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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
5,592 posts
 

 

ericsch

the issue is the OP, not me. Presently he needs to cup his hands at his ears to get ’better’ dialog.

It could be that he needs to get in the AVR menu and properly adjust his speakers. He could raise the center channel volume a bit more than the front left and front right. His rear speaker level ought to be generally ’non-apparent’ until he turns rear off. i.e. ready to do their job: Apparent for Black Hawk Down helicopter; Jurassic Park ...... in his case LOW.

Also, OP should try turning the REAR SPEAKERS OFF, by:

a. in the menu

b. change AVR to 2 channel stereo mode

......................................................

Me: I have 5.1 balanced, use it for ’true 5.1 source’, i.e. BluRay movies, Music DVDs.

 

Cable content: Some is good at 5.1, I often check ’Direct’, and may change to MUSIC 2.0 which frequently is better, coming from the stage. I think there is a lot of Pseudo surround, poorly done.

mceljo
1,357 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr - The primary reason that I suggested that the OP give 4.1 a try was for him to see if it made any significant change.  It seems like something is off in the setup, so trying different things will sometimes provide good feedback that can be used to identify the issue.

I have an Integra 50.1 receiver that is either 7.1 or 7.2 and the auto setup uses the microphone to detect which speakers are connected and then does its thing after that.  There isn't a specific 4.1 setting.  I think it just takes the center channel signal and splits it between left and right.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,592 posts
 

hillbilly559

What have you tried?

zygat
11 posts
 

I have a pair of Von Schweikert VR4 Jr's bi-amped (used a Y splitter) and have never experienced better center channel performance or dialog clarity. I know this is a contrarian position - but the results I experienced are ample proof for me.

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