HOW TO Optimize Your Center Channel Speaker in a Home Theater System

[@rushnut1958]

In my case, mainly due to aesthetics, I had my Klipsch KLF C-7 placed too high. As I’ve aged, my hearing has definitely deteriorated. I found myself adjusting the center higher (louder) but still struggling with dialogue. That caused problems in the back of the room, especially when standing, as the center over powered everything else. When I made the change and got the center at ear level, The difference was startling. My wife is still not thrilled with the look………….but admits she likes the audio results.

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad we could be helpful! Thanks for watching

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

Not necessarily your hearing. There atr plenty of discussion on how films are making it more difficult to hear dialogue and getting darker as an artistic choice.

[@home-theater-engineer-guy]

Note about the distances set by the receiver: the receiver calculates the distance by measuring the time it takes the sound to reach the microphone. In the case of subs, many of them use wireless technology and the amp inside the sub can introduce small amounts of delay. The receiver picks up on this and sets the distance accordingly. These distances are set to ensure all the sound hits your ear at the same time, and your system delays signals accordingly. Adjust distances to speakers that are hard wired as they are usually only off by a few inches, but if you use any wireless speakers do not change the setting found during calibration.

[@midevil1980]

I was just going to mention the same thing. Most of the newer calibration software is pretty accurate at taking into account sound delays due to internal subwoofer DSP and in room effects. It's probably best for most people to just leave the distances alone. But be sure to double check the crossover and speaker size settings, this being setting all speakers to small with a 80hz crossover in most cases. That's a great starting point. Have fun fine tuning your setup and enjoy! 😊

[@LichaelMewis]

Good point.

[@joekropp6155]

I have 3 identical front speakers all vertical and the sound is great. There are several published articles supporting this approach.

[@therockakaada6109]

That’s the right way to do it , all speakers equal

[@minahtempeh6860]

Hook up the center channel to an active subwoofer. A dedicated subwoofer just for the center channel. You will see and feel the difference.

[@steadychaosproductions3376]

wtf?

[@AudioTekAdventures-ph9ke]

looks great. happy New Year :)

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks! You too!

[@operamatthew]

auto eq is off by several feet for subwoofers due to the dsp in the subwoofer. it is best to not change the distance settings. also if the center channel is sitting on top of a cabinet use isolators and not the standard center channel feet to reduce resonance.

[@zac2641]

You mentioned the situation with high-end front speakers and a hand-me-down center. What about the reverse? Is it ok to have a high-end center and mid-range front R/L speakers?

[@AudioAdvice]

While its better to have them matched, your situation is better than the reverse for home theater, thanks for watching

[@DelsFan]

This falls more under the category of "spend more money!", but have you tried adding a small sub to complement a center channel speaker (preferably using a sub with high level inputs, like most from REL, set the center channel setting on the A/V receiver to LARGE, don't utilize the LFE input at all)? I'm about to try it but have not - although a bit counter-intuitive I read the improvement in dialog clarity is massive.

[@sj460162]

Good video. I find my centre channel dialogue drifts to right and left when the actors are on screen? Its very off putting and I dont know how to correct itt?

[@AudioAdvice]

If the actors are moving, the audio engineer could have steered their voices that way in the soundtrack. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video

[@sj460162]

@@AudioAdvice Oh ok thanks. No probs. Keep up the good work!

[@anandfm0606]

Great video, thanks Mate.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for watching!

[@ShaileshPatel-le8cq]

YAPO calibration results is effective in case of room loaded with furniture. Please reply. I think it is ok in empty room. I used YAPO but not sure about perfect result. So pl reply.

[@AudioAdvice]

Any room correction system should be run with the furniture set up like you will normally have it in the room. But rooms with a lot of furniture generally sound better than rooms with little furniture or wall treatments and there is only so much any correction system can overcome. Thanks for watching

[@ValverdeLeov]

I'm struggling with the position of the center speaker, mostly due to aesthetics, but if putting this above the TV is an option, I might do it; anu drawbacks on moving it to the top?

[@AudioAdvice]

That can be done and the same steps would apply

[@cloud9438]

Hi, I have jbl stage A190 set up and have 1 center speaker vertical on the wall next to the tv, i want to get another jbl center speaker for the other side but only have enough ports on my avr reciever for 1, can i use surround L/R for these or use 1 center speaker port and 1 surround, would that work

[@AudioAdvice]

You should only use one center speaker.

[@cloud9438]

@AudioAdvice hello, if I did have 2 can I plug them both into the same center speaker port on my avr reciever. I need another center speaker for the other side because it looks odd with just 1, I have a glass hifi unit and it's too small

[@AudioAdvice]

@@cloud9438 If the speakers are 8 ohms and your AVR is capable of driving 4 ohms you could try, but sonically it is not a good idea and possibly could damage your AVR. You would be better to figure out a way to put the center above or below the TV. We assume you already have left and right speakers. If you do not, you should wire them up that way

[@cloud9438]

@AudioAdvice hi, that sounds like a much better idea. Yes I do have front left and right speakers but could I possibly change them to surround L/R. I have 3 floorstanding jbl stage A190 speakers and my avr reciever is 8ohms

[@BadWolf507]

I have an old system and all 5 speaker produce dialogue i was happy cuz i can hear the movie even at low volume but I upgraded to a new system that offer more features am no very happy only center channel produce the dialogue i wish there was a option to play dialogue thru all speaker if I wanted to.

[@kevinvizcainno]

😂

[@arvindskumar104]

My Center channel is crackling despite the audio settings in the AVR ..kindly let me know what might be the issue on the same

[@AudioAdvice]

Please reach out to our team of experts on phone or chat via audioadvice.com to see if they can help you! Thanks!

[@stubones]

I’ve struggled over the years with some movies and tv shows. The dialogue appears to be mixed so low compared to the action effects. I have the centre speaker turned up to the max, and turn up the general volume to a decent level. Then action happens and it sounds like I’m in the middle of a tornado.

[@HeavyMetalSonicRM]

It's supposed to be like that. It's a theater. Calibrate all speakers to 75db, turn the master volume up until the dialogue sounds good and then the sound effects are as loud as they are.

[@thegoat164]

A good sized 3way center makes a huge difference. My first center was a Bose with 2.5 inch woofers and had to have the db level at +8 db and then I got a Polk Audio with 5.25 inch woofers which was much better and db level was 6 db and then I got a SVS 3way Prime center with two 5.25 inch woofers and a 3.5 inch mid range and have the db level at +3 db. The better center you have the less you need to turn it up to hear crystal clear dialogue and the better you can match the levels to your front speakers. That Bose center I had, what a joke that thing was! Also make sure you use DRC (dynamic range compression) or you will get blown out of your living room as the dialogue is hard to hear unless you turn it up loud. DRC improves the dialogue while quieting the loud explosions and such. Unless you live in the country you need to use that. Also set your dynamic range to standard for home use.

[@gowthammahalingam7991]

Hi I'm using ACOUSTIC ENERGY AEGIS EVO CENTRE SPEAKER with marantz 5300. The problem is voice (mid) are come from left driver and I can't hear any voice from right driver of centre channel. Only low frequency bass come from right driver. Is there any way to check centre middrives and tweeter working fine ?

[@AudioAdvice]

That is really odd, usually a driver will either work or not work, that sounds like something is wrong with the internal crossover. You should check with the dealer you purchased it from for help. Thanks for watching

[@gowthammahalingam7991]

@@AudioAdvice thankyou

[@gowthammahalingam7991]

@@AudioAdvice Is there's any chance of wattage problem?

[@glengatt3941]

What if you have vintage l/r the front speakers are 280 watts but the centre is 100 watts it has 2 4inch midrange 1 soft Dome tweeter and 2 ports on the front sides and it's shape is not square like the one you are showing It was good when I bought it but that was 25 years ago

[@AudioAdvice]

All of these same principles apply. Thanks for watching

[@glengatt3941]

Thank you very helpful

[@sg7246]

Can I install center speakers as front speakers as well? Front speakers will be installed vertically whereas center channel horizontally.

[@AudioAdvice]

If it is a LCR type that will work fine. We do it all the time. Thanks for watching

[@ravicholachagudda5912]

Hello sir. How can i use as center channel for my samsung t 670 soundbar ?

[@phreak1118]

I read the manual for my processor and it says to point the microphone directly at the speaker (not the ceiling).

[@AudioAdvice]

There are one or two that way, the Sony comes to mind, but 90%+ want you to point it at the ceiling. Just follow your manual. Thanks for watching

[@ivonikolov6386]

Hello there , may I use soundbar for center speaker , because I’m using active. Speakers for left and right and I don’t use amp for passive speaker ?

[@FLOODOFSINS]

I have some Logitech 5.1 channel speakers that I had plugged into my TV. Where do I go to calibrate the sound? I am only able to turn on the speakers enter turn up the volume and the base.

[@charlesmarchiano9531]

Is it possible to connect a sound bar as a center channel speaker?

[@AudioAdvice]

If it was a passive soundbar. Thanks for watching

[@AudioAdvice]

What is your ALL TIME favorite movie?

[@taylorrasmus1905]

Pulp Fiction!

[@adamobirek]

Training Day

[@midevil1980]

LoTR

[@arkhanhind2613]

The Birth of a Nation

[@50jun]

@@arkhanhind2613 John Wick original or Quantum of solace...

[@Grasssman08]

I’ve got a pair of Mirage M1’s and good amp/preamp setup. What would you suggest for me?

[@AudioAdvice]

Are you looking for a center channel speaker to go with your M1's? Do you have a surround system or just stereo? Thanks for watching

[@garykarczewski6678]

I have opt to use external mono blocks for my L&R speakers should one use a mono block for center channel? I have a 7.2 integrated AVR but am using the pre-outs for L&R but am thinking to add another external amp and using the center pre as well and only use the other Surround/Atmos amps for my effect channels. Thoughts?

[@petebull8233]

Im having a strange problem and not sure if it's the Stream Box or the 7.1 surround receiver. but only on movies in the Latest released section I get more then half that have no main vocals. everything else is there loud and clear. but the main characters voices are very faint! I checked the settings from stream box and it's same for all

[@AudioAdvice]

What do you mean by Stream Box?

[@ramilcarcamo1587]

Voice comes out in my front speakers (even louder then mu center). Can't find the correct settings for this. Surround and Sub are doing their thing perfectly. Hope someone can help me with this.

[@mark17840]

USE ON THE BACK OF THE SUBWOOFER THE LFE THE 4O HZ TO SEE IF TI WORKS

[@bradtaylor1766]

It used to drive me crazy. I finally realized most of the issues with dialogue was 'SOURCE' based. I invested tons of money over the years, audio file level. One movie great the next, muffled... unbelievable!

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, but you still can not beat a great center channel speaker once you dial it in to at least get the best possible, but we do agree, soundtracks vary a lot! Thanks for watching

[@RealHIFIHelp]

Always good with more info.

[@talkingwithcars]

I find that there are so many streaming services and they all don't output the same levels of quality or sound or even center speaker dialogue. Making the adjustments frustrating

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes it can vary which is a good argument for an AVR with virtual inputs that allow for different delays. Thanks for watching

[@talkingwithcars]

@@AudioAdvice explain virtual inputs. Do you have a video on that and which AVRs stand out ??

[@AudioAdvice]

@@talkingwithcars some AVRs let you assign multiple inputs to the same physical HDMI connection. Most of the better ones have this now.

[@talkingwithcars]

@@AudioAdvice I run my equipment to the TV and then send audio through eARC. Sorry for questions. But I need help with huge problems with sound output from different apps like Amazon , KZbin and DIRECTV. It’s a juggle with volume control

[@AudioAdvice]

@@talkingwithcars you need a better AVR that has virtual inputs and volume offset. But why do you connect components to AVR then do eArc for sound? Please reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com to discuss further

[@banyantree8618]

Notwithstanding the comments below - found this very helpful as it offers some really good basics to observe. Anything else will be very specific to your own setup and environment. Will check out the blog for more detail. A challenge for most people, myself included, is that I have very good quality speakers but the centre is lacking clarity and punch - so I may have to look at an alternate brand and ensure the RX handles the cross over.

[@RichardNutman]

Try dynamic volume in Audyssey or other dynamic loudness management options in your receiver. Add's compression, to reduce the dynamic range. So action scenes are way too loud when you turn it up for dialog.

[@randybradley4151]

0:20 "Just watch a couple of minutes of a movie with the sound turned off and you'll see why the center channel is probably the most important speaker in you home theater system". My question is if all the sound is off how are we going to know the importance? Wouldn't having all speakers on and the center channel not hooked up be more effective on hearing the importance of the center channel?

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, it technically would but all of the channels are also very important. Thanks for watching

[@randybradley4151]

@@AudioAdvice But how do you know how good the center channel is if all the sound is off? That would be like just looking at a speaker and saying that is good.

[@AudioAdvice]

@@randybradley4151 Because you listened first with the speakers on

[@randybradley4151]

@@AudioAdvice But how would you know if your sound is off? Because if the sound was off shouldn't it be silent in your room? Minus background noise?

[@harpalchauhan428]

Very good tips only thing I disagree with is use rubber feet supplied with speakers there useless for a centre on any speaker in fact. It better to spend extra £20 + and get some better isolation pads or feet I use hudson bigfoot isolation feet and there even good enough for my subwoofer as well and you can notice difference instantly.

[@50jun]

My Paradigm center is on point perfectly matched to my Jamo 707s thag are bi wired ...

[@filmlegend3858]

Thanks

[@jdacauan]

Both links in the description lead to 404 pages.

[@Goodboy0953]

My Revel Ultimate Voice is a Beast!!!!

[@Goodboy0953]

Mine too

[@sharksdelight]

Doh! said Homer Simpson

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

Kind of lazy for a video. Don’t you think some visual aides might help your explanation? At least you included one example of this discussion on the table, one.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for the feedback. This video was 4 years ago and we are always trying to improve! We appreciate your comments so we can make the next videos even better!

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

@@AudioAdvice Sure thing. Didn’t notice the date and surely wasn’t meant to be rude. We all start somewhere.

[@AudioAdvice]

@@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985 Thanks!

[@samuelkionka]

Very useless video on basic setup.

[@anandfm0606]

Might be basic for you but not for others as many of us still appreciate these type of useful information and tips. Chill out super experienced AV Master.

[@jktalks5125]

Fu.......

[@dg1234ify]

You dont have to bounce your hands that much. Freakin annoying as you're following a communication scheme.

[@ianorigbo7617]

Not really informative

[@anandfm0606]

Very informative and helpful for many of us, in the beginners category.