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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
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.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,153 posts
 

My HT system went from a 5.1 to a 3.0 when we moved. The current speakers are Klispch.  The mains are RF3 ll and give a ton of bass and the center is a R250.  The center has a wide dispersion.  They do the job pretty well,  but I do miss the subwoofer!

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,500 posts
 

Stats in front with a RAAL ribbon center works for me.

Meanwhile increase your center volume level.

pureclarity
48 posts
 

Put all your levels all down into the minus 10 except the center. Boost that one to plus 10. As a test see what you hear

dean_palmer's avatar
dean_palmer
73 posts
 

As others have said, something is wrong here whether it be a setting in the processor, defect in the processor, defect in the speaker itself, speaker connection, speaker setting for how the center content is handled, etc. The center channel carries MOST of the sound and dialog for most everything that has to do with AV sound during a movie or TV show. Try putting ANY speaker in place of the center and see if the speaker itself may be defective. That's an easy thing to troubleshoot, and then work backward to the processor. 

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