340 SE Center Orientation?

[Jeff52]

Hello,
I'm going to purchase the 340's and 340 center. I have two questions, how important are the matching pedestal stands for the mains, are they in your opinion essential for the 340's or would there be a compromise in building my own on the same principle? I would very much like to orient the 340 center vertically, would this also be a compromise? Thanks to all who reply.
Jeff

[Dr. House]

Hello,
I'm going to purchase the 340's and 340 center. I have two questions, how important are the matching pedestal stands for the mains, are they in your opinion essential for the 340's or would there be a compromise in building my own on the same principle? I would very much like to orient the 340 center vertically, would this also be a compromise? Thanks to all who reply.
Jeff

You might want to inquire to Mr. Fabrikant if there are any differences between the 340 main and 340 center. The 340 center crossover might be tweaked and optimized for horizontal placement and the 340 main for vertical placement. If this is the case the optimal choice would be a 3rd 340 main since you plan to orient the center vertically. It is not a compromise at all. I wouldn't see any issues with making your own stands either, just make sure they are to the preferred height that Ascend suggests for the 340.

Good luck.

[Jeff52]

You might want to inquire to Mr. Fabrikant if there are any differences between the 340 main and 340 center. The 340 center crossover might be tweaked and optimized for horizontal placement and the 340 main for vertical placement. If this is the case the optimal choice would be a 3rd 340 main since you plan to orient the center vertically. It is not a compromise at all. I wouldn't see any issues with making your own stands either, just make sure they are to the preferred height that Ascend suggests for the 340.

Good luck.

Thank you Doctor, I did not think to use three 340's as the front stage, that is a very good suggestion, I appreciate your responce. I'm just wondering about the stands, if I could build them for less than the $100 price. Thanks again.
Jeff

[curtis]

The 340SE "center" that is setup for horizontal placement is indeed tweaked to compensate for the effects when set on top of a TV set. The crossover change is called EXBAC and described here:
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages...t340ctech.html

If the center is meant to be used vertically, Ascend can disengage this circuit before being shipped to you.

[Jeff52]

The 340SE "center" that is setup for horizontal placement is indeed tweaked to compensate for the effects when set on top of a TV set. The crossover change is called EXBAC and described here:
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages...t340ctech.html

If the center is meant to be used vertically, Ascend can disengage this circuit before being shipped to you.

Thank you Curtis, are you saying on top of TV is the optimal placement, how about below the TV? Also what do you think about three identical 340's across the front using one for a vertical center, or is better to have Dave disengage the EXBAC circuit in the center 340 and use it vertically? Thanks

[curtis]

Thank you Curtis, are you saying on top of TV is the optimal placement, how about below the TV? Also what do you think about three identical 340's across the front using one for a vertical center, or is better to have Dave disengage the EXBAC circuit in the center 340 and use it vertically? Thanks

A 340SE center without EXBAC is just a regular 340SE.

Above or below the TV doesn't matter. EXBAC compensates for the extended baffle the TV creates, no matter if it is above or below the TV.

If you can accommodate three vertical 340's across the front, that would be ideal. How far is the TV off of the floor?

[Dr. House]

Thank you Curtis, are you saying on top of TV is the optimal placement, how about below the TV? Also what do you think about three identical 340's across the front using one for a vertical center, or is better to have Dave disengage the EXBAC circuit in the center 340 and use it vertically? Thanks

From a performance standpoint, generally a matching vertical speaker to your mains is the most ideal for timbre matching and superior off-axis. The irony with centre channels is horizontal speakers are the ones that are usually composed of compromises and provide challenges from a performance standpoint. However, they exist solely because of placement with televisions and of course WAF (wife acceptance factor) .

[DougMac]

Hello,
I'm going to purchase the 340's and 340 center. I would very much like to orient the 340 center vertically, would this also be a compromise? Thanks to all who reply.
Jeff

I have tried the 340 center in both vertical and horizontal orientation. I think it's better horizontal. I have a front projector and a non at screen. Since my screen is 120" diagonal, placing the center either above or below (like I have it) puts it pretty far from the center line of my L & R 340's. It's not ideal, but not bad.

I've read the arguments against MTM centers. I think some problems are overstated. The 340 SE center sounds fine, we've had friends remark how clear the dialog sounded. By comparison, I have a friend with speakers from that company known for their small, WAF friendly speakers. He turns the sound way up in order to hear the dialog and even then it's not distinct. The only time I've noticed a diminishment in center sound is when I stand WAY off axis, so far I can't really view the image anyway.

I'm not sure ordering just the 340 center would be a fair test, especially if you incorporate it with L&R from another company. I'm a firm believer that all speakers should be from the same company and that the fronts be the same model.

[Jeff52]

I have tried the 340 center in both vertical and horizontal orientation. I think it's better horizontal. I have a front projector and a non at screen. Since my screen is 120" diagonal, placing the center either above or below (like I have it) puts it pretty far from the center line of my L & R 340's. It's not ideal, but not bad.

I've read the arguments against MTM centers. I think some problems are overstated. The 340 SE center sounds fine, we've had friends remark how clear the dialog sounded. By comparison, I have a friend with speakers from that company known for their small, WAF friendly speakers. He turns the sound way up in order to hear the dialog and even then it's not distinct. The only time I've noticed a diminishment in center sound is when I stand WAY off axis, so far I can't really view the image anyway.

I'm not sure ordering just the 340 center would be a fair test, especially if you incorporate it with L&R from another company. I'm a firm believer that all speakers should be from the same company and that the fronts be the same model.

Doug,
you are right, getting just one 340 would surely not reveal what a full front stage of 340's are capable of, I have decided against that and I thank you for suggesting so. I do have the options to try the center in any position I want and will do so and then decide the orientation. Thank you for the insight,
Cheers, Jeff