Center Channel needs to handle bass?


I'm doing some research on center channel speakers. I've pretty much decided on the Vandersteen 2Ce's for my mains. Those I was able to audition but the center channel I can't. In reading some reviews the reviewers state that the center channel only carries dialog and some background sounds but no serious bass. I have always believed that the center had to be able to handle deep bass because of onscreen carcrashes and such.

Does anybody have any opinions on this subject? I can't audition so I have to go by what I read.
betelgeus

Showing 1 response by bmpnyc

If you eventually get into 5 channel audio, (SACD...DVD-A) you will want all speakers to handle bass well if possible. For all practical purposes, make sure that your center can get down to at least 60 Hz, and preferably 40 Hz. The perception that center channels are mostly for dialogue can be misleading, all sorts of sound comes through them, even though dialogue is pre-eminent.