Center Channels

VR3

There is one thing in this hobby that just has remained odd to me.

There is alot of value in alot of monitor, tower, subwoofer speakers out there. When you start getting into surround and center channel speakers, all of this associated value is thrown out the window.

I have yet to understand how, for instance you could buy a pair of RT55i for 4-500 bucks, get four 6.5" midbasses, two 1" tweeters, and tons of cabinet, two crossovers for the cost of one CS400i which has two midbasses, one tweeter, one cabinet, one crossover. There is no way it cost Polk near as much as the 55i -

Is there any comments on this? Am I missing something...

Im looking at Tyler Acoustics, since I am getting a pair soon and the matching center for the line up is 1600 dollars. Now I am sure Ty can knock a good portion of that price off, but that is absolutely rediculous....

I dont get it...

Ill take a pair of monitors side by side anyday...

cmy330go

I've often thought the same thing. Take my LSi-C for example. At the store I used to work at it was priced at $499. Yet LSi-9's and LSi-FX'x were only $449 each. Both no doubt have a higher production cost. The FX's have a larger more complicated cabinet with an extra tweeter, and a polarity switch. The 9's have a larger cabinet with the fancy side panels.

I guess they figure they have you by the nuts, and that you have no choice but to buy the matching center.

Early B.

Yep, by the nuts...

The center channel is the most important speaker in an HT setup, and manufacturers are aware of this, so they price them accordingly.

Sid, make your own matching center channel for less than half the price of Tyler's. Check out Madisound's DIY section -- the Odin and Cygnet kits use the same drivers and crossover components as the Taylos.

http://madisound.com/pdf/Kits/seaskits.pdf

Drumingman

With advances in sound technology, some of the ideas are not so great.
Just because it's new, does not mean it's better, it's different.
Downloading music vs. owning a CD is an example. Speaker systems are another example, yes the center channel is very important but I do not see these componets as good as the main speakers they are supposed to be working with. thats why I opt for 4 matching speakers across the front, especially for music. I also like multiple woofers as compared to a single stand alone unit. While there are a few subs that are very good, and I do mean a few, I would prefer to have at least two in my system.
Bose is not not better, just different.

Drumingman

oops

Holydoc

Drumingman wrote:

es the center channel is very important but I do not see these componets as good as the main speakers they are supposed to be working with.

Unlike 2-channel systems where the right and left speaker are the "main speakers", with HT the center channel is the "main speaker" and all other speakers support it. HT requires a whole different way of thinking than a system built for music. 80% of the dialogue of the HT is coming from the center speaker and thus it must be the shining star of your HT setup.

With that in mind, I agree and disagree with Sid (how is that for wishy-washy). If the center speaker is built with the idea that clarity in dialogue and integration of the soundstage is paramount, then the center speaker should be one (if not THE) most expensive speaker in the HT system. However as Sid eluded to, too many manufactorers just place the same drivers and crossovers as their R/L speakers in a different box and then jack up the price calling it a center channel. One way to tell a company that is serious about HT as compared to music reproduction is the company that takes the time, money, and resources to produce a center channel that works as the team leader rather than just one of the players.

Marcinko7

Holydoc,
How does that Panny do for you, I'm looking to get that next.

disneyjoe7

Doesn't the center channel need extra magnetic shielding do it possible closeness to a TV? This may be why it cost more.

disneyjoe7

Also the R&D in building it, and people who buy one over a pair of speakers.


I think it's the cost of doing business.

Holydoc

Sorry about the derail...

Marcinko7 wrote:

How does that Panny do for you, I'm looking to get that next.

Marc,

I love the 50" Plasma. However do not ask me to do a comparison with other plasmas since this is my first one. My decision to get this particular one was influenced greatly by all the reviews and the forums on AVS. As for its presentation of HD television (via Cox Cable 720p and 1080i), it is amazing to watch. You feel like you are looking out a window rather than watching a TV. Everything just seems 3D.

I selected the 600u for its PiP, PC hook-up, and aesthetics (yes, I am weak that way). There is not one thing I would ask to be different about this TV.

MikeC78

Kick A** Holydoc!!! Nice setup!:)

Awesome plasma! I have last years commercial Panny PHD508UK, and loving it!:)

Mike

Jose_L

The Odins and Tylers Acoustic's Linbrooks Sig Monitors use the same driver's but I'd doubt the crossover's are the same.

Just go to htguide and check the Modula and NatalieP's crossovers. Same drivers but different networks...

I had a complete SDA HT setup and I've moved to Ty's Linbrook system, big difference. Mainly clarity w/out harshness, well balanced. The only thing the SDA's do better is the soundstage..

here's my systems: http://www.relsyscon.com/projects.htm

Regards,
Jose

Marcinko7

Holydoc,
I'm wanting the panny due to the pc native resolution hookup and it seems to have all the features I want. Can't see where the 58" is worth another $2K for 8", whattya think. It looks like the perfect tv for me. Thanks for the pictures - nice setup.:)

Holydoc

Marc,

As far as whether the 58" is worth the price, that has to be your decision. I know I have never heard anyone ever say, "I wish I would of bought the smaller TV."