Which center? Luna, S2, or Horizon?

[kdaq]

I have a 5.1 setup with Sierra-1 L/R (soon to be upgraded to Sierra-2s), HTM-200SE for center and surrounds, and an LV12R sub.

What should I upgrade my center to? I'm considering Sierra Luna, Sierra-2, and Sierra Horizon.

[enricoclaudio]

I would go with the Horizon w/RAAL. The dedicated mid range driver does wonders with dialogue and vocals.

[curtis]

I would go with the Horizon w/RAAL. The dedicated mid range driver does wonders with dialogue and vocals.

The midrange driver is an added bonus, but I would say that don't expect it to be a night/day difference with the Sierra-2 in terms of dialogue. The Sierra-2 is also great with dialogue and vocals.

IMO, Sierra-2 as L/C/R with HTM-200SEs as surrounds would be excellent. That's what I have.

Yes, I have heard the Horizon center. Yes, it is better as a center than the Sierra-2. But the Sierra-2 as a center is great in it's own right.

You have Sierra-2's. Move one to the center and try it.

[enricoclaudio]

The midrange driver is an added bonus, but I would say that don't expect it to be a night/day difference with the Sierra-2 in terms of dialogue. The Sierra-2 is also great with dialogue and vocals.

IMO, Sierra-2 as L/C/R with HTM-200SEs as surrounds would be excellent. That's what I have.

Yes, I have heard the Horizon center. Yes, it is better as a center than the Sierra-2. But the Sierra-2 as a center is great in it's own right.

You have Sierra-2's. Move one to the center and try it.

I did that a few months back, even ran Dirac full and to my ears it is night and day difference.

[curtis]

I did that a few months back, even ran Dirac full and to my ears it is night and day difference.

I meant that for the original poster, but forgot that he doesn't have Sierra-2's yet.

Full-range, yes, the Horizon for sure, but the mids, for me, it isn't night and day, better for sure though.

As for dynamics, yes, Horizon, but then I would also add Towers for matching dynamics.

I am probably also biased in having a matching front soundstage.

[kdaq]

Thanks for the impressions!

Currently, with my HTM-200SE center, I find myself turning up the volume further than I feel I should have to, for dialogue to be consistently clear.

Any other thoughts on Sierra-2 vs. Horizon for center?

[Stump909]

The midrange driver is an added bonus, but I would say that don't expect it to be a night/day difference with the Sierra-2 in terms of dialogue. The Sierra-2 is also great with dialogue and vocals.

...with HTM-200SEs as surrounds would be excellent. That's what I have.

How well do they timber match with the 2's?

[curtis]

How well do they timber match with the 2's?

Extremely well.

All of Ascend’s speakers have good timbre match. I would like to try a pair of Lunas though.

[N Boros]

I'm with Curtis on this one. I find it odd to have the output capabilities of the center channel to exceed the main speakers. I would say to go with a Sierra 2 or a Luna, if space for the center channel speaker is tight. The best option being a Sierra 2 center.

I could see a case for going with towers for left and right speakers and then maybe saving on the center a bit and just going with a Sierra 2. But, if the system is used for movies, why not just spend the little bit of extra money at the point and get full range speakers across the front. Sometimes the center channel can get hit with huge dynamic swings like in the mains, so it is best that their output capabilities are matched.

[msound]

Now that the Luna center is actually out? Luna or 2ex?