I would agree that its a safe recommendation to use a manufacturer's center channel designed for use in a given line of speakers. From my own experience this approach hasn't always guaranteed great results. I didn't think that my B&W HTM Matrix matched well with my Matrix 802IIIs, but worked very well when using Matrix 805s for the L/R. There was always a big difference as sounds panned across the screen. A while back I had a Paradigm Ref HT system in another for HT, and while I think the Ref cc is a very good center for the money it always sounded sharper (for better speech intelligibillity?) then the 60v2s. In this case I'd say the 60v2s couldn't keep up with the center. Until recently I was using a Thiel MCS1 with my CS7.2s. The MCS1 shared the same clarity, transparency and tone, but the MCS1 always sounded more laid back and less punchy then the CS7.2s on bombastic scenes. I currently use an Aerial CC3B center with my Thiels. It is slightly darker tonally, but blends in very well and never calls attention to itself. It is a much better center channel then the MCS1 in that it has a lottt! more punch and jump factor, and reproduces the human voice quite accurately.
Center Channel - Help be choose
I am looking to upgrade my center channel. Have B&K REF 10 and REF 7250 amp. Will eventually upgrade Fronts (Paradigm Ref 100s). Soliloquy, Monitor Silver, Aeriel, B&W are current considerations, but B&W is only one of them I have heard (and am likely to hear). I upgrading from reference Paradigm powered center (which is excellent) so 1) we know I'm nuts, (but I do have the amp now with the B&K) and 2) the upgrade must be substantial but a good bargain. Dealers or people with something to sell are welcome to comment, but please identify yourself as such. Thanks in advance. Ed