5.1 setup... 4 x 170's... which for center channel?

[shane55]

Hi all.
I'm set with my Ascends for now, but a friend is impressed with them and is curious which way to go and why...

Given that he wants 170's for the front and rear L&R in a 5.1 setup, which should he get for center channel:
A fifth 170 or a 340c?

Also, please let him know why you would make that choice.

BTW... I've already let him know what *I* would do.

Thanks!

shane

[bikeman]

What are his placement options?

David

[shane55]

Well... I'm not sure. We've never discussed them.

shane

[GrahamMc]

I say a fifth 170. I am a big proponent of perfectly matched speakers. Though the 340 may be a superior center speaker, and may be better for dialog, I still think the difference in sound when there's a pan across the front 3 speakers is awkward, at best. I have 7 170s and I'm very happy! That's my .02.

Graham

[Jicbulk]

I went with a 340SE for my Center channel mated up to 170s. I figured the Center channel needs to be beefy for movies. Sound is great and I used a TV mount to position the Center Speaker above my screen.

[shane55]

I went with a 340SE for my Center channel mated up to 170s. I figured the Center channel needs to be beefy for movies. Sound is great and I used a TV mount to position the Center Speaker above my screen.

Well... this was my reasoning. I understand total uniformity, but since so much dialogue and sound comes from the center speaker, I agree that it 'seems' to warrant the 340. But that's JMHO.

cheers

shane

[GaryB]

Dave F. has said that he went to great pains to make the "classic" 340C a sonic match to the 170s in an effort to create seamless pans, etc. I think most people who have used this combination (not me, unfortunately) would suggest that he succeeded.

I suspect that the same is true for the SE versions of these speakers.

[gooch]

What is the major listening source?? Movies?? Music?? While I agree the front 3 should be the same, depending on what you're listening to can make a difference. If music is the Major priority I would say a 170, if movies are the biggy then I would say a 340. At least 80% of the info comes out of your center for movies. From what I read/understand David F did a fantastic job of timbre matching the 170 with the 340 so the difference is probably very slight at most. I am waiting on my 340s like most everybody else!! I even went as far to order my center in the vertical orientation to completely match across my front. I can't wait!! Either way I would say you will be safe/happy.

[bikeman]

!! I even went as far to order my center in the vertical orientation to completely match across my front.

Your placement is the key to this decision. It's of little benefit to have the same speakers accross the front if the center is located in a less than ideal position. This is where the 340C will help a lotta folks.
Let us know your impressions and post pics if possible.

David

[twalker294]

I have 4 170s for surround and the 340C for center and I love it. My listening is about 85% movies and about 15% music so the 340's stronger performance for dialog is perfect for me. Just my $.02 of course...

In the pics in my link below, the 340 lives behind the grille above the TV.

Todd