Which center channel - LSiM706c or LSiM704c?

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msg
msg Posts: 9,466
edited February 2014 in Speakers
The awesome folks at the Polk Ebay store are letting me returning a pair of RTi10's and a CSi5 for exchange toward an LSiM center to match a pair of M703's, which should suit me better for music.

Question:
Which center channel should I choose? the design difference between the two seems significant, drivers obviously, but especially in the cabinet.

I have read some people saying the 6-1/2" driver based center channels can sound too bassy or boomy for voices, though that was with the CSiA6 and CSi5 vs. their smaller counterparts. Others say, and I'm inclined to agree, that bigger is better for center channel, esp for movies and tv since it's the main source in surround modes.

I'm inclined to go with the 706c, but space is a little bit of a consideration, though I'll make it work if the sound is that much better. But if the 704c is close, I would consider it.
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  • falconcry72
    falconcry72 Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2014
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    Owned both, they're both great. The 706c is better... especially if coupled with fronts that use the same 6.5"... like your 703's.

    If you have the space, get the 706. You won't regret it.

    I ended up going with the 704 because it fits perfectly in my cabinet... looks almost custom built. Plus I'm using 705's as fronts which use the same woofer as the 704.
    2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's

    Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses

    Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
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  • eclypse
    eclypse Posts: 595
    edited February 2014
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    I own the 705s and the 706 for the center.. The center channel does most of the work for movies and they will match the 703s better. The shape of the larger 706 is close to the 705s and the 703s so i'd go with the 706 all day long. :)

    When you open that center up you'll be happy as its large and sexy.. not boxy like the small 704.
    Full 5 channel set of Polk Audio
    Fronts - LSiM 705
    Center - LSiM 706c
    Sides - LSiM 703
    Mits WD-82842 82" DLP 3DTV
    Denon AVR-3313CI Receiver
    Emotiva stealth DC-1
    Emotiva XPA-2/Fronts XPA-3 Center-surrounds
    Oppo 103

    Loving the new Family! :)
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,000
    edited February 2014
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    Go big or go home!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 9,466
    edited February 2014
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    thanks for the input guys, yeah, went 706 to match the 703's.
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,064
    edited February 2014
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    I'm too late since you've already purchased, but I'm happy with my 706. Can't compare to the 704 as I've never heard one.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • jtshaw43
    jtshaw43 Posts: 161
    edited February 2014
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    When you open that center up you'll be happy as its large and sexy.. not boxy like the small 704.[/QUOTE] I totally agree!!
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 9,466
    edited February 2014
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    great input for the 706.
    and yeah, the difference in cabinet design jumped out at me pretty much immediately. it really is a nice piece.
    I would have liked to have had the opportunity to hear them both, more out of curiosity, but agreed, I think the 706 will be the better choice for my use, if anything, just for matching the 703's driver. Polk Ebay is out of stock on the 704c right now, anyway :)
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  • eclypse
    eclypse Posts: 595
    edited February 2014
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    Good to hear! you'll be happy once you open the box!
    Full 5 channel set of Polk Audio
    Fronts - LSiM 705
    Center - LSiM 706c
    Sides - LSiM 703
    Mits WD-82842 82" DLP 3DTV
    Denon AVR-3313CI Receiver
    Emotiva stealth DC-1
    Emotiva XPA-2/Fronts XPA-3 Center-surrounds
    Oppo 103

    Loving the new Family! :)
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