7 Tips for THE BEST Center Channel Setup

7 Tips for THE BEST Center Channel Setup. Without the proper center channel setup, dialogue can be unclear and disappointing. This video will help you do it right the first time.
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Theater Room Video Tour- • Home Theater Tour with...
Custom Cabinet Build Thread - imgur.com/gallery/Ly3SMdU
7.2.4 Dolby Atmos Build Thread - goo.gl/YShhGf
High Res Photos - imgur.com/gallery/Z2YE8vK
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Disclaimer: Affiliate Links are used in the description of this video. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@gilbertrios5283]

I remember when 5.1 sound came to the home market, some of the best sound I've experienced has been with a full set of timber matched speakers! Playing the original THX trailer really highlights timber matching, and BTW, I think even today, that trailer is still the best to show off what your HT can do! At reference level, it's a sonic symphony! Back in the day when THX was huge! Thanks YM!

[@robertspringer9477]

I've seen numerous comments to reference levels, what are reference levels and will my AVR achieve these levels?

[@DaveW871]

Just moving my center channel up to the front of the shelf above the tv made a world of difference !

[@totalplonker824]

Ever since I spent £1,000 on a matching centre channel, never mind the fact I never needed to turn centre channel up a few notches, I can't recall ever having to reach for the remote to press rewind! 😁 Good video.

[@Jimbomania]

Great tips. I used different speakers for a year up front, my ears couldn't hear a difference in timbre, but that's my ears. And I just use a pair of door stops from the Dollar Tree to raise the center channel up a bit. Works the same way, cost $1 and they're black so they disappear in with the rest of the system for movies.

[@mustangfred2006]

Down to the basics. Some of it is common sense but well worth repeating. Never thought about moving the center channel to the edge and angling it towards the listening position. Thank you Youthman.

[@Youthman]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@BigDavos]

Please keep bringing these types of vids! Do av receivers/settings 😎

[@Youthman]

That is the plan. I want to get back to my roots and provide more educational videos and not just product reviews.

[@airman6822]

Thanks for the tips. Always trying to tweak my setup to get the most out of it.

[@balladbuster5109]

I was researching on this. Thank you.

[@bingobaz6402]

Tip 1 just helped me big time as made me realise why having the same brand and line is important and makes so much sense. Brilliant thanks as I was about to buy a klipsch with my mordaunt short mezzo range.

[@B.B.Digital_Forest]

It's a good thing I kept searching for the same product line of tower speakers as my center & bookshelf speakers. It took a while but it will work out better in the end. Thanks for the tip

[@mdjak3686]

Youthman posts a video, I watch and learn.

[@user-ki4vl5xf8d]

Looking good. You’re the reason I have my klipsch 5.1.2 atmos setup in my basement.

[@jasonlevesque9303]

So I just want to say I have several brands of speakers and sets of speakers ,29 connected together with 4 different, multi channel amps ,2 ,two channel amps ,and 2 more 4 channels amps ,on my main receiver I have a multi channel pre Amp out puts so I can connect different amps to boost my surround speaks . Now what I did was matched and played around hooking up different sets of speakers to the different amps to find the best matching sound quality. I'll just say I've been to the big expensive shows and listened to those $100,000 systems. What I've set up and tuned myself sounds 100 times cleaner ,clearer than most every system I've ever heard. Took me months to get it to sound like it does but I get pure clean ,highs ,voice ,and acoustics so much that it like the band is right in my room playing. 👍

[@davidbeetham8481]

Hi Youthman, please keep the tips and tricks flowing in. Thanks DB

[@Youthman]

Thanks

[@richardbeebe1861]

Best low cost, effective, answer to angling center channels up have been rubber door stop wedges. They do not show terribly bad, allow you to slide the center forward and backward to adjust the angle for tweeter direction and the rubber keeps everything in place.

[@Youthman]

Thanks. Someone else mentioned that. Love it!

[@jeffpizzi4385]

Been using one for years.

[@michael-4k4000]

Try TCL speakers 🔊

[@maddog3454]

Yes I was just going to say this....I bought a $2 door stop for my center speaker.. works perfectly

[@michael-4k4000]

@@maddog3454 sorry, not everyone can afford Samsung and Sony Speakers 🔊

[@MrJunie64]

Great tips. I have my center channel pushed back to far. I moved it up to the edge of the cabinet and can tell a difference. Thx for the tips

[@Youthman]

Glad you found the video helpful

[@NovikSlava]

Great video! It’s worth to mention that some ported speakers come with plug. You can use plug if you plan to use inside of the shelf.

[@oszkarhathazi2305]

Great tips .....very usefull. Let me add one more tip ..... always go for a 3 way center speaker.

[@litonzaved7536]

thanks, these are helpful tips

[@michaelschiessl8357]

Great info keep up the great work!!

[@Youthman]

Thanks

[@NivBetsalel]

Extremely helpful. Thanks a lot! 🤩🤩

[@TechnoDad]

Great video man!

[@Youthman]

Thanks Channa. Headed to watch your latest phone video.

[@cigarobsession]

Great tips, all spot on!

[@Youthman]

Thank you kindly

[@johnrodriguez2922]

@@Youthman I agree %1000 with ur L.C.R selection!

[@johnrodriguez2922]

@@Youthman for me Klipsch RF-7III OR JTR'S

[@Youthman]

JTR’s are on an entirely different level than my RF7 III. It would take the Khorn or Jubilee to begin to compare.

[@DigitalDonAV]

Great Video, spot on advice. Only thing I would add is that people may want to consider adding some kind of product to their center channel like an Isoacoustics stand or even Auralex MoPAD's. I have found these to make a giant difference.

[@Youthman]

Good tip Don

[@marvinmccray3585]

Great suggestions! Thanks!

[@Youthman]

Glad you enjoyed them Marvin

[@badgastein2]

Tip number 8 - get 3 huge B & W centre speakers (£1500 each or 8 series approximately £6000 each) and use all 3 speakers in the HORIZONTAL position i.e. Left/Centre/Right. You can always augment this with a REL T/9x sub-bass if you feel you need it. Bowers and Wilkins make a wide stand for the 8 series speakers.

[@GedSmyth]

Great tips pal!

[@jasonmawakeesick7995]

Great tips,

[@rbiamby]

Great video, I really appreciate this.

[@Youthman]

Thanks Rodney

[@rossharper1983]

Easy tip, if you have center below or above TV, like I do. Buy a cheap laser pen. You can place it on top of center speaker and it enables you to make sure you got the angle tilted correctly for it to aim straight at your head height.

[@Youthman]

I have used lasers myself. Great tip

[@scottwallace1]

Great advice. Spot on. One thing people don’t often consider is that an “LCR” doesn’t have to mean a compact satellite speaker. A large full-range tower can be an ‘LCR’ if you align the same three speakers across the front. Matters of crossover and bass management can be dealt with as the room dictates.

[@Youthman]

Absolutely

[@kira5348]

Mr Youthman Rock

[@ThinhNguyen-mn4li]

You are the best. Thank you

[@LifeofBliss]

Great tips Michael, I think you hit every one that can really make a big difference in SQ.

[@Youthman]

Thanks Kyle. I’m really looking forward to your next video.

[@michaeljomon]

Great Tips Mate

[@desiman0786]

Brilliant.. Going to change to LCR.. Great advice 👍

[@BOSS-UAQ]

Thanks man great tips it is very useful for me.

[@Youthman]

Thanks

[@jeffleonard343]

Excellent video!!

[@Youthman]

Thanks Jeff

[@bradthurkle7217]

Great tips cheers.

[@nickgiordano6518]

I bought a piece of mogami cable with banana ends from parts express and made a DIY cable to replace my svs cable and oh yea it made and an improvement. Seen this guy on KZbin make his own and made one for under $25 . It will rival any high end cable , mogami is a quad cable so you use two conductors in each banana , so worth it

[@nickgiordano6518]

Also picked up an iOS acoustics isolator for my center stand that you can articulate, dampens any vibration getting into the center , definitely does somthing and looks cool

[@milindpendse]

Hey Michael! Thanks a ton for all your advice and videos! Helps a lot. Saw your home theatre upgrades, subs comparisons, separates vs avrs and many more. Two questions on this video: 1. For those who use their system for music as well, how do floor standing speakers and a centre compare to all three speakers of the same series behind the screen. What's suggested/ better.. 2. While lcr should be the same brand and series, what's your view on surrounds if they are different, largely due to costs. Won't they sound bit different? For example, kef r11 for lcr but 8 kef surrounds (rear +Atmos) can cost a lot. Or gradually upgrade.

[@lightningwaves5436]

Great video.

[@bullpup33]

My center sounds better the further away i stand...its an older b&w. Also i plugged one of the ports. That helped.

[@jasontew5851]

awesome advice and tips for anybody into home theater, I am not quite there yet,(having same brand for speakers, e712 cerwin vega floor standing speakers for l,r...and Polk Audio TSi CS10 (Black) for center), but I am working toward it. Thanks for the great help you freely give.

[@Youthman]

Thanks Jason glad you enjoyed the video

[@adamfeglerski9857]

Truest truth, thank you for collecting 👍 Apply Michael's tips and even your wife will notice the difference! 😍

[@graysonpeddie]

4:01 I love having those speakers with big horns behind an AT screen! :D

[@Schjoenz]

To purchase a sealed center channel speaker is to purchase a different brand from your left and right speakers if the brands you happen to buy was not designed to have a center speaker.. It is because finding sealed speaker while considering the brands and the series of your left and right speaker is very difficult UNLESS, you make a custom one. My advice is always go for the custom made or purchase a set. Or if you're like me, I make and match things depending on my taste. I build them myself too. Even a DIY 5.1 Amplifier. Disclaimer, I'm no expert or sound engineer but I do love electronics and music.

[@tobyhines7587]

I'm using all SVS 5.2.2 Primes for LCR and Stats for atmos and surrounds. I plan on adding Pinnicales for L/R and moving old L/R to back surrounds for 10 years I had a Denon 3805 and ran A + B rear surrounds. I played discreet 4 ch music with it A for Movies and B for the music.

[@ranilraj925]

Very helpful 👌☺

[@NeoKronos44]

To angle your center channel speakers, try a matching pair of door stops (metal or real wood ones), they look much nicer than foam.

[@noelmaweya7729]

Great tips and I am now getting more quality sound from my Center speaker

[@Youthman]

Thank you Noel. Glad you are finding value in the content.

[@joseagui6125]

Very good!👏👍

[@falcon048]

I would suggest this tip: If you have a large Center Channel, which usually is comprised of two mid-range drivers and a tweeter or even two mid-bass drivers and a tweeter, be sure to check your Receiver's setting for Center Channel. Make sure it is set to Full Range or Large center channel. What that does is sends the full 20-20K sound source to the center channel. Likewise, if you have a small center channel, which might be comprised of one mid-range driver or maybe just a tweeter, you will want to check the Center channel setting to Small. This will cut off the bass and mid-bass frequencies to the center channel and you won't get distortion as the driver attempts to replicate lower frequencies it can't produce well. Another tip, would be to check volume levels, especially if you don't have matching center speakers and main speakers. Your surround receiver will allow you to increase or decrease the volume of each channel separately from the main volume. You might need to adjust this to offset the sound differential between mismatched speakers. This might also come in handy if your room isn't a standard boxed-in square shape. Say you have a column or wall next to one of the speakers, but the other has open area around it. This will affect the acoustics. A money-free solution is to change the volume for that speaker if it is overpowering due to reflection. Finally, pulling from the controversial playbook, check your speaker wire and connections. To get the best performance from ANY speaker, the overall concept is to reduce impedance. To reduce impedance you need better conductivity. This can be in the form of thicker wire, more advanced wire geometry, speaker connectors such as spades or banana plugs, as well as length of the wire and where that wire is placed (like, don't set your speaker wire next to a heater or any strong electrical device.)

[@omsairam9728]

Best information sir 👍👍👍

[@Adywerty88]

Very useful information, i like your channel

[@Youthman]

Thank you kindly.

[@_Volt_Ron_]

The foam mounting tip for my center, to angle it to our ear level, was really helpful. Though you had me thinking for a minute about using one of my black towels to put under my black Klipsch center. :)

[@Youthman]

Haha fortunately the pads are a very inexpensive option and will look cleaner.

[@victorvalenzuela6949]

I used two black electrical tape rolls on each side on my SVS Prime center channel and they look great. 👍🏼🔊. Thanks for the tips. 🙏🏼✌🏼

[@plumrico7397]

Doorstops are what I use to angle my Dali Zensor 1 Vokal

[@udhayasankar84]

Super Tips Sir ❤️

[@Youthman]

Thank you

[@danielbergman1984]

Thanks mate! I was looking for tips for my center channel. I got it placed under the tv in the cabinet b/c of the fact that my 75" TV is taking up all the space on top. 😅 I will angle it upwards. Thanks!

[@chrisharford2610]

Thanks mate.

[@victorvalenzuela6949]

You can also open up the back of your entertainment center with the same size of your center channel speaker 🔊 so it can breathe. I have a SVS Ultra center channel and it has port holes in the back. It worked out great..👍🏼 none of the boomy sound in the cabinet. 🤷🏻‍♂️😁

[@arnelcomia2060]

Verry good advice.

[@Youthman]

Thank you

[@trumanfalkner3475]

Wow, so helpful! Since i’m building a home theater with the ability to use an acoustic screen, I will now opt for the same center speaker as for my L and R so it’s a true LCR. Because the room is only 15’ 9” deep, I will probably opt for in wall speakers since it would increase my projection throw and maximize my screen and room size. Any cautions for this set up? Or worth building out an LCR box to host better speakers than in wall even if it reduces my projection throw?

[@khairulamilin9687]

love my airmotiv c2+. seem blending well with my svs towers

[@holdencommodore2200]

You are the reason I bought 3 Noesis 212htr for my LCR instead of Tektons. I won't be receiving them until July/August. I can't wait!!! Thank you for the tips on setting up the center channel!

[@Youthman]

Glad you enjoyed the video and congrats on the new purchase! I think you’re really going to enjoy them

[@daveycrockett5738]

He’s also the reason I bought my jtr captivator4000ulf.

[@Youthman]

Awesome Davey. Have you gotten yours yet?

[@daveycrockett5738]

@@Youthman yes sir! Got mine last year. I’m David young in your group on Facebook and the jtr group. You probably don’t remember me but you might.

[@MrMichaelEsser]

PLZ write here how they are when you have them

[@musikcreator93]

Also, in my AVR (the Yamaha RX-V6A) there is a dialogue "Lift" (not sound level that's separate) option that I'm guessing uses EQ to artificially make the dialogue sound like it is coming from a higher location to help make your center channel sound like it is coming from the TV itself instead of below. It seems to help a little without changing the sound noticeably. Not as good as placing the speaker behind an acoustically transparent screen, but a good adjustment to use to get it close.

[@junior-OG]

yep

[@Chase1297]

I wonder if it’s bleeding the center into the LRs. Maybe not just guessing

[@mauricedalaimo2127]

@@Chase1297 yes always does, very bad to use unless u have a terrible center it makes EVERYTHING play like Prologic II Music with voice accross the front

[@kcranny9375]

Ok, so I moved my center speaker to the top of my unit as you advised. I actually noticed a difference, before I felt as if the receiver was a split second off but actually it was probably because the speaker was at my knee height. Lol. Thanks for the advice.

[@Youthman]

Awesome! Sometimes small adjustments can a make huge difference

[@vasanthanb1947]

Thanks 👍

[@sebulbathx]

Nice video and great tips! I think the center channel is the most underrated channel. Most probably know that like 85 percent of the most important sound comes front the center channel yet most poeple hold back on the center channel. Especially bass is very present in the center channel and even if you can redirect the bass to other speakers it won't be the same also with a bigger speaker sound and voices sound much fuller and real so to speak. I get most can't have three tower speakers but at least go for the biggest center speaker in the series you have. In my experience the best is of course to have all speaker from the same brand and series but if you can't at least have the same in the front stage. I think having other brands as surround and top speakers isn't as critical as the front if they are somewhat similar in tone.

[@Youthman]

I agree completely

[@ronmurphy4234]

The main issue with having LCR speakers in the front is matching the blend at cross-over points between them and a sub-woofer, using better electronics mitigates this issue, but when using more affordable electronics it's more of a problem. Your recommendation on the center channel position is more apparent when using a smaller center channel speaker with a limited lower frequency range, this become less of an issue when the tweeter is at the top and the side speakers can go lower in the frequency range, this is due to the fact that lower frequencies are non-directional.

[@onechain13]

I'm that guy that put his center on the console near the back. I pull it out to edge for watching movies and then back when I'm finished.

[@Militia_Dei777]

Great advise 👍 Unfortunately not everyone myself including has the money for this fantastic setup 😁

[@Youthman]

Thank you kindly. The advice I gave him this video doesn’t mention price of your speakers. The same principle could apply to Elac bookshelves which are around $100 a speaker.

[@victorpulos823]

Good video

[@GunnyPhillips]

Thanks Michael. You've just shamed me into planning for an eventual AT screen upgrade. 😁

[@Youthman]

You won’t regret an AT screen. 😉

[@philindeblanc]

#1 rule is a pretty subjective rule. It is ideal, but not necessary. Its a good idea that they have similar sound characteristics. Specially if you do much of music listening, then it matters less. #2 tip should be going for a 3way center, not just budget. #3 again, not needed. LCR is fine, but why such a limitation? #4 totally not needed as well. You can have it just below, or more ear level. #5 Ok, a good idea. #6 ok #7 ok ___So 3 good tips! And most sound like tips for buyers of package setups.

[@philnicol8072]

A separate power amplifier purely to power the centre channel speaker, is also a big help in terms of the clarity of the dialogue. Makes a big difference

[@veistelija]

Thanx!

[@rico9391]

Absolutes oftentimes find themselves wrong. Case in point. I had 7, Pioneer elite towers and a SVS Ultra center with 2, SB 2000 subs in the rear and 2 pioneer elite subs in the front. One sub next to each front tower and there was no tonal difference at all in the front stage. Everything sounded great. When I changed out the fronts for Ultra Towers The sound was ofcourse louder, but the Pioneer elite towers have better sound dispersion with separation, particularly, in the highs/mids. Gun shots had more snap to them. Glass breaking and all those type of sounds are more detailed with the elites than the ultra towers. The Ultra Towers sound clear, loud, and with a great bottom end. My point is from my own experience, is, just because you have matching speakers it doesn't mean it's going to sound good or better.

[@Youthman]

If your ears prefer the sound of the Pioneers, why not get the matching Pioneer center?

[@mfkhometheater7742]

Great video, great advice! Of course you know me, I will always DIY because I can voice match everything at will not just on axis response but off axis as well:-)

[@Youthman]

DIY is a great option if that’s your thing.

[@mfkhometheater7742]

@@Youthman Been doing it for almost 50 years, old habits are hard to break;-)

[@Youthman]

Nothing wrong with that

[@adamjj85]

Great tips! I would add a #8, if you can't go with an LCR setup, go with a 3 way W T/M W center channel for better dispersion and minimized lobing.

[@Youthman]

Do you mean a MTM? When I refer to LCR, it includes three identical speakers whether they are towers, bookshelf speakers or MTM design.

[@adamjj85]

@@Youthman MTM is good for vertical LCR's, but for a horizontal center, a 3 way design with 2 woofers and a tweeter and mid in the middle is generally better. SVS and Emotiva are examples.

[@Youthman]

I see what you mean now. I reviewed several centers that had a dedicated midrange beneath the tweeter.

[@mocheen4837]

I am running a full set of Definitive Technology mythos speakers and the matching towers are much larger than my center channel. I tried increasing the sound on the receiver and it did not blend well. I ended up purchasing a much larger Definitive Technology center channel CS 9080 with larger drivers and a built in powered subwoofer. The sound from the center is definitely clearer and has more low end presence. I am still playing with the sound and it seems to be better so far.

[@paulweeks1628]

Another great video. Anyway to get you for advice? Putting together all svs ultra with marantz 8012, monolith 7x200 amp 2 subs.

[@Youthman]

Hi Paul, I do offer consulting. Shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@corypetersen5081]

i own klipsch vf 36 for my front left and right and my center channel is the klipsch rp450 c are the lower end klipschs speakers ok to match with the rp line

[@johnsimonson588]

These are fantastic tips! I wish I could follow them but unfortunately, I have the room from Hades. 18 foot angled ceilings. Worst of all a fireplace and mantle right where the TV goes. I plan to get a mantle mount, but this also means the center channel speaker Hass to be mounted to the TV itself so that when it’s pulled down the speaker comes with it. Looking for a slim line version that can be mounted directly to the TV. The polk looks best to me, but the rest of the speakers are Klipsch. Hoping Audyssey can compensate.

[@davidolchewsky5365]

Excellent Tips, Michael! Using large OLED screens for video, I've had to implement many of your suggestions for the front channel speaker, and man ... what a difference. I've come a long way in my HT journey, and am sure I've still got some distance to go.

[@mycyexpress2862]

These are great suggestions. I find it interesting that 3 of the 7 suggestions pretty much require being able to place the center channel behind the screen, which for the vast majority of home setups simply is not possible.

[@Youthman]

Thanks Todd. My audience is composed of people that have dedicated theater rooms, and also people that have home theaters and a living room, bonus room, or even a bedroom set up. I shared in the video, the absolute best sound will be from an LCR but that’s often typically not feasible in a living room set up. That’s why I included tips for both types of home theaters.

[@declanfarber]

@@Youthman If you have even one window in the room, even with good blackout curtains, a front projector, she nottaworkasogood. Here in my part of the south we don’t have basements, so it’s a rare abode that doesn’t have this affliction. (We have to watch our movies in the heat of the afternoon when we can’t do anything else.) BTW, subs belong in the corners, otherwise you have problems with overhang.

[@Youthman]

My room has two windows and my room is pitch black which I shared in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5LagpKXYqmBrKs Subs don’t always have to be in the corners for the best result.

[@declanfarber]

@@Youthman Here’s the problem with subs not in the corner, in a nutshell. The sub can be considered to be a forcing function to a waveform consisting of a sum of the “modes” of the room. It takes a noticeable period of time for those modes to be fully “energized” if the sub is not in a corner (where the mode-subwoofer interaction is strongest.) This is interpreted by the ear as overhang or flabby bass, which is not good. Of course, this is true for deep bass. If you’re only looking for upper bass, it doesn’t matter quite so much, but that’s not a subwoofer’s job.

[@Youthman]

There are several options for sub placement that are not in the corners. See the diagrams in this article - www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/multiple-subwoofer-setup-calibration-1

[@jjguillen65]

I just adjust my center speaker. I guess I had in the middle of my cabinet. 😬😊

[@2Timothy2.15]

Me too.

[@viperracing2889]

A nice trick is to use the very same model MTM center speaker also as a left and right speaker, but standing on their end. That way you typically get higher sensitivity, more bass extension, higher power handling, better imaging and also perfect (as mentioned in the video) front stage sound conformity.

[@jaswats9645]

Most centers I've seen do not have nearly the bass extension as their LR counterparts.

[@viperracing2889]

@@jaswats9645 Bass extension is what subs are for. There's no point having alot of bass extension when it's limited by an 80Hz HPF anyway. 😉

[@jaswats9645]

@@viperracing2889 You literally said centers have more bass extension.

[@viperracing2889]

@@jaswats9645 I meant when comparing for example a center speaker with two 6" woofers compared to a bookshelf type speaker from the same line with only one 6" woofer. The center in such cases has better bass extension and can also handle higher SPL. When standing on its side it will typically also have better off-axis response compared to its bookshelf style counterpart. I assumed you were now instead comparing a center with floorstanders, in which case the floorstanders will typically have even more woofers (often three) and even better bass extension and handle even higher SPL.

[@jaswats9645]

@@viperracing2889 OK, but most centers from the same line either do not have the same size woofers, or they are sealed as opposed to the LR which are usually ported. All this leading to less bass extension for the centers. There are exceptions, ofc, but usually only in that they have the same bass extension, rarely more. I've been shopping for and checking the specs for centers and their matching LRs for months now and this is what I've found to be the case.

[@wezz69]

Im actually surprised at what a big difference moving the centre speaker to the front of my cabinet and angling the speaker up with a wedge makes.

[@Youthman]

Glad you found the tips helpful

[@hapkrs]

Great tips high 5 to yah. Oh sorry covid.

[@decaf77]

Hello youthman! Thank you for the great video!!! Question, do you think it ok to have the Klipsch RC-64iii paired with RP8000f’s for the front stage? Or do you think it best to go with the RP504C instead of the 64iii? I just want the best set up for HT, and I know the center channel is key. Having only ever owned the 250C I would love to get your advice. Thank you in advance , and thank you for all you do for this community 😊

[@Youthman]

So that is the age ole question. I have heard of guys that have used the RC64 III with non-RF7 III klipsch speakers and they love it. How much difference will they sound from non-RF7 III speakers and can your room correction balance them is quite subjective.

[@ryanschipp8513]

While I'll agree that mixing and matching the front three speakers is not always ideal, it is also true that sometimes it works out. I have living proof of it. My right and left are Canton 890.2 and my center channel is a pinnacle black diamond 700. Sounds fantastic across my front stage. Interestingly enough the Pinnacle is a soft Dome and the Canton has a ceramic coated aluminum dome.

[@voiceofreason9238]

Youthman touched on it and I agree, don't skimp on the cost of the center speaker. Get the best center speaker you can afford. Quality goes with everything.

[@ryanschipp8513]

@@voiceofreason9238 did I say anything about skimping on the quality of the center Channel?

[@voiceofreason9238]

@@ryanschipp8513 You have inferred what I did not imply. :) I was simply agreeing with Mr. Youthman regarding cost, adding my voice to his. I own a Klipsch RC-64 III, the TOTL Klipsch center. I have put it in the middle with Khorns, La Scala's RP-600's and other brands. It made all those speakers better due to the clarity of the vocals from the center speaker. That is my experience.

[@Youthman]

I can see where Ryan thought you were implying he had skimped on his center channel. It came across as that way when I read it too.

[@voiceofreason9238]

@@Youthman I must have really written that in a confusing way because I agree with him on having successfully mixed various center speakers. I've mixed my high quality Usher MTM based soft dome center with horn mains and had really pleasant results. I'll try to do better. 😎

[@Saworai]

my mid and front and back are all different make and decade of speakers... yes no sub yet still sounds good and fun

[@MT_53]

Hi Michael! SO pertaining to Tip #6 where you discuss placing the rear-ported center speaker in a cabinet, I have a Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C that's placed in an entertainment cabinet. The speaker takes up virtually all the space allocated for the speaker compartment which is sealed or closed in the rear. How might the sound be affected if I were to plug the rear port of the Klipsch such as you can do on SVS subwoofers? Thanks! ~Mike

[@savithaumarfarook]

Thanks for the tips, great ones and useful. I’m installing the Klipsch THX for all the 3 front speakers behind an acoustically transparent screen. One question I have is, does the center channel speaker need to placed vertically or horizontally? Left and right are going to be vertical for sure.

[@jmax6614]

Vertical

[@Youthman]

For LCR, go vertical

[@perrysmiles60]

Hi Michael... I want to thank you for touching on a VARIETY of important tips according to DIFFERENT set-ups - Great Job! My personal set-up is like the last example you mention where my centre channel is placed lower and aiming upwards towards the listening position. To get the angle position just right, my question to you is... what is the angle degree of the sound path towards the face that is coming from that center speaker (therefore the drivers & tweeter), so just to elevate it at the right height...? Kind regards, Perry

[@Youthman]

Thank you Perry, one way to align it perfectly is to use a laser pointer on the side of the speaker in line with the tweeter.That will allow you to aim the tweeter directly at your ears.

[@perrysmiles60]

@@Youthman Sounds like a plan, thank you very much. You're a good man Youthman! :0)

[@Youthman]

I do my best. Have a blessed week

[@jaysson1151]

That’s what I’m dealing with right now. I have a tiny den inside my New Orleans shotgun-style house. My center channel is inside the cubby hole of my TV stand. Then I have a large coffee table with drawers blocking it. My 55 inch has a pedestal base will not sit well on top of the speaker if it’s sitting on top of the stand. Wall mounting is not an option. Oh well, I just have to live it! 😩 I actually miss my triplex apartment, it had a huge great room where I can utilize all 7 channels with no obstructions. Only issue was the great room was two stories high and there was a loft above it. My two subs just couldn’t pressurize it.

[@Youthman]

Yeah unfortunately sometimes we have to work with what we have

[@jaysson1151]

Youthman yeppers!! I’m stuck using only 5 channels now, and the two surrounds sit right next to the couch on top of the two subs facing upwards. Directly behind the couch is another front door that we don’t use LOL. I don’t know if you’re familiar with old New Orleans architecture, but shotgun houses are just weird, I’ll never get used to them. At least mine was renovated and has a somewhat more normal floor plan. My in-laws’ house on the other hand, you have to walk thru people’s bedrooms to go from front to back. There’s no such thing as hallways. And what the heck is privacy? LOL

[@solomonshv]

My set up is B&W for surround and height/atmos, Polk towers for front, Definitive for center channel and again B+W for subwoofer. you may have a home theater, but i got a frankentheater. jokes aside, this sounds infinitely better than the Klipsch 5.1.4 channel set up bought a cotsco and ended up returning.

[@hunterlogan2913]

personal subjective taste, AVR, room size/acoustics all play a part....

[@luminousfractal420]

You'd love my creative 2.1 gaming speakers with cheap as chips 2.1 as surrounds attached to a chair with the second sub powering a feedback rumbler. and the front..diy mono 100w amp and a bmw 350 dash panel speaker attached to a 3" pvc endcap. 5.2 setup So matched 🤣

[@luisjuarez2722]

Definitely i have a Frankenstein home theater diferent speakers 🤣🤣🤣 diferent avr is a mess but the info is amazing