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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
d_edwards
204 posts
 
"Could part of the problem be putting the center channel on top of the RPTV?"

Yes a little, but the main problem is a dramatic spectal balance mismatch between the main speakers and the center, further aggravated by there being no sub. Which I realize he cannot buy, and that's ok just swap the 570 for a Silver Screen should be a wash financially.

Also CDW with a sub in the system, many receivers will allow you to set the crossover at 40-60-160hz and the range can be covered at 1dB to 10dB intervals. A center like the 570 I would crossover somewhere between 50 and 60 hz.
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
I played around with it some more tonight, watching 5.1 movies and a Black Crows concert on HD cable.

Actually, tonight I could hear no ill effect from setting the center speaker to "large". It did't seem to cause any loss of clarity in the center speaker, nor did it seem to cause any loss of overall bass. I really liked the overall sound with that setting.

I am going to try it on some DVDs and HD DVDs as well.
ozz
17 posts
 
Mtrot, How is your setup working out?
mtrot OP
804 posts
 
Actually, I am now quite pleased with the system, both on movies and music. Last night, I toggled the center speaker between "small" and "large", and I think it really sounded a bit better overall with it set to "large". I am going to leave it set that way for a while.

I now think some of the problems I alluded to in my original post about setting the center speaker to "large" must stem from my recollections from when I was using my Panny RP-91's onboard decoder. Now that I am decoding with my Sony DA4ES, setting the center to "large" is sounding real good. I don't run real high volume levels, so that may be why I don't seem to be having problems with overdriving the Paradigm, and thereby getting distortion.
ozz
17 posts
 
Glad to hear it is working out for you. As long as you are driving the 570 with ample power you shouldn't have any problems at higher levels. I use a bryston 7bst and drive it quite hard and don't have any problems what so ever.
Keep us posted.
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