Newbie needing help with center channel speaker

ibzepfan

Hi there.I'm new to the home theater scene,and have some questions that I'm hoping someone here can help me with.I have a RM75 surround setup (my apartment is tiny) and a few days ago my center speaker was accidently stepped on and destroyed while I was upgrading my speaker wire.So now I need to replace it,but I'm unsure about a couple of things.I know that the speakers need to match,and I'd like to stay with a smaller speaker,as it sets on my stand directly in front of my tv.I can buy a new RM7 center of course,but would it be better to spend a few extra dollars to get the RM8 center?Also,my buddy has a brand new Klipsch C1 that he bought and never took out of the box,which he said I can have.Which would be the better choice?I think that I may end up getting hooked on my newest obsession,as I've been looking at receivers online the last few days to replace my old Kenwood unit,but that will have to wait.Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

comfortablycurt

I'd stay away from the Klipsch. Klipsch and Polk have VERY different sounds...and most likely wouldn't mesh real well together. Especially not in that position. Timbre matching is pretty crucial for the left/center/right. It's not as crucial to timbre match the surrounds to the fronts, but it definitely has it's merits as well.

packetjones

Welcome to CP ibzepfan.

Here is my opinion on the subject. It is a little different than the others that you have received so far. For starters it is important to timbre the front sound stage to each other. This allows the sound to be consistent as it pans across the front speakers. Some people are more sensitive to this than others. There are some people that can not tell a difference and others that can point it out very very quickly. It is up to you to determine which category you fall in to.

If your friend will "give" you the Klipsch center, I would try it out and see what you think. In my opinion it may be a step up from either of the polk centers you have listed. If it does not sound right then you can give it back and get an RM center.

In regards to the polk speakers. I would go with the rm7 over the 8. It will have the matching tweeter that you had before and there does not appear to be any other differences between the 2 other than the tweeter.

Hope this helps. The key here is that "your" ears will be the final decision makers. The klipsch may sound great to you and you could bet a new center for free. Good luck.

Hillbilly61

I agree with packetjones on this. Free is good! Hook the center up to see/hear what you think. If you can hear the lack of timbre match, then it is easy to give the center back to your friend and explain why.

If you are happy with this set up, then you saved yourself some $ for the replacement center! What you hear and how happy with that experience is what matters.

wutadumsn23

Give the Klipsch a try, if it is free, what can it hurt to see. If it doesn't work, then get a RM7 and call it a day. Timbre matching your front three is very important and like stated above Polk and Klipsch sound very different, but it won't hurt to try. Welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

domflane

I would totally try the Klipsch, especially if its free. You may like the sound so much that you will want to upgrade the rest of your speakers to match it though . . so be careful. I'm not Klipsch crazy, but they make great speakers that perform really well for HT. I'd love to put a full Klpisch reference system against my RTi's and do a comparo. Good luck and welcome to the club pal.

ibzepfan

Thank you all for your input.I tried the Klipsch but couldn't seem to get it matched up to my fronts.I ordered another RM7 today and I'll just call it good for now.Next up is upgrading my obsolete Kenwood receiver.I can already hear my wife,ha ha.Thanks again everyone.

wutadumsn23

NP man, it was worth a shot. I didn't figure it would match up well, but you never know till you try right? Good luck with your rig, and if you need any help with your AVR when it comes time, you know where to go, lol.

-Jeff