Your Center Channel Speaker Questions Answered

[@rockroll9513]

I must have a unicorn. I replaced a traditional center channel with two Sony CSS5 speakers on their sides in series. I can clearly hear dialogue in movies now and music sounds fantastic. It works surprisingly well with my left and right channels.

[@brooklynknightss]

I use a tower speaker as my center channel, i lay it horizontal and it sounds great!! And three match now!! Klipsch RP-280FA

[@ericmastergardener6285]

Thank you for posting this. With TVs getting larger and larger (mine is 82”), when sitting with the center of the screen at eye level, I had no choice but to mount my center channel above the tv or it would have practically been on the floor. It sounds perfect with it being angled downwards above the tv, and sounded awful near the floor while angled upwards. It’s worth testing to hear the difference, but I think that mounting the cc above a large tv will be prevalent in the future of home theatre builds.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

Some of that will depend on the individual room, but above the TV clearly works best in your situation. It's a good point about the size of TVs having a real impact on speaker placement.

[@CheetahNL]

If you sit at the center, you don't need a center channel. I've done without for years now, but my brain still doesn't understand the fact that the center channel is missing. This is the whole idea behind stereo btw. When sitting off center it all changes, off course.

[@great100m]

Thank you for spending some/effort on home theater audio.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

Glad you enjoyed it, I try to balance between home audio & home theater, and often it comes down to what questions I'm being asked that week.

[@charles1523]

Hi Axiom Team, can you use a center channel as a left and right and placed horizontally as well? Thanks.

[@rockroll9513]

Yes.

[@bart7695]

Excellent information explained clearly. Thank you so much. I am quite intregued to know more aboot the design process of crossover circuits, specially in center speakers where the drivers are next to each other, but the sweet spot needs to be wide. A lower crossover frequency would be better right? But how does that match with the left/right channel. What are the real conciderations between designing say a VP100/160/180. I am trying to find my next left/center/right spreakers and the more I read into it, the more I think that the center speaker is king. Sadly it is not a sexy king as most reviews are about the left and right channel queens. Everybody tells you to mach the center speaker with your left and right, but should it not be the opposite? As I understand it, your VP160 is the best design (low 500HZ x-over and tweeter over mid-woofer) but I understand the need for smaller (vp100, High X-over @ 2.7 kHz) and biger (vp180, needs a VERY low X-over at 150HZ is this because of how wide it is?). What are considerations while designing the center and its cross-over circuitry (size, cost, impedence)? Again, thank you for the lesson, I am trying to get my head around this.

[@vijayv5228]

Can I use 2 small centre channel of the same model instead of 1 large centre channel ? This will save cost and complement my 3x 8 inch driver tower speakers.

[@kalmtraveler]

I'm still stuck with a TV, but tried using a traditional center speaker with tower L and R, but the center drivers just don't have the fullness that the towers have. I'd rather put the TV 'too high' and have 3 (well 5 in my case) identical towers (I went back to identical L C R SL SR towers recently), though as you mentioned ideal would be a projector with an acoustically-transparent screen in front of the front soundstage. Next time I'm building a dedicated theater room that's the plan.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

I get it…once you’ve heard identical channels across the front it’s hard to go back!

[@lukeselker5175]

Thank you for continuing to provide us with useful information! As an amateur speaker designer with relatively little experience, I have questions about speaker manufacturing practices, you could answer one of these questions specifically, tackle them as a group with a broader overview, or just offer your explanation of a design principle involved in one of the questions. I'd be thrilled with any of those things! 1. I often see forum posts regarding golden ratio based tweeter placement to avoid baffle step diffraction modes, why is it uncommon to see tweeters offset in a baffle asymmetrically? Is this simply a matter of design aesthetics? Is it significantly cheaper to manufacture when it is symmetrically placed? Does this not really have a massive impact on the sound of the speaker, or is it relatively simple to account for with a notch filter in the crossover network? 2. A similar question regarding edge diffraction, why is it not more common to curve baffle edges on speakers? I would think that it's relatively low cost, and should help to round out that baffle step loss, right? I have many more questions, but this is already so much! Regardless of whether you tackle any of the ideas in my questions, I'm so grateful for your channel! If I ever give up the speaker design bug and just want some convenience, you are on my short list of speaker manufacturers that I trust to put function first in design considerations!

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

Hey Luke, you’re most welcome! Your questions have me thinking that maybe a loudspeaker design 101 series of videos might be of interest. Does anyone else agree?

[@lukeselker5175]

@@AxiomHomeTheaters it would be super interesting to get the perspective of an accomplished designer!

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

@@lukeselker5175 I’ll start thinking about this and hopefully you’ll see something in the near future!

[@Lee-yt1de]

What if i have a set of towers for the left and right and use the bookshelf version of the towers as a center channel? Would it be alot better than a horizontal speaker from the model down from my towers?

[@johnnorthcarolina449]

I have a nice, older, Polk center speaker. How can I connect that to a new Sony str-hd190 2 channel receiver. It only has right/left speaker connectors, nothing for other speakers. Thanks

[@gnmalai]

Remember high frequency tweeter always stand abowe mid which stands above low.., With that said, native central speakers bit wrongly made for home theaters... That reason why some preffering build 3 stand speakers on the wall behind projector textile. For home theaters to get it right check the logic delivered by: B&W HTM7

[@rayalliston7702]

Can you have a good centre channel only for home theatre with the left and right channels being phantom.

[@monroethegreat7539]

I just ordered the Definitely technology Cs9080 Center Speaker, That Center Speaker is pretty powerful with a built in 8" subwoofer and 10"upward-firing passive radiator for low bass, But I already have 2 Svs Subwoofers, Should I run the CS 9080 Center Speaker in Small or Large to take advantage of the Subwoofer in the center channel?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

I would set it to large if it has a built-in subwoofer.

[@Luke-qs2cg]

can also set it to small and cross it over at 40hz or something low so that it doesnt have cancellation issues with the main subs. with def tech speakers and there built in subs, they dont go super low. so crossing over low, and letting the subwoofers take over at the crossover, you get the best out of both

[@chriswelljack4910]

@@AxiomHomeTheaters bad idea

[@terrywilliams7827]

Use 5 pioneer bs22 , for 5.1 system

[@WileEGoalie]

Enjoying your videos. I have three M5HPOW speakers for LCR setup behind an AT screen. Some times the receiver shows centre channel "dialogue -3" or a different number. How do you access this +/- number to increase or decrease the dialogue booster?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

You’d need to check your receiver/processor manual. I know that some have a dialogue boost setting for watching TV at low levels.

[@theblueboogeyman3262]

Hello Andrew can I use multiple bookshelf speakers lined up next to each other as center channel and can I use multiple bookshelf speakers staked up as a tower speaker

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

They will certainly make sound, but the performance is likely not going to be very good. There will be cancellations and boosting at certain frequencies because of interference between the two sets of drivers. In a single speaker that is designed with multiple drivers, this is taken into account in the crossover design. So I would not recommend it.

[@djititude2373]

Please, what is your technical analysis on using 3 x horizontal speakers Klipsch RP504C as LCR : front left + front center + front right, comparing to RP600M+RP504C+RP600M?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

I believe you will be better off with the 600M/504C combo, unless the 504C was designed for vertical use as well as horizontal.

[@timberray9572]

I would like to add, do not undersize your center. You want something that matches the range of your L&R channels.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

Great point Ray and one that a lot of people overlook - thank you for mentioning it!

[@Sc2God724]

Alot of people that has a cheaper center channel will set it at the 80hz standard and say it sounds muffled or tiny instead of lowering it have them raise it to 100hz where there's less resonance and it will get clearer and bass will be better and sound less tiny

[@jacksonfmiller]

I’m wondering what I should do if I have a structural stud column in the center of my theater setup. I’m wondering if I should do a phantom center or two speakers for the “center channel”.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

That’s a very common issue, unfortunately. Those structural pillars always seem to be exactly where you don’t want them! I would suggest starting out with a phantom center setup and see how it performs.

[@jacksonfmiller]

@@AxiomHomeTheaters in Yamaha’s setup guide, they tell you to connect two center speakers to the front left/right channels, then connect the left and right speakers to the front presence left/right. Would that sound better than just using the front left/right (phantom center)?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

@@jacksonfmiller What they are suggesting is very strange. If you have two identical center channels you can certainly try it, but if not I would try a phantom center before going out and buying another speaker.

[@inassamirsamir6492]

I have a Sony home theater but I missing the center speaker , I connect all the other speakers and I can hear the music and the sound effects but I can’t hear the conversation between people or characters! Would that be because of the center speaker missing?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

Yes, because the processor will be steering all the dialogue to the missing center channel. You could look to see if there is a way to disable the center channel in the system menu, although I suspect not.

[@torlantriplett2662]

Is it better to use a Tower speaker or a horizonal center channel.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

In many cases a tower speaker will be superior, unless it’s a very high-quality centre channel design.

[@Hkapersonal]

I have Elan LCR in wall speaker. The model number is EL 800IWLCR6. The picture shows it in a portrait mode. Two mid rang woofer above each other and the tweeter to one side , off axis. When i am using it as a centre channel, would i keep the portait orientation? and shall i keep the same orientation when i am using them as the left and right ?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

I would have the center unit horizontally (landscape) with the tweeter to the top. For left and right have them vertically (portrait) with the tweeters to the inside.

[@eyestick8012]

Curios why the VP 100 was not ported? I really like mine, but it was a reason I was hesitant to buy one. Glad I did, though. Will the VP 100 be timbre matched to the M60's If I decide to add towers?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

It was likely due to improving power handling and a lack of space in the cabinet to install a long enough port to tune it properly. The VP100 timbre match will be ok, but it’s not really ideal from an output capability standpoint. The VP160 is the natural match for the M60s.

[@ytj22]

@@AxiomHomeTheaters This does beg the question: Is there room in the Axiom line up to slot an offering between the vp100 and the vp160? Perhaps a ported dual 6.5" model? The jump to the vp160 seems like a big one especially when looking toward the M3s. (Videos are very informative by the way, thanks.)

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

@@ytj22 It’s possible, although we would then likely have too many center channels in our mix. The VP160 is a perfect match for the M3, M5, and M60, so you have a nice upgrade path. 😉

[@freedomearthmoon1]

Can you lay conventional speakers on their side and use them as left or right speaker without altering/harming the sound. Or rear speakers for that matter? Thats what I was intending on doing,if its a poor idea, I certainly don't want to go that route. I'll be drilling holes into the cabinets of brand new speakers. I've already built 12" wooden drops from my ceiling. I'll be attaching heavy duty swivel mounts that will drop my speakers " 5.1 " an additional 11.5 ". I was planning on laying the left and right channel speakers on their side as their width matches the center channels height. It was thinking they would look pretty nice and balanced. I was going to do the same with the rear speakers. If its acoustically superior to keep them upright.Thats exactly what Ill do. The rear of the speakers are slight wider than the front of the speaker.The front speakers are 6.5" in the front. 7.5" in the rear and 9.5" deep. They are 14" tall. The rear speakers are 5.5" in the front. 6.0" in the rear. 6.0" deep and 11.25" high. Looking at the speaker box dimensions. I'm getting the feeling upright is probably the right way to mount them?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

Unless the speakers were specifically designed for mounting in either orientation, it’s not a good idea to use them on their sides. You can certainly try it, but I suspect the imaging and soundstage will suffer.

[@freedomearthmoon1]

@@AxiomHomeTheaters Thats logical. The significance of speaker orientation & design sunk in when I re-watched the video. I've abandoned the idea of laying them on their sides. So thanks for rewording/reiterating what you've had already covered.{:>) I really appreciate it.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

@@freedomearthmoon1 anytime 👍

[@LQ-gaming]

so can you use 2 center channels as left and right speakers?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

It’s usually not ideal, as many often the design criteria for a center channel will not result in a balanced sound like from a comparable pair of bookshelf or floorstanding speakers.

[@tommcilwraith6925]

I'm trying to find out how to wire a center speaker that has a left and right connector on the back to my integrated amp? Where would the two wires be connected to the amp? Appreciate any advice thanks.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

Hmmm…that’s a mystery to me. I would check with the manufacturer.

[@azulgrana7487]

Can I place the center speaker near the amplifier? I don't have much space. Thanks

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

Absolutely, it should not impact anything. Just don’t block any vents or heatsinks on the amplifier.

[@azulgrana7487]

@@AxiomHomeTheaters thank you!

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

@@azulgrana7487 You’re welcome, happy to help.

[@zzxxyy22]

Had to put my center channel speaker behind the TV firing upwards. Not ideal I know.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

No, certainly not ideal as you say. You might want to try using no-center…it might actually sound better with that signal split between the main left and right speakers.

[@petepeters4789]

I have a yamaha surround sound system. The reciever is a HTR 6050. There are some settings in the reciever that adddress the center channel. What are ideal settings for the center channel, like 100 hz 300 hz? I have all of mine set to basically the middle, or zero. Thank you

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

It would depend on which speakers you are using. You can safely try all the settings and see which sounds best.

[@petepeters4789]

@@AxiomHomeTheaters I have the yamaha yet 590bl speaker set

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

@@petepeters4789 Those speakers look very small…I would set all channels to the highest frequency cut-off setting. 300Hz?

[@russelllowery9049]

Can I use 3 center channels as my front stage?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

I would not suggest it, unless the speakers are designed for L/C/R duty.

[@alandeluca401]

Do you need a Amp to use center channel speaker?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

You need something to power it, yes. Normally it would be part of an AVR (Audio/Video Receiver).

[@AB-wi2mh]

Can I use a different different manufacturers

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

It’s always best to stay with the same brand and even within the same series, if possible.

[@chancehazzard6077]

I'm thinking to run 2 svs ultra centers for my front 2.0 system running them on the front right and left channels on receiver, what do you think

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

As long as you keep the center channel orientation it will likely be fine. I’d check with SVS to see what they say.

[@chancehazzard6077]

Ok thanks

[@Bluestreak2020]

Could I use 3 of the same center channel speakers, one as horizontal center and two set up vertically as left and right mains. Ever try it? How do you think that would sound?

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

It’s really going to depend on the specific center channel. Some were designed with “L-C-R” usage in mind, so in that case would have been designed to work optimally in either a horizontal or vertical configuration. In many cases you probably won’t find the performance ideal if you take a dedicated center channel design and use it vertically. Best to consult with the manufacturer to see what they have to say.

[@jrock6196]

@@AxiomHomeTheaters I'm dealing with this as well since I'm looking at a short throw projector and the 120 screen but my center channel mounted right under the bottom of the screen might get in the way of the throw trajectory. I have these budget miccas that I think sound great (the oOo) is the model and they are designed to be used as center horizontal or bookshelf. I don't want to get a Acoustically Transparent screen and have to build out the wall to place the audio behind it and buy $2,000 worth of speakers. When I already have 3 center/bookshelf miccas- two bookshelf only miccas and two polk 10" subs and two in ceiling for a 7.2 set up

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

@@jrock6196 I understand completely! Hopefully that advice gives you some more ideas.

[@nishali3343]

He forgot to say that a book shelf can be used as centre but standing straight up if you have room in front of the tv.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

Precisely…thanks for pointing that out!

[@priestof1s]

I have always hated center channels. They all sound horrible except for today. I ran across a klipsh at $500.00 and a Polk. Not going to spend that kind of cash unfortunately. Regular speakers always worked better for every position.

[@AxiomHomeTheaters]

If you have the space, a conventional loudspeaker will normally give better performance.

[@TaxCattle4CorruptDeepState]

What if I stand my VP150 vertically under or in front of my TV stand? Does it get rid of the comb? Does it block the bottom tweeter near the floor and change the profile? I could raise that about 3" before it blocks the TV?