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Center Channel Dialogue

I am looking for suggestions to increase the comprehension of vocals for my center channel. I realize many movies and programs are produced such that understanding the dialogue can be a challenge. 

My home theater is mostly Martin Logan: Summit X front, reQuest surround, LX 16 rear surround, SVS and Velodyne subs, and a Stage center. The amp for the Summits is a Pass XA30, all others use an Earthquake Cinenova Grande amp with over 300 watts/channel.

My issue is that I have to cup my hands over my ears to understand the dialogue. I have adjusted the Marantz 8801 pre/pro to maximize the output. I also use one channel of an equalizer to further increase output, and have also adjusted the different frequencies trying to improve dialogue.

I've angled and raised the Stage center the best I could. 

My question is, should I look at different center speakers? I like having all electrostats, and wonder if a substitute non-electrostat would match? Would a horn center like Klipsch make sense? 

Recently I considered a DBX expander, but don't know if that would help or hurt.

BTW, it's tiring holding my hands over my ears to understand the dialogue:)

I appreciate any suggestions.

 

 

hillbilly559
elliottbnewcombjr
5,159 posts
 

btw, your AVR probably has a 2 channel mode. I often find changing to 2 channel sounds better.

That will reassign the dedicated center sounds to both sides equally so that center content’s imaging is still center (but phantom center created by L/R), and still coming from the front.

And no ’other sounds’ from the surround/rear speakers which may be affecting what you hear (your cupped hands are blocking side/rear/reflected sounds).

Sometimes, in a noisy space i.e. restaurant, theater lobby, ... I hear sounds from a distance better than those right in front of me, seems like the other sounds are a precedent, fill my ears so to say..

 

missionvalleyguy
6 posts
 

I agree with mceljo. Ever since I eliminated the center channel speaker and turned my 5.4.4 system into a 4.4.4 system, using the two front channels to create the phantom center channel image where my tv is, my center channel image has been superior to anything I’ve ever had before. My center channel now has the exact same image as my two front Goldenear Triton Ones. When I used a Goldenear Reference speaker for my center channel speaker, though the sound quality was great, the image was much smaller than my Triton Ones.

 

Hope this helps.

fredrik222
522 posts
 

@hillbilly559  I had the same issue with my Marantz, and found a review video with Andrew Robinson where he walked through why Marantz is very bad at center channel clarity. I think it was his Anthem review. Either way, I borrowed a bubbies Anthem, oh what a difference. So now I am waiting on my anthem. 
 

yeah yeah, I know, this forum isn’t a big fan of Andrew Robinson…

elliottbnewcombjr
5,159 posts
 
missionvalleyguy

" a 4.4.4 system, using the two front channels to create the phantom center channel image".

do you have a link to 4.4.4 so I can understand how it gets dedicated center channel info to the sides, that is a nice solution, especially for this OP.

 

jim2714
7 posts
 

I think understanding dialogue is a widespread problem, myself and my wife included. I settled on a Klipsch RP 504c. We have noticed a substantial increase in clarity. It is not matched with my mains but it doesn't seem to matter much.

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