Looking For A Center Speaker?

Question

I currently have a Phase Techology PC 3 center speaker which I will be unable to use and/or place when I get a plasma HDTV.Currently for my front L&R speakers I am using Definitive Technology BP 2002 Bipolar floorstanding loudspeaker with built-in powered 125 watt 12" subwoofer.

Each speaker also has two 5-1/4" upper bass/mid range drivers.Two 1" aluminum dome tweeters.20-300 watts/channel.Frequency response 18Hz-30kHz.So my thinking is to get the same size drivers and tweeters for my center to keep the sound constant as it moves across.Is this a good idea? I've been thinking of getting Def. Tech. Mythos 8 (38Hz-30kHz 10-200watts)which has the same size drivers/tweeters,plus two 5-1/4" pressure-driven bass radiators.Or the Mythos 3 (45Hz-30kHz 10-200watts) two 4-1/2" bass radiators,1" aluminum dome tweeter.I'm looking for good voice reproduction.So which one would be better,or should I look for another brand? Both will fit underneath on the TV stand,plus they will all be the same.

Answer 1

Dont.

Look - cheap home theater systems actually sound pretty good for 1 reason: all 5 speakers match.  This means the sounds dont shift tone as they move from speaker to speaker.

At a minimum you want your front 3 speakers to be the same make and model.  

If you are going to switch - wait to switch all 3 to the Mythos line.

But the DefTech 2002CLR is an outstanding center. It will let you hear things other entire systems will not (I bought the set after hours in a demo room with just the center speaker.)

My center is on the floor and is angled upwards with rubber door-wedges.  I had to do this because my HDTV could not hold the speaker.

Answer 2

I would personally get the 8 if it fits.  You'll get better bass reproduction of male voices. Plus there will be less of a chance of a frequency hole between the mid bass of the center and your towers.Furthermore you will be able to run your center on the large setting enhancing your image through all three front speakers. I would stay with Def Tech in order to have the best chance of getting matching sounds.