Center Channel - Help be choose

Hey Ed--nice name! I sell both B&W and Paradigm in a specialty store. I would consider the CDM9 and the CDM Center to replace your studios. Having listened to both combinations in the same system (B&K AVR307), I feel the jump in price is very well justified. The B&W's offer tons more more resolution, better definition in the bass, and a better soundstage. I think what stands out most is the midrange clarity and the quicker bass. The new CDM9 is essentially the N804 without the cool cabinet (and $900 lighter). Unfortunately I have not listened to any of the others you mentioned, so I cannot give you any help there. I do agree with the other posts--don't skimp on the center, and definitely match all three. In fact, match the surrounds, too, for the ultimate result. Although the CDMC is very ungainly, it is basically a reconfigured CDM1--which is a helluva speaker. Good luck. Ed

Thanks to all....My resolution so far.... Do nothing. Interestingly, my local B&W dealer thinks it's the B&K pre-pro that is the weak link in the "big" system, altho' I think eventually I'll have to have B&W. May also go the next step up in the B&W center, if I can "create" 1/2 inch of space. Your inputs have saved me some costly mistakes of impusivity over what I knew already. PS shaqspack is for my lab, Shaquille, and he was named after his somewhat smaller namesake. Ehm3 - let me know how to find you for future B&W

Shaq, I can be found at [email protected]. As a dealer, I am not allowed to sell outside of my territory, but often an employee has personal stuff for sale, or maybe we have a demo piece we need to move. I will be happy to keep in touch with you, and feel free to email me with any questions/opinions you may have. Happy holidays!