How Much Difference Does...

Freak When C

1 or 2 dB in speaker sensitivity make?

I have some older Paradigm speakers (Export Monitors) that are rated at 89 db sensitivity. I was thinking about getting a Polk center channel speaker and am considering the CS1 or CS10. The CS1 is the better deal right now (have a$30 coupon for newegg that expires @ 3am EST). But my stand will only accommodate a center channel speaker that's 6.5 inches tall. And of course, the Polk center that conforms to that spec. is the CS10 but it has a 91 dB sensitivity rating and my Paradigms are 89 dB (which is what the 7" tall CS1 speaker is rated at). If I go with the CS1 half an inch of the speaker will be blocked by the inside rim of the stand. Should I get the CS10 which will barely fit but not match the sensitivity of my mains, or should I get the CS1 that has the same sensitivity but doesn't fit nicely in my stand and will have a 1/2 inch of the top blocked?

mmadden28

If I recall, the sensitivity won't cause it to be louder or softer than speakers that are of a different senstivity (in the same rig), but that it will take less power to drive the speakers of a higher sensitivity rating. The speakers should only pull what they need.

If for some reason they do end up being different, .Just recalibrate them to all be the same levels - which should be done anyway when making a significant change like that.

What you do need to concern yourself with is if the center will be timbre matched to the existing speakers.

Face

mmadden28 wrote: »

what you do need to concern yourself with is if the center will be timbre matched to the existing speakers.

+1...

Freak When C

I've read about this timbre matching. I'm not exactly sure what that is but that's one of the reasons I contacted Paradigm. Of course the speakers I have are discontinued by Paradigm so even though they suggested to go with any of the Studio line center channel speakers, who's to say that they will be a match since my speakers are likely 10 yrs old. How can I tell if a Polk CS1 would be a close timbre match? Probably not a likely scenario I know. But center channel speakers in the Studio line from Paradigm, such as the CC-590, are very expensive.:rolleyes: Was hoping the CS1 or CS10 would do the trick for now at 1/5 the price.

AudioGenics

maybe this write up would help
I copied an excerpt
here is the URL

http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/dB.html


One decibel is close to the Just Noticeable Difference (JND) for sound level.
As you listen to these files, you will notice that the last is quieter than the first, but it is rather less clear to the ear that the second of any pair is quieter than its predecessor. 10*log10(1.26) = 1, so to increase the sound level by 1 dB, the power must be increased by 26%, or the voltage by 12%.

AudioGenics

some more tidbits

Later on we relate dB to the phon and the sone (units related to loudness).

McLoki

It wont be a problem. (just bump up or drop the center channel by a couple of DB and you will be fine) I would be more concerned with the timber matching if it is going to be a long term setup (i.e. - not switching all your speakers to polk monitor series and are just starting with the center)

The timber matching thing may be a big deal to you and it may not be. I would purchase the center from someplace you can return it or get it for a good enough deal you will not lose much if you decide to sell it though.

On a different note - for most paradigm speakers, I would guess the RTi or RTiA line a closer match, but that is still just a guess at a band-aid on my part.....

Good Luck,

Michael

Freak When C

Thanks for the help guys. Guess what? I ran out to BB and bought the CS10. I'll most likely be returning it as it's $70 more than at the Egg but at least I can try it out how Polk center speakers will sound with my POaradigm mains. I already solved the stand sitch. It fit down on the second shelf just like I thought since it's only 6 1/2 inches high. But I really don't like it that low (just 12" off the floor) So I set it on the top shelf where the TV sits, directly in front and center. I think it will sound better there, up a little higher and it doesn't block my screen. But with that rear bass port, I'm going to need to modify my stand or something so that the speaker can sit a few inches away from the base of the TV.

I got a few questions about the Polk center channel speakers. here's the three I'm considering:CS1 CS10 CS2

The CS1 and CS10 are very similar but the CS1 has a coupon for $30 off(expiring at 3am EST) so it would be 69.99 shipped (practically eliminating the CS10). The CS2 is 119.99 shipped (also until 3am EST). Obviously the CS2 is the better speaker with it having larger drivers. But is the CS2 really going to sound that much better than the CS1?

cnh

As an owner of a CS2 I have to say yes! The center channel carries so much weight the more your center can handle the 'better'.

But if you thought the CS1/10 was big...well?

cnh

Freak When C

The more I think about it those 6.5" drivers of the CS2 vs. the 5.25" drivers of the CS1... Yeah, I'm sure that makes a significant difference in sound. And now that you stress the importance of the center channel, it's a no brainer.

According to THESE SPECS the dimensions of the CS20 is a little smaller (except for width) than a CS2. So now I'm wondering if the CS20 would be better than the CS2 since it's almost a half an inch shorter, not quite as deep and the newer model. Frequency response is slightly better as well on the CS20.