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Center Channel with Vandy Quattros? Need help-

Problem, looking for suggestions and or answers. I am expanding my two channel system for some surround sound applications through video---for audio, I am a dedicated two channel guy---here's the issue--I have a beautiful cabinet that holds most every piece of my equipment, directly below my Plasma screen (CJ Amp, Pre, CD, DVD)---I was hoping to put a center speaker inside this custom cabinet but am limited somewhat to space---I need something in the range of 20-21" in width--in order to get other pieces on either side--otherwise I will have to put center channel on top of this beautiful cabinet--not my preferred choice in keeping it all looking clean---the Vandy VCC 1 fits fine, but I am told that I probably need the VCC 2, to optimize mix with Quattros--this is a wide unit--suggestions? I am really stumped on this one, not having much experience with a center channel---I am told it is always best to stay with speakers from the same manufacturer---should I consider, perhaps a different product?? Any and all helpful suggestions or observations are greatly appreciated.
bluesnbike1954
griffithds
852 posts
 
You have a choice to make. 1) Do you want your cabinet to look nice? 2) Do you want your surround sound system to sound nice. My vote would be for #2.
The center channel is the most important speaker in a surround system. As sound travels from left to right, its tone must not change. Have you called Vandersteen and talked to Richard. He is a great guy and could give you advice perhaps on someother speaker that might blend with your Quattos.
bluesnbike1954 OP
31 posts
 
Thanks for the input--of course, sound is the most important criteria. Haven't spoken with Richard yet, but will--as he has always helped with discussions regarding his products---
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
My guess, and I emphasize its a guess, is that the VCC 1, even though perhaps not optimal w the Quattros, would be a much better solution than a speaker from another manufacturer. And for movies and most video software, IMO, any slight imbalance or tonal differences between the center and the front L & R is not that critical. I say IMO because to me (and I think most sighted people) the visual content carries much more weight for a movie or TV show or even a concert video, than the audio content in the L&R channels. Now if you listen to a lot of multi-channel audio only, then this probably does not apply, but I'm guessing from your post that that is not the case. My $0.02. Of course, I would defer 100% to RV's advice.
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Blues, I've had many CC speakers in my multichannel ssystems over the decades, including KEFs, Eminent Tech. LFT-12s when I had a pair of LFT-8s, and a damned-expensive VonSchweikert Visiun. (Was the latter a huge waste of time and money!) I use V'steen 5As as my L/Rs, and this summer I bought a VCC-1 after reading Richard's attitiudes on CC speakers...which are very close to mine. I believe that a CC speaker's main job is to articulate dialog and NOT to have extended bass response, which merely muddies male voices. I LOVE my VCC-1, and probably you too will.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/jeffreybehr/0%20Vandersteen%20other/24July2011_front_1280w.jpg
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stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,440 posts
 
I don't have a need for really high end when I'm watching a movie....the plot/characters, etc. are far more important. I would retain the beautiful look and do the best I could regarding surround. ...but that's just me.
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