQ $89" and EQ the Paradigm to match the Legacy's better. But that's a longshot possible fix for you.

So start selling the Paradigm and searching for the SS1 then we can really help you when you've atleast assembled a system where our advice can matter.
D edwards,

Well, actually, I aquired the Legacy Signatures some time ago, when I acutally had some money, and before I had 2 kids in college, as I do now!

I have been aware of the Legacy center channel speakers, but they were pretty pricey. I was not aware it might be possible to get a Silver Screen in that price range.

And no, nobody suggested the Paradigm Speaker. I did that myself, as a result of poor intelligibility of center channel dialog with a PSB Image 9C speaker. The Paradigm 570 is a pretty good speaker, and is quite a bit better than the PSB. And it really seems to blend with the L/R okay to me. (I have now found out that a lot of the clarity problem was due to the center speaker cable and interconnects, but live and learn).

Also, my center speaker sits on top of my Mits RPTV. How much does the Silver Screen weigh?
Correction...Mine are the Legacy Signature II, which do not have the kevlar mid-woofer. But they seem pretty good to me. Any time I listen to other speakers of any similar price, I find myself thinking of what aspects of the sound I would be giving up.