A different center speaker question

dcacc
dcacc Posts: 45
edited February 2008 in Speakers
What if the choice is between a CSi3 to go with my RTi10s and sticking with my current center, which is a JBL Northridge EC35. It's beefy center, on par size-wise with the 5 and, on it's own, a good-sounding speaker. I suspect it has a richer sound than the smaller 3, but it's not voice-matched to my 10s.

What would you all recommend? (I know ... it's up to my ear, but I still value your opinions).
Post edited by dcacc on
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Comments

  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2008
    Why don't you just listen to your old center channel with your new 10's. If you like the sound you have the answer to your question.

    None of my speaker are matched & I think it sounds just fine.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2008
    I would make sure everything is timbre matched.

    I wasn't happy with my HT setup until even the rears matched.

    Dealing with different voicing, phases, and efficiencies can also make it more difficult to set everything up properly.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited February 2008
    Gonna agree with face. Timbre match everything, get rid of that JBL.
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  • jakelm
    jakelm Posts: 4,081
    edited February 2008
    cfrizz wrote: »
    None of my speaker are matched & I think it sounds just fine.


    Yeah....but you're weird....:p
    Monitor 7b's front
    Monitor 4's surround
    Frankinpolk Center (2 mw6503's with peerless tweeter)
    M10's back surround
    Hafler-200 driving patio Daytons
    Tempest-X 15" DIY sub w/ Rythmik 350A plate amp
    Dayton 12" DVC w/ Rythmik 350a plate amp
    Harman/Kardon AVR-635
    Oppo 981hd
    Denon upconvert DVD player
    Jennings Research (vintage and rare)
    Mit RPTV WS-55513
    Tosh HD-XA1
    B&K AV5000


    Dont BAN me Bro!!!!:eek:
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  • dcacc
    dcacc Posts: 45
    edited February 2008
    Thanks all.

    And, by the way, I'm a relatively new member, and I've got to tell you all: This is a great forum. I especially appreciate the respectful way you all reply to us newbies. I've learned a lot -- and my ears thank you.
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  • maximillian
    maximillian Posts: 2,144
    edited February 2008
    What if you had two sets of fronts: Rti 4's or 6's which would be timbre matched to the CSi3 and also the JBL's. Do you think that would work? Maybe that would yield a good soundstage since the JBL's could fill in where the Rti's lack (bass possibly)?
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  • VSchneider
    VSchneider Posts: 443
    edited February 2008
    Both, RTi4 and 6 will match CSi3 equally well (or mismatch the JBL for that matter). Actually, specs even on the smaller RTi4 go lower than the EC35, so even if mains and center play the same sound (which is not often), either of the RTi's wouldn't need much of EC35's help.
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited February 2008
    As much as I say always timbre match, if you don't have the funds to timbre match by buying new speakers, just do what you think sounds best. If you already have both the Polk and the JBL center, and you think the JBL sounds better even though it isn't timbre matched, go with it.
    Jake
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