⭐️To Center.. or not to Center? _(Z Reviews)_ Home Theater 103

SVS Ultra Center --------- [amzn.to/2RjPxRo]
SVS Ultra --------------------- [amzn.to/2XaVdRE]
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C E N T E R C H A N N E L S : : : (Prices Taken at time of Video Release)
$90 : Micca RB42-C -------------------------- [amzn.to/2Rl3uie]
$140 : Jamo S 83C --------------------------- [amzn.to/2RhpHxn]
$170 : Martin Logan Motion 6 ---------- [amzn.to/2yAyl3C]
$170 : Paradigm MSE 2000C ------------ [amzn.to/2yGmcdD]
$200 : BIC PL-28II ----------------------------- [amzn.to/3e3fy11]
$260 : JBL Studio 520c -------------------- [amzn.to/39QPumF]
$280 : Chane A2.4 ---------------------------- [www.chanemusic...]
$280 : Def Tech Pro-C 2000 -------------- [amzn.to/34hyo00]
$300 : Martin Logan Motion 8 ---------- [amzn.to/39RP0wu]
$300 : NHT C-LCR ----------------------------- [amzn.to/3aVkHqk]
$320 : Klipsch RP-500c --------------------- [amzn.to/3aKWmTQ]
$400 : ELAC Uni-Fi UC5 --------------------- [amzn.to/2RhoKFj]
$430 : Klipsch RP-600c --------------------- [amzn.to/39QLouC]
$450 : Martin Logan Motion 8i --------- [amzn.to/3bYmkUe]
$560 : Martin Logan Motion 30 -------- [amzn.to/2UPbx9a]
$570 : Klipsch RP-504c --------------------- [amzn.to/2JI4lVS]
$600 : KEF Q250c ----------------------------- [amzn.to/34iP4Va]
$620 : Def Tech CS9060 ------------------- [amzn.to/2UMyqKj]
$700 : KEF Q650c ----------------------------- [amzn.to/3e2ThAw]
$720 : Martin Logan 50XT ---------------- [amzn.to/2xbod0R]
$800 : Def Tech D5c -------------------------- [amzn.to/3bYbwVW]
$1200 : KEF R2c -------------------------------- [amzn.to/3bWyDjH]
$1500 : Klipsch RC-64 III ------------------- [amzn.to/2JN2vmx]
$1700 : Martin Logan ESL-C ------------- [amzn.to/3e6W8J1]
26:40 - CONCLUSION SKIP
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RB42 Speakers ---------------------- [amzn.to/34ijfvw]
Rythmik Subs ------------------------ [www.rythmikaudi...]
JBL Studio 530 ---------------------- [amzn.to/39QNtXu]
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[@ZReviews]

Help Support this Channel Here :: ⚔️www.SubscribeStar.com/Zeos -- Subscribe Star 🥇www.Patreon.com/Zeos -- Check out the Patreon

[@therealdeal2268]

Qqqqqq

[@ZReviews]

Upon Re-watch I seem to ramble and lose track of what I am saying a bit more than usual in this one. My apologies. If you guys want a re-do I can make it happen at some point. Try to follow along with Sleep Deprivation Zeos at home!

[@stewiegriffin993]

Why? Tbh this is one of the most in-depth and informative videos you've ever done

[@gravity_assisted]

how long could you make a video? like we have something better to do ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@axelpanic]

Only question I have, rb 42 or mb-42x? Does the crossover make it worth it?

[@xraycat82]

Well, no one will configure their receiver to have a centre channel and not connect it. Why not compare using fronts for LCR channels and fronts + centre for LCR?

[@adam3402]

Nahh you’re good man. Already knew all of this from watching your videos for years but still enjoyed the 43 minutes of Zeos chatter as always. Good informative stuff. Stay safe my friend.

[@viperracing2889]

Also, for a small home theater, sometimes the best left and right speakers are two MTM center speakers standing on their end. They often offer higher sensitivity, lower bass, higher power handling and better imaging than regular bookshelf-type speakers.

[@nickhardt2486]

Z I just bought my first center today, but I’ve had the other surround for 7 years and I never once heard what you’re hearing here. Everything was always crystal clear.

[@richardsmith1161]

Thanks to you I’m now using my up firing Atmos for surrounds. It really ads a new dimension

[@iheartwindshields9770]

is this setup much better than running them as height channels? Depending upon selection of program, Atmos doesn't have many effect

[@philmissy1]

This coming from the man how never uses a centre channel. Thats gold.

[@737core]

thank you mighty Z you are a formidable force in the realm of KZbin audio channels! I am turning my def tech center with integrated sub off due to your wisdom as I have kef r11s in the front.

[@matthuston1767]

Everything said in this video is relatable. I have klipsch dual 8 towers ran them phantom 2.1 for 2 years. Just bought an older top of the line big center at a good price. Even tho it’s soft dome and not horn loaded it blends fine for movies. Off for music so it works perfectly. Thanks for your wealth of knowledge z. Love ya bro stay safe!

[@warpathh]

Surround X.X.X first number is # of surround speakers, second set of numbers is # of subs, third set of numbers is # of Atmos speakers.

[@gokzilla]

Thank you very very much Z Reviews for this Video. i have the Harman Kardon hkts 16 5.1 System and the Center sounds very crappy. Since 6 months i hear movies with the Speakers in the LG C8 65 Oled tv and not with the Harman Kardon System, because the TV Sounds better. I buyed two days ago the Q Acoustic 3090ci Center Speaker, still it sounds not good. Now i understand everything. The Center do the most job. Maybe this is one of the reason why Soundbars sells so good. Two hours ago i buyed the Polk Audio Signature S35 e, damn. Tomorrow i will send back the new centers and buy me a very good one.

[@ChadKirk]

Thanks Z! Really helped me figure out how important a C is! I'm excited to get it!

[@vincente.929]

Hey, you worry much about timbre matching center. I run now used RF-35 LR I do have RC-35 you got me thinking maybe I need to check avr center ch. Setting now🤔. Center 35 vocal sound really low to me I have to watch at high volumes to hear center.

[@AnimeFightClub2021]

"Are we not doing phrasing" 😂😂 I knew I liked you for a reason

[@SubUrbanNinja-EDC]

You made a video saying center speakers are not necessary for movies if you use phantom center mode. Are you now saying the opposite? By the way, I ordered the JBL 530 based on your review of them.

[@mikescott5440]

Most center channel speakers suck. If you're going to use a dedicated center, you definitely want a three-way design. Alternatively, a high quality bookshelf speaker makes an excellent center channel. Ideally you want to use the exact same bookshelf L R C speakers up front. A traditional bookshelf speaker as a center channel is more often than not a better option than a dedicated center and I'm not sure why more people don't go this rout.

[@David-hy7rn]

So no SVS in the center recommendations list? Or does the Ultra up top overshadow the whole list?

[@rosedcurt2865]

Also wondering this.. im getting the ultra bookshelves pretty soon! 😁

[@edmund2j]

Without the center channel subwoofer, the center channel speaker is tiny. Now it's enveloping. Awesome sound even with a cheapo center speaker.

[@jimmy2shoes75]

Hey Zeos, You have made a video similar to this before on to center or not and how to budget a home theater setup, Which I direct any-one I know to watch when starting off, it's pure gold. For me, I took the advice and went for the RP600m with a RP504c center(monster of a center channel), the rest of the speaker are normal, will do for effects. So for Music it's the Rp600m And movies and other content I go 3.2 or the full hog surround 2xSB2000s as well BTW Great Video as always bud

[@davidcarapellucci5191]

Did you already sell that svs ultra centre? Just picked up the bookshelves and will either run phantom or with my klipsch Vic-25 until I can pick up the ultra centre.

[@Steve30x]

I agree about the rears. I have a 6.1 setup. I'm using the satellite speakers from a Sony HT RT3 for real left and right and I'm using a speaker from a Logitech Z540 computer speaker set for rear center. I have a tannoy Center speaker in the front. It's a good speaker but not the best. I have a pair of Sony SS-6009P speakers front left and right. I'm going to replace the Sony tower speakers though. They're about 14 years old and one of the speakers is broke in the front right. I like that SVS center speaker though. It's rare to see a three way center speaker like that.

[@TWB1981]

What is the Keyboad with the big pad on the side you are using in this video? Is the pad part of it?

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

No center is the best center of you sit in the middle.

[@HarithAhmadDaud]

His way of speaking is like Robert Downey Jr., his word antics is like Jack Black though. I've always felt like I'm listening to Jablonski whenever I watch Zeos. 😂

[@Mihajil]

Zeos ok if i get a pair of the ohm walsh 2000 will i need a center ? My room is 13ft long 10ft wide 7ft ceiling also its treated what do you think?

[@jonyherrera4216]

Svs prime center speaker is not a good central Channel to consider. It's not in the list. Is it good? Thanks for your answer and sorry for my English.

[@stav55]

I currently have the Ultra Center and it was a great upgrade. Looking now to go to to the Arendal front soundstage with the THX monitors LR and their THX Center. Have you heard them before? How would they compare to the Ultra center?

[@PoserGalore]

@27:03 facts 😂😂😂😂😆😝

[@PedroMalheiro]

Thank you Zeos!!! This was very enlightening and helped me to realize that I don't need a center chanel for now as we are 95% of the time in the centre position. BTW, I have a reasonably nice speakers, the Dali Oberon 3 with a Rel HT-1205 :D

[@Joshua-yg4fu]

I love Dali speakers and wish Zeos would one day review a pair

[@williamhansen9456]

I'm sure you are aware, but I don't think you mentioned it.. Many people with dedicated home theaters deploy the center speaker vertically, so the bigger drivers are above each other rather than besides one another eliminating the difference in delay for off center seats.. :) Edit: Also how can that anime girl with double Ds be 6 years old? XD

[@blindguymcsqueezy1]

Whatss better? 4 speakers of 4” or 2 speakers of 6.5” in the center channel?

[@HowDareYouu]

Dude just move the central channel on the wall, between the upper lip of your tv and your painting and cut the drama. u can even angle it or bring it forward (suspended) Your house it's full of hanging things anyway.

[@ZReviews]

Did you get to the part where I don't need one and my Left and Right are better at sound 90% of the time?

[@HowDareYouu]

@@ZReviews my comment was just to trigger you. Done ✔

[@josephhummel6200]

super helpful - love your content!

[@athelton]

The JBL 520 is $127 on Amazon right now

[@EdWilsonPhoto]

Using a pair of RB42xc's wired together as a CENTER...Perfection!!

[@rbsorg]

If the movie system is for home theater only, should you get a mono block for the center? Do external amps like in Zeos's system matter as much for front left and right in home theater?

[@ridingweeb4801]

Being in europe and being a zeos fans is the worst as all the reccomendations dont matter to you :(

[@GregorMima]

Wharfedale, Triangle, Dali (maybe Focal). They are far cheaper in the EU. Just ignore the wannabe "Reference" Klipsch/JBL crap. All 4 companies have superior products at lower prices (for us) . Wharfedale has stunning center speakers (Evo series).

[@GregorMima]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 Yeah agree sorry for you guys, youre really F+ up.

[@ridingweeb4801]

@@GregorMima My problem is more that there are no hobbyist reviews of these speakers and magazines only care about the 5000€ a piece kinda shit. We also have non of the Headphone related stuff.

[@vinnyfromvenus8188]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 try being in the third world. you either don't get most things or they're expensive as fuck

[@ntelios]

i bought so many things based on zeos from ebay(also we have a kinda Backyard sale ebay) and amazon!!! got the triangle borea bro 2 just a few weeks ago from Austria

[@mtr-1235]

Hi, I have a question but i dont seem to be able to find a video in this anywhere. Firstly can a standard speaker (same speaker i have as Left and Right channel) be used as my centre? As opposed to using and specific LCR Centre speaker Secondly, can my centre speaker work well if its above the TV?

[@tokyojimu]

He talks about this in the video.

[@davethestalker]

We’ve already seen your mug Zeos.

[@gravity_assisted]

Two rear ports in the back need breathing room.

[@eddiesfilmsnstuff]

How about some prime bookshelves and an ultra center?

[@ITian]

Nice

[@homeboi808]

Do you have off-axis listeners that you care about? If yes, then use a center.

[@ZReviews]

Illegal Summary Detected. Need to stretch this out.

[@commanderrussels2612]

@@ZReviews For 42 minutes?! Using all China Flu gear?!! At least you could have made a steak during for a z-cooks hybrid episode.

[@bennya5171]

Guys can I just do a 4.1 instead of 5.1? I don’t really like to spend a lot on just the center so I was thinking just do the ultras for left and right add a sub then prime satellites for surround.

[@viktorspett8819]

@@bennya5171 YES - definitaly, please believe me for good (and Z Reviews)

[@18000rpm]

@@bennya5171 Yes as long as you can configure a virtual or phantom center channel. The only downside is a listener off to the side will hear the center channel off-center. If you only care about the one central listening position then it works perfectly fine.

[@MrElebee]

Play this on speed 1.25 and it sounds like Robert Downey Jr. / Tony Stark talking to us about center channels

[@wielandwiens2822]

I always play on 1.75 or 2.0 except when he plays us some movies/ music. :^)

[@WiiNV]

L😂L

[@kevinsetterlund]

Lol nice

[@SamuraiGuy]

Wow I doubted you, but it's so true.

[@bradthurkle7217]

@@troysparks3772 hehe 😜 arrrrr love it 🙏🏻

[@ZReviews]

Home Theater 101 INTRO : kzbin.info/www/bejne/i17Xl6J-mqZgqrs Home Theater 102 RECEIVERS : kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGGUnHuXpshgn7s Home Theater 103 CENTER CHANNELS : kzbin.info/www/bejne/f32poGywgayksKs Home Theater 104 REAR CHANNELS : kzbin.info/www/bejne/eauVmHZ8m9RlftE Home Theater 105 SUBWOOFERS : kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKG4fqtpi9V5gZo

[@amitdawar1]

Hey Z, link on 102 receiver link above is the same as link to 104 rear channel link. Thanks for all your Videos, I have 4 amps and a house full of speakers thanks to you .. but I love it :)

[@oscarjung5405]

Do the Surround receiver "know" if the center is not connected? Ie does it filter out sounds in the fronts when the center is not connected?

[@filippiasec]

@@oscarjung5405 You might need to setup it correctly e.g. from 5.1 to 4.1.

[@paulmcgowan2250]

Center match for Buchardt S400s?

[@ZReviews]

@@amitdawar1 Sorry, Fixed it.

[@DadsDomain]

I had two ultra towers and the PB3000. My wife just got me the Ultra Center for my Bday and she said its been her favorite upgrade so far. She loves what it did to the sound, she doesn't know why, but she loves it and she knows nothing about audio. Highest praise I can give it is her approval 😉

[@baloosd]

i abandoned center channel over a decade ago. now run 4.4.2 with matching towers and subs. to my ear, phantom center is much better.

[@AudioNaut93]

So you run 4 mains, 4 surrounds and 2 subwoofers? That’s gotta be one hell of a sonic assault!

[@Zoranurai13]

A friend of mine was running two beastly canton tower speakers and a leftover bose center. He thought he needed it. I came by and pulled out the center. He never heard his speakers sound so good

[@Zircemerald]

I gave my father my ELAC debut B5s when I moved out to replace his old, cheap Pioneer floorstanders from the early 90s. It was originally a 5.1 setup but I changed it to 2.1. I came home and he was using the center channel again, claiming it sounded better. The Pioneer center speaker was a big elongated box with one 3" paper woofer with a *sealed* frame, making the entire enclosure useless. I told him NO, and removed it. I may just have to buy a center so he doesn't have to unknowingly suffer!

[@DareDevilPhil]

@@Zircemerald depending on how old he is, the extra volume from that centre (especially since it doesn't add much low-end) probably just made the voices and such more audible for him.

[@gino3286]

@@DareDevilPhil am i wrong about that the dialogues are recorded mostly in the center channel ?

[@DareDevilPhil]

@@gino3286 yeah typically anything that is the primary focus on-screen is through the center channel

[@gino3286]

@@DareDevilPhil hi thanks for the kind confirmation I have noticed that all the dialogues come from the center Only the effects are coming from the other channels I think that 5.1 and more formats have been a disgrace 4 channels are more than enough to provide a complete 360 degrees audio like in quadriphonic recordings

[@barneyjones5174]

Hey Z, while some don't use a center speaker and they're happy doing phantom, there are reasons to use a center that can't be accomplished otherwise. A center speaker allows you flexibility - to raise or lower the volume of the center speaker and dialog. Even if you like the flanking fronts for music, they may not be to your taste for movies and dialog. I had this situation and chose a different brand for my center - it blended nicely and outstanding vocal clarity, no struggles.

[@frankvee]

I think you misunderstand how surround sound decoding works. The center channel is indeed important, but to say the LEFT and RIGHT are not important and that for movies everything comes out of the center, that is incorrect. In your video before you plug in your center channel, your processor is still decoding to 7.1, so any sound that is meant to come out of the center is not heard until the speaker is plugged back in. If the content you are watching is mostly center weighted then, yes, you will hear most of the sound coming out of the center, but don't let that fool you. The focus changes from one scene to another, and the left and right speakers play a huge role in creating a life-like effect. One of the main uses of the left and right is playing the films' score, music is used to fill the room and often the center is also included for this task in conjunction with the left and right speakers. So I would put equal weight on the center, left and right speaker. In fact, the ideal LCR set up is three identical speakers. If you don't believe in the importance of the left and right, when compared to the center, try substituting them with poor quality speakers and try watching an entire movie that way. I think you'll quickly change your mind.

[@filippiasec]

Too long for his attention span lol

[@path9mm]

Well said!

[@ZReviews]

I would miss not having the left and right, BUT I think they are under-utilized with most modern mixes.

[@frankvee]

@@ZReviews Watch a movie you know well in 7.1, and then watch it again with your LEFT and RIGHT off, but don't change the mix down. In other words, don't let the decoder know that you have unplugged the left and right speakers. You will notice a huge difference, and you'll realize just how critical the left and right speakers are. Most of the music and sound effects come out of the left and right speakers. The center channel mostly carries dialogue, punches and other sound effects in action films, and occassionally music as well.

[@chriswelljack4910]

If u configure your set up with telling the reciever or preamp no center then its gonna send center duties to the front left and right so gonna get center channel sound but yur fronts have to be set up real good so u can get that center imaging

[@JMNTN]

2:11 how is that not a meme yet

[@houssamalucad753]

ikr I burst out laughing

[@MJ-ge6jz]

When Zeos speaks, I listen, especially when there is a center channel!

[@maroskn3008]

Center is problematic. Ear perception of middle and especially high frequency is radically decreased if yuor loudspeaker is headed directly in the front of you head. Make a test. Make clicking noise /sound in your hand and go with your hand/noise around yor head from left to right ear and back. You will find out that the perception of heigh frequency is at lowest in the middle, between your eyes. Best perception of sound is either front or rigt. That is why trinagle positioning between you and your loudspeaker is recomended as minimum for audiophile. That is why some old cheap receivers have equalizer only on center speaker, to compensate mentioned negative efect. Recommendation, do not use center speaker in your home theater system if you are watching it alone. Make setup in your receiver for 4.1 or so. Means for center do not use setup "large", neither "small" but disabled. I have experienced that if I disabled center on ONKYO receiver that then also full dynamic range was compressed, explosions no more loud. I am using older DENON - AVR 1911and it is ok, it supports full D.R. on my 4.1/6.1 setup with no center. Also comment: Car/sound going from R to L via center will not be "simultaneous?" even if all your speakers are the same. Car going from R to L speaker without center will be "simultaneous?".

[@bynahelemaal]

I don’t understand why left and right do so “little” when using a center! I feel like center should pick up mainly voices in the center of the screen and highlight that voice clearly and without low end bass... and if a person is on the left, then the left and center should pick that up! Low end should only kick in when there’s like a car driving from left to right! Makes no sense that the front stage is mainly a center!

[@GN-ri8ui]

Center is supposed to be located directly under the view area or if you have an audio transparent projector screen, behind it. In the encoding of surround sound, everything that comes from the screen is coded for the center. Why is that? Simple. Point source projection. Playing sounds from the left and right speakers widens the sound stage to greater than the view area giving you weird object placement. When the guy gets kicked in the face in the middle of the screen and it sounds like he got kicked in the middle of your room you lose spacial recognition and it eliminates immersion.

[@ZReviews]

It is all up to the people mixing the movie/show whatever. Some receivers can blend the channels in a way that seems to better utilize all channels but that is a band-aid.

[@ZReviews]

Alternatively. Japanese Surround sound mixes like on Anime such as Evangelion Movies or Psycho Pass use ABSURD positional audio in the rear and stretch the .1 sub to its limits. I feel like all other media pulls its punches.

[@bynahelemaal]

Z Reviews you’d think with all these huge blockbusters like mission impossible, fast franchise and the marvel movies for example, they’d do more positional audio engineering stuff... especially with cruise being an audiophile himself and the marvel movies chock-full of explosion/fighting scenes! Like if you were to divide a screen into 3 vertical rectangular boxes, I’d like the center to mainly focus on the voices in middle one and, when needed, to share the side boxes with the left or right speaker when needed. For example, if a person is standing more towards the left side, I’d like it to be like 60% left speaker and 40% center, so the sound gets pulled to the left, instead of the middle. Whenever I watch movies with a center, it’s always so noticeable that there’s a center in use, almost like a sub that’s not ‘dialed’ in. When I watch in 2.1 or full surround, but without a center, it somehow feels way more realistic! Then again, I’ve never experienced a $800+ center speaker setup xD

[@bigadventure3797]

I agree the center is the most important in home theater but I can tell from experience that when I swapped out my rear bookshelf's for towers it made a Huge Difference. The sound coming from the rear matched the fullness coming from the front and made the overall experience more immersive and believable.

[@ec6843]

lol using towers as surrounds

[@yogabyaakaash]

I would love to have towers for all speakers, that would be something!

[@thomasfox8027]

An entire video of Zeos talking about center channel speakers makes me so very, very happy. And is exactly why I'm a patron. But i am also a real sicko.

[@ZReviews]

Real Sicko's should join Princess Pasta's Patreon.

[@thomasfox8027]

@@ZReviews I will look into it, Z!

[@richardvacanti9428]

What if I have good front speakers . Paradigm book shelf speakers. Forgot the model number. Cost $450 12 years ago. And have the svs ultra center channel. This thing rocks

[@18000rpm]

That's what I do too. I have 6-ft tall MartinLogan Prodigy front speakers and there's no comparable center speaker (not even from MartinLogan), nor do I have the space under the TV for it. 4.1 ftw, who cares about people sitting off-axis (it won't be me).

[@gordonm6128]

I am using 2 Wilson Sasha 2 with massive Krell amplification for fronts in 2 channel mode. I also listen in 2 ch mode when watching movies. Absolutely no center needed. The Wilson’s image so well and put voices dead center. I don’t care about any other seating positions except the one I’m sitting in.

[@Tallnerdyguy]

Tldw: buy 3 heresy and be happy. And broke

[@kevinweber5129]

needabettername Especially since the original Herasy was supposed to be a center channel.

[@Tallnerdyguy]

@@kevinweber5129 exactly

[@PhillipMik]

I ordered the JBL 520 center literally a day before I watched this video. When I heard Z say they're one of the best centers, I've never felt so relieved in my life.

[@robertorodriguez2609]

I used the phantom center channel for years until I got sick and tired of turning down the volume in loud action scenes and turning up again so voices could be heard. of course, a HT receiver had to be acquired but everything is OK now, a center channel spkr is necessary for my ears' well being.

[@filipcza]

I'm currently building my new theatre and I'm wrestling with myself with this: "To center or not to center, that is the guestion?" I have good left and right tower speakers which I would like to use to their full extent, and so I was thinking: not to center. But then.. I have also done the same thing as Roberto.. turning the volume up and down between action and dialogue.. so now I'm wondering if I must get a center after all. It just seems like I don't use the towers full potential if I put on a center. Well, maybe I'll try both ways and see which is better.

[@AlexandreLollini]

This video is the best to explain why I went from multichannel to 2.1 (good 2.1) EVERY and ALL the audio tracks I have listened A/B from 7 or 5 to 2 (even downmixed) sounds better in 2 channels. It is even more important for shit french movies where they ignore completely front left and right in their mixing. My advice would be to first try watching a movie with a simple music 2 channel amplifier and 2 speakers, a system able to fill the room and have impact, then after this movie experience throw the question, do you need more channels ?

[@filipcza]

Yes, I agree completely. I have been planning a new home theater and I was thinking of a 2.1 setup with quality towers and a good sub, because I believe that you can get 99% of the movie experience with those if the gear is good enough. However, now I'm wondering about maybe adding some small and cheap rear channels, so then it would be 4.1 I'm not quite sure yet if I will add those, but if it does not cost much then those little boxes probably can't hurt and maybe the occasional bird tweet from behind is worth the extra little cost..? Or do you find that adding rears hurts the mains?

[@NickyNicest]

I’d recommend 4 channels and cheap out on the rear speakers. You could spend less than $100 and it’d be worth it

[@edmund2j]

Best way to improve center channel is to use a dedicated subwoofer. I did on mine and the dialog is awesome. I can't believe my ears the sounds I missed without the sub. Like Z said, expirement. Glad I did.

[@travel5456]

I know you love the JBL 520C. I replaced my Centre with Emotiva C1+. I'm alot happier. Won't sell my JBL 530s, I love those.

[@pastaman6099]

I simply have no space under my TV for a high quality center channel unless it's hight is less than 3", and over the TV is not an option bc of height channels. My front L/R speakers are awesome Klipsch r-610f's so phantom center is the way to go. And don't downplay the importance of surround channels. It's called surround sound for a reason, so I'm looking to upgrade them next. Especially for Transformers, they are very underrated.

[@samidebs3559]

Hi how about the ultra center with the prime bookshelf ? 80% movies 20% music

[@bigjay1970]

Thank you JBL for offering me a wimpy center channel for my JBL Studio 590's left/ Right. And wimpy 520 center with 4 inch drivers and a lesser horn than what's offered on the 590's! Still sounds fantastic but still!🤔🙄🤪🤯🤓 And you know Steven with the Studio 500 series you absolutely need to match the center with the left and right. Maybe not the SVS but absolutely the JBL. Also the electrostatic needs the matching Center. You should know this. Crazy you are talking about Center channel when for you down played having one for years!🤪🤯🤯 And no, I am not a hater at all!😇 Who do you think convinced me buy The JBL's in the first place!🤪🤪🤪😜🤫🤫🤗🤓

[@deankim6687]

I would rather put more money into the L and R and create a phantom center. Center channel’s upside is better off axis seating sound, but there are downside, like having so much of the sound managed by a smaller speaker, having to have it sit below or above the tv usually, having to timbre match, having the set the tweeter of the L C R at the same height.

[@jakeniemi7565]

This video is very misleading. (Unintentionally, I'm sure, so no hate!) The fact that you can't hear people talking, guns cocking, keyboards tapping, etc. when you have your center unplugged in this video is because you have your receiver's settings configured with the center audio information of the surround signal going to the center channel (and therefore it's removing the center audio information from the front left and right speakers). If someone isn't using a center speaker, they should have their receiver set accordingly. In which case, the center audio information isn't going to be removed from the front left and right channels, and you won't get the problem you're describing in this non-real-world scenario. That's not to say perhaps a great center channel speaker doesn't give more clarity, focus and definition to the main action when used. And that's not to say that the overall surround experience doesn't have *more* dimension when a center is (properly) used. However, no center speaker is better than a terrible-quality center speaker all day long (I know this hands-down from experience). Plus, even great budget surround receivers out today have a myriad of settings and acoustic measurements available to tailor the sound and get a big, rich, present, focused sound for the main action in movies, even without a center speaker present and/or enabled. I just want any consumers seeing this video to understand that you basically either (A) didn't know what you were doing or (B) innocently forgot to let your surround sound system know (through settings) that the center channel was disconnected so it could respond accordingly. That or you got an offer on a surround sound system you're selling and the potential buyer said they wanted everything but the center speaker and wanted a discount as a result, so you made this (in that case, intentionally-misleading) video to "sell" them on the importance of a center channel so they'd buy the entire package including the center. Idk which of those was true and I don't wanna assume the worst here. Just please be careful when you post videos to do so accurately so you don't throw people off and have them spending extra money on something they don't necessarily need, but may benefit from somewhat. A center channel might enhance the experience, but the lack of one is nowhere near the dealbreaker for a good sound that you've presented it to be here.

[@ZReviews]

Yes I was simply showing what the center IS responsible for when it is in use. If you go phantom none of the sounds are lost, BUT if you do go with a center you must size / price it accordingly .

[@askmatt7283]

I will go one better...I use a pair of SVS Ultra Centers as my main Left and Right Speakers in a 2.1 configuration for music exclusively. The sound is phenomenal. The SVS Ultra Center is a true 3 way speaker. The dome tweeter handles the highs, the 4 inch driver handles the upper mids and the dual 6.5 drivers handle the lower mids. Bass Management is set at 80 Hz and routs all LFE to the sub. The 3 way speaker design of the SVS Ultra Center reproduces music in a way I have not heard in any other system. Very detailed and revealing. I hear stuff I have never heard before in albums I have owned and enjoyed for years. Its an unconventional configuration for sure but sometimes you have to step outside the norm to do something special. Highly recommended!

[@toddsteele5918]

SNEAKERS. Only movie I never returned to blockbuster and learned that they charged around $100, in the mid 90's, for a VHS tape because costs.

[@Guitar7885]

Where's the HSU CCB-8 for the Center Channel list? Thought that was the Center Channel to "Rule them All".

[@ZReviews]

FFF. I remember that now. Its been years.

[@Guitar7885]

@@ZReviews Haha, had to bring it up when I didn't see it on the list cause my brother got it for his home theater setup after I showed him your video on it. lol. He loves it, sounds incredible.

[@xvader123123]

Z! This is the EXACT video I was looking for!! You have filled a hole in my heart! Would you include a Kef LS50 on that center list? I have a pair and was looking to match for the center. Aloha from Hawaii!

[@marcosvictor4935]

I'm not Zeos, but if you can place a LS50 on the center of you Home Theater, then By all means, go on about it! It's a concentric speaker so it's as far as a point source goes, making it great for center channel, and you can't match better to your sides than to have the exact same speaker on the center. In fact, really big, really expensive h ome theaters do the same, they have something like thrree Klipsch La Scalas or Klipsch Horns or BIG JBLs behind the screen as front-sides and center, so they are matching and also at the same height.

[@BradleyAshley]

@@marcosvictor4935 👍 And it's the exact same speaker, perfect pick.

[@ZReviews]

I fill lots of holes. In more places than hearts. And YES. I can add the LS50 if you can find it sold Singularly.

[@patrickcooks1851]

I have elac speakers two front towers and center channel and two book shelf need a power amplifier

[@TheJjjoj]

The way surround pushes everything to the center channel is one of the reasons I typically dislike or even hate surround over something like all channel stereo with very specific tuning to allow for better ability to hear dialogue. With this, I lose some of the directional audio but get a much more enveloped sound since the same information is being sent to all left and right channels. I've never understood the desire for directional audio over detailed, enveloping audio. That's just my preference though so I won't hate on anyone who does. I also listen to music like 95% of the time for any speaker I have so I obviously have a preference for stereo just due to familiarity.

[@I86282]

The real question then. Is if you spent all that money on a left and right channel. Would it not make more sense to run it in 4.1 or 4.0 channel. Instead of 7.1 or 7.0 ?

[@drumandbassob0007]

for me i never use a center channel i run 4.1 just tell the decoder i have no center , plus i have acoustic treatment at the 1st refection points , dont understand why people have a center theres no need

[@ZReviews]

Again, Depends on who is sitting where. And how much movies are involved.

[@LogiForce86]

I play 80% games... so what in that case? Because in that case... you want full range speakers all-around, because any type of sound will and can come from anywhere. Also... I definitely can hear the direction of those subwoofer bases and thus I hate the idea of a subwoofer.

[@baloosd]

run 4.4.2. yes, get full range out of your fronts and rears.

[@frankcaruso6781]

I totally agree about the center channel is most important. I certainly running three tower speaks for front channels and it sounds amazing.

[@Pabula]

I would love to see you review Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon to see how you like it.

[@floz9718]

@30:00 Exactly! I notice this in the movie theater a lot as well and it also bothers me a lot. I'm just experimenting with integrating a center speaker ( I have 3 identical LCRs) again in system after years of using phantom center. The effect is noticeable at home as well but it's not as problematic as in the theater, I guess the bigger the screen the bigger the issue...

[@rawalter21]

You should review the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ when you get a chance. I have the original C2 and its definitely the best center I've heard for the price ($399). It is pretty huge though so be prepared to make room if you review it. I also have the rest of the line up (T2, E2, E1) and for the price they can't be beat. My Def Tech speakers that cost twice as much don't sound as good.

[@endrizo]

i dont agree, i do completely different - center speakers always sound stiff , never liked them...sound too dry and unnatural to me. getting dialogue to the front speakers sound better, you simply dont need a center channel..tell your receiver you do not have one , route center info to the front main speakers. always sound better. forget the center and put your money in better front towers

[@johnryan6658]

Particularly speakers with excellent stereo imaging and soundstage.

[@praxis22]

I thought that too, until I bought a Yamaha DSP AZ2, with it's 8 channel stereo mode. you can be sitting at right angles to the speakers at one end of the room outside the speaker "box" and still got a perfect stereo image. Though if you want something special, listen to the end credits of "The Animatrix" that is amazing experience in surround.

[@Synthematix]

Wrong, wrong wrong. Center speakers are designed for Film NOT music, a center speaker with stereo music playback will cause modulation distortion, however without a center speaker for 5.1/7.1 film soundtracks you will destroy the soundstage, none of your speakers are setup correctly anyway. Trying to make stereo speakers do the job of a center is a very bad idea, if you can hear a dominant phantom center from your front stereo speakers then your room is reflecting the sound all over the place, a center speaker is designed obviously to be mono and it's there for film dialog and sounds that would be in real life directly in front of you. The only time a center should be used for music is if the music is specifically meant to be played back in 5.1/7.1 etc, for example i master my own 5.1 DTS music and sounds that are designed to come out of the center speaker ie vocals cannot be heard without it. in the film theatres the center speaker(s) is/are right behind the screen doing their job properly. You need a fairly large room to do surround properly with speakers placed at least 12feet apart, or the fronts directly on each side of the projector screen with NO toe in whatsoever, stereo music is a different kettle of fish, with stereo music the fronts SHOULD be toed in and without any center. Trying to make a jack of all trades speaker setup will never work.

[@earthworm85]

I ordered the Ultra Center and the ultra bookshelves. I forgot there was the Prime Pinnacles. Are the ultra bookshelves good enough... Or is the best set up be, The ultra center and 2 pinnacles or Ultra Center and 2 ultra bookshelves. Appreciate the info =)

[@JJG22speakers]

I have two Klipsch RP-600F towers a R-120sw sub from Klipsch a Mitsubishi center that I put Klipsch woofers and tweeters in it four energy surrounds with titanium tweeters and 3inch aluminum drivers and it’s all being powers by the Denon AVR-2700H with 12 gauge wire

[@CaptHotah]

40 mins later still can't decide if i should buy a center or not. Thanks Z 🤣🤣

[@Leondc123]

Zeos... great... great job. really thanks for doing this. You are not "only a reviewer"... you are a professor about the HIFI and a great entertainer. I see all your videos cause i know that i will learn something in each of them and have a good time watching you speaking about the passion of everybody here... the HIFI wolrd. Once more, thank you.

[@EtonieE25]

Bro you sound like Robert Downy Jnr 🤣

[@ryanr6240]

I'm a perfect candidate for your first scenario, 1) don't have high quality left and rights, 2) 95% tv and movies, 3) some off angle viewing. So I should buy one of your $700 and up choices

[@davethestalker]

Using a phantom center with a modern recover, Audyssey has to be run again with it unplugged. Turning it off does NOT give me the same imaging as listening to music does with my AVR-x7200wa. The imaging is too wide when just turning it off. Audyseey has to be run with the speaker unplugged.

[@nickvankreij1626]

Dave B. How can the imaging be to wide ? A big and airy soundstage is what everybody wants right !? Listing music with a receiver will never be as satisfying as on a good stereo. One of the main reasons is the cheapass dacs are used in the AVR’s

[@davethestalker]

Nick van Kreij easy, when a person’s head is in the middle of the screen, but his voice is not in the center but takes 2/3 of the 65” screen. Or worse, the voice from the head in the center of the screen is spread across 7 feet in front of me. Where as in playing music in stereo mode, you can close your eyes and point to where the singer is. With very well produced music like Norah Jones, you can affect the size of her mouth by adjusting the toe of your mains. Well produced music almost wraps around you with what sounds like surround sound, but it’s just stereo. Tool - Chocolate Chip Trip is one of my reference songs. It is VERY wide, you can hear each drum and cymbal.

[@jameshastings6538]

What center would you recommend out of these? ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 SVS Prime Center Klipsch RP-450C Klipsch RP-504C

[@LunarLightLtd1]

Sorry Zeos, i have to respectfully disagree on this one. If doing home theater, LCR is most important. Downplaying the importance of the left and right channels is not smart. They are the main source of the music and primary effects. While i agree that rears are "less" important because they are not directly hitting you (our ears perceive less detail behind and above us) i think you would be shocked at how amazing a system sounds with identical speakers in every channel. It creates a more convincing soundstage, which, imho, is the beauty of surround sound. Imagine if you had different LR speakers and trying to create a convincing stereo image. The same rules of sonics apply to surround sound. Obviously, budgets are real and a limiting factor for most people and that's why small speakers exist for surrounds. Sorry. Rant over. Love your content. But this video bothered me.

[@bradthurkle7217]

Great review mate. Id’e personally favor over the center for the fronts if I was to choose with out a center. Reason being I love listening to my blue ray music videos like great example Eagles concert in Melbourne I think 2009/10 can’t remember but anyways the set up on the dvd 📀 gives you options in the audio of what you want to your set up speaker wise is. Example 5.1 / 7.1 what ever. But I think in a music video with those opinions available in a blue dvd your most likely to get a better music sound from the front svs ultras as a pose to a center. I mean just my opinion fuck knows lol 😂 but yeah. Im probably mote like 60/ music 40 movies with my heart on my theater room. But at the end of the day you want a desent set up for both so. Yeah my opinion. If want the closest to best sound without going to crazy just get the 3. Even if takes 2 years like it mite my self . At the end of the day there’s no regrets.

[@garavonhoiwkenzoiber]

5.1 surround music is nice but quite rare. I like to match my rears to my fronts because I mostly listen to 4.2 music (FL+RL, FR+RR, 2 subs) although if something is recorded in mono, instead of coming out both L+R channels, it only comes out my center channel. weird. o_o

[@RobertR3750]

I consider your commentary to be a rambling mess. The ONLY reason to have a center channel is if you have people watching a movie who are off to the side. If you have excellent LRs, they will convey dialogue extremely well.

[@dianeerickson4374]

Zeos, hi. Enjoy your videos. Like your style. On another video you recommended Micca RB42-c as a good, reasonably priced center. I got one and 2 Micca OoO's left and right. Yamaha is telling me that the impedence of 4 on the 42c will fry my Yamaha RX-V483 HTR-4071 5.1-Channel Receiver. The 2 sides at 4 are ok, but the center at 4 is not. (My current Yamaha backs are 6, which is okay.) Help. Do I have to send 42c back or is there a work around? Cant afford new receiver now. Thank you in advance. Diane

[@dBsdecibels]

A curve ball Mr. Z: The JBL 520c is a center channel you recommend in the description. Many complain though that it's not very good compared to its matching 570/80/90's. You say that the center doesn't have to match, but admit that it's nice if it does. Being that JBL doesn't offer a better matching center, what are good options which work well with the 570/80/90s?

[@daviddikeman7423]

I just bought some B and W 700 series towers. Turned off a nice Def Tech center speaker and A/B'd. Way better going phantom.

[@linh811]

phantom center FTW !!! unless LCR is the exact same drivers, timbre will be off