Mono Amp

jdelan
jdelan Posts: 244
edited February 27 in Clubhouse Archives
Looking to get an AMP to help out my Center Speaker.
I am currently powering it with Pioneer Elite VSX-36TX which is 100 watts per channel.
Currently I have for my setup CS400I, RT35I and 300fx and a whimpy Sub. It seems to me that the Center channel is not loud enough. Even after changing settings within the receiver the voices from movies often seem muted and I have to turn it up to hear them talk then turn it down when there are some action sequences cause it starts to blast.

Would an Amp fix this or are there other problems?

And if an Amp would fix this what type would be adequate to pump up the output some?

But in the long run an AMP wouldnt hurt, so I owuld probably get an amp anyway...

thanks!
Joe
Post edited by RyanC_Masimo on
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Comments

  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited November 2001
    your receiver and speakers are nice choices, if they are all working correctly I would think it should all sound fine.

    If you set all the channel levels correctly with an SPL meter, and then start watching a movie and turn the volume up to where you can hear the voices clearly, then the action starts and your house is shaking, well my freind, the movie is mixed like that.
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited November 2001
    Some may be obvious to you, but here goes anyway.

    1. Large or Small, try the settings. Check the center level +/-db settings. Are you using a DSP or effect? (wideband, hall, live....)

    2. Are these new speakers? I used a CS300, and it didnt sound its best until after 50+hr break-in. Night and day difference to my ears.

    3. Positioning. Is the front of your 400i 'hanging off' or at the edge of whatever it is placed on? If not, get it there. A 'recessed' center can really muddy up voices.

    Your system will sound better with seperates, but they should be more than liveable on a typical receiver.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited November 2001
    I found through trial and error that the positioning does make a big difference...might also check that the wires are snug, secure and going to the correct terminals.



    Troy
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • jdelan
    jdelan Posts: 244
    edited November 2001
    The Center Speaker is above the TV and inline with theL-R.
    The Center Speaker is higher than the R-L
    It is set to +3 db over the L-R
    It is set to SMALL
    It is only 2 months old.
    Wires are all snug.
    All Wiring is correct.
    No effects are on.
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  • jcaut
    jcaut Posts: 1,849
    edited November 2001
    Is there any chance it's up too high? I would think more than a foot or so above your head, when seated, would be too high. Seems like the CS400 wouldn't have trouble keeping up with the 35's. Perhaps it is harder to drive and therefore needs a little more power.....I'm just grasping at straws.
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,519
    edited November 2001
    I have a CS400 wired up to a Marantz that is only feeding it 75watts (high-current) and when calibrated with AVIA and an SPL meter it is -4db and is still very noticable.

    Have you tried hooking up the center to another channel or hooking up an RT35i to the center? That might tell you if it is your receiver or the speaker.


    Peace Out~:D
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • kn505
    kn505 Posts: 380
    edited November 2001
    I have some spare amps. If you want one, email me at kn505@yahoo.com.
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited November 2001
    Someone say 'spare' amps????

    WTF man, get to posting a list.....

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • jdelan
    jdelan Posts: 244
    edited November 2001
    I will lower the speaker and see if that helps.
    I think I would like to get an AMP anyway.

    Any thoughts on what type of AMP I should get???
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  • schumach
    schumach Posts: 199
    edited November 2001
    I had a simular problem with my CS400i and it ended up being to high. I removed the rubber feet in the back and replaced them with taller feet and that took care of the problem. My speaker now points to my listing position. I picked up the feet at Home Depot or Lowes.
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