Smallest 5.25 Center Channel? Why doesn't polk make a 4 or 4.25?

Grendel0501

I'm thinking about replacing my 9 year old computer speakers (Logitech 5.1 X530's) with a actual 5.1 receiver and bookshelf speaker setup. I don't really need something that is that much louder than the computer speakers, the satelites get 7.5wRMS and are plenty loud. But I want more detail/midbass for my fronts/center. It seems like overkill to use a receiver to power speakers I sit less than 2 feet from, but there isn't really anything thats inbetween a full receiver/speaker setup and a powered computer speaker set.
And thats where the real problem comes in, my desk (pic) isn't the largest, if I was to try and fit any 5.25 center channel it would take up almost all of that shelve where the current center channel is. Considering how close I would be sitting it probably wouldn't sound right. If Polk made a 4 or 4.25in speaker line that would probably work great, or atleast a sealed center channel to save more room. I looked at the T3 center channel but its $130 more than a 15c or a CS1SII and its drivers are 2in less(less midbass). Not to mention the TL3 (matching satellites) are $150each.

Matching the center to the fronts/surrounds: For now I am going to try T15's as the front and rears (and maybe eventually the side's). I would prefer something bigger like monitor 40's or 45b's for the fronts, but they are just too big (I have monitor 40's as rears on my HT, I disconnected one and tried to fit it somewhere on my desk, needless to say those are too large to fit). Since the T15's have 5.25 drivers, don't I need a 5.25 center to match up well?

I've looked around at specs and the T30 is the smallest 5.25 Polk center I can find. Is this correct?
Thats still pretty big for my space and seems like crazy overkill.

Polk makes 3 1/4in drivers, but they are usually in bundled home theatre setups that cost $100-200 more than it would cost to buy the better sounding,mix and match, 5.25 driver setup.
I can individually buy 2 pairs of T15's, a CS1 or T15c center and a psw10 sub totaling $330 compared to $350 for the lowest polk home theatre bundle T1600, which has a smaller sub and only 2.5in drivers on all the speakers, the 3.25in driver setups cost even more.

Geez, this has turned into a rant. I'll try to get back to my original question.

Is the T30 the smallest 5.25in driver center channel that Polk offers?
Would a T2 center channel be enough to keep up with T15 fronts?
Could someone come in and lie to me that a 4in driver lineup is in the works?

Sadly what seems to fit best with this size desk is a pre-bundled HT speaker setup. I say sadly bc I feel like the setup I could make 'mix and match' would have much better sound than the HT bundle. Probably be cheaper too.. I guess its time to consider getting a bigger desk to fit some monitor 40's for fronts.

rpf65

If you're going to be running this strictly off a pc, why even worry about a center? Many people run a surround with a phantom center, no center in the mix. Only wanting to run a 5.1 system means you really won't ever be concerned about ATMOS, so an older version AVR would make sense.

Factory refurb could be you're best friend. Accessories 4 less has older Marantz 15xx and 16xx AVR that would work well. Yamaha RX-A, Aventage, series would also work well.

Lack of space and/or lack of timbre match is the main reasons people go this route.

Forget the center. Replace the logitech's, get an AVR, and look into a better sub. I personally think you can do much better than the PSW10 in the same price range, especially if you add the $100 or so you planning for the center.

pkquat

There is the incoming signature series, but I think the centers would be overkill, for what it sounds like your setup is. I think the rest are sold in pairs. You may be able to find a pair used 4" polks that could work for the right price. Only use one of them. There are no guarantees of a timbre match or power requirements, but if they are in the same line up they should be close. The main job of a center in smaller systems is to give the dialog more focus and allowing smaller side speakers to be aim outwards, or it can be used to fake a wider stereo effect. The latter often only applied in the midrange region. I would check for used centers that meet the size requirements, and not limit yourself to polk. Some infinity centers have been a good match. Going the used route, you can bring your speakers and see how well the sound matches.

I'm not sure of your room size or TV, with what you are planning for viewing. I think you will be hard pressed to find something with the lower wattage and inexpensive speakers.

I am guessing its a smaller room and environment. Personally I would go with a phantom center, and have in these cases. Another option if your TV external audio inputs is to feed the center, or the plain stereo signal to the TV. This can enhance the dialog.

As mentioned above you could also find a used 5Ch receiver for under $100 easily that would give you more power for the smaller speakers, and maybe more options.

pkquat

If you are still looking I ran across this, Polk VM10 or VM20. They can be used as surrounds or centers. I think they came with two sets of stands and mounts. They are no longer in production, but some places might have some new on closeout or there is the used market.

My guess is people now have larger and wider TV's and for a simple setup look for a longer sound bar vs a small center if they want something in a thin profile. Otherwise there is the S35, but again this is wide to match with todays TV's and larger systems.