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Center Channel Speaker Suggestion for HT

Hi,I am in the market for a Center Channel Speaker. Here is my current setup:
Marantz AV7702 Preamp, Monolith 7X200W Amp, Front Speakers - B&W CM10, Surround, CM5.

Room size is 20 X 12 and looking to upgrade center channel. Mostly I watch movies and music videos.

Suggestion for a matching Center channel for this setup would be appreciated.

Question - Does the center channel have to be B&W or can I go with something else? I am not necessarily looking for new speakers.

Question - Can I try a full range speaker for Center Channel - laying it flat?

Thanks for your suggestions in advance.


128x128terrancej
ricred1
2,041 posts
 
For what it's worth here's my experience. I have Monitor Audio PL500 II speakers. I wanted to save money and purchased a Monitor Audio Gold C150 center channel speaker. It stuck out like a sore thumb and I sold it. It was too small and once again to save money I purchased a Monitor Audio Gold C350 center channel. It was bigger and better, but it still bothered me, so I decided to get the matching Monitor Audio Platinum PLC350 center channel. It blends so well and totally disappears with the speakers. My point is I would purchase the center channel that matches your speakers.
soix
9,569 posts
 
Room size is 20 X 12 and looking to upgrade center channel. Mostly I watch movies and music videos.
What center channel are you using now?  That would be most helpful. 

Suggestion for a matching Center channel for this setup would be appreciated.
The CM Centre 2 would be an easy recommendation, but I'd consider doing an HTM2 like this...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/223583770285?ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F7...

Or if you've got the budget and want to go bigger there's the HTM1...
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649537588-bampw-bowers-and-wilkins-nautilus-htm1-center-channel-...

Question - Does the center channel have to be B&W or can I go with something else? I am not necessarily looking for new speakers.
No.  But B&W makes some good centers, so for maximizing the chances of making a good sonic match with your CM10s I'd stick with the same brand. 

Question - Can I try a full range speaker for Center Channel - laying it flat?
No.  A full-range speaker will be designed to sound best in a vertical position, so placing it on its side would likely be a sonic (and visual) mess. 


lucidear
88 posts
 
As ricred1's experience illustrates, not only the same brand but the same Series within a brand to keep Sonic uniformity...
Unless the company uses the same drivers etc., throughout their different series, then perhaps mixing & matching would work.

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