Center Channel

[Val]

I've been reading up on this forum about center channels as I am not satisfied with my little B&W LM-1 I am using now in my 5.1 rig.

My right and left channels are LE15A/375/075 boxes. My sub is 2245H. My rear R/L are ceiling mounted Cambridge Soundworks 8" two way that will eventually be replaced so they are not a part of the equation.

I'm thinking of a two way box with two LE8ht's and one baby cheeks 2404. On one hand, I should probably use a 075 instead of the 2404 so the center will better match the R/L channels, but I like what I read about the character of the 2404 and the better dispersion.

The center channel box cannot be taller than 10" to fit between my sub and LCD. It can be as wide as 36" and up to 14" deep.

I don't have any of the drivers yet, so it is easy to change my plans at this point.

As always I appreciate any comments.

[jblsound]

The hf and mid should match the L/R for proper sonic match across the front. The 2404 maybe better, but not if it doesn't match the mains.

[robertbartsch]

....there are a couple of options worth considering. ....as said before, matching the center with the main speakers is ideal but, if not practicle, you could try for a reasonably good match. Getting the sensativitiies between the mains and center "close" is a good goal to consider.

How about a single 3-way 12" bookself speaker like the 4312, L100, etc.?

How about a 12 inch system with a horn loaded HF driver (2206, 2426)


On the later suggestion, I have one system similar to your mains running a center from a 12" 2206 and 2425 horn loaded in an old bookself system cab. I bought the empty cab on the Net for cheap, modified the baffle to accept a smallish horn and bought a commercially available crossover.

[Val]

...if not practicle, you could try for a reasonably good match. Getting the sensativitiies between the mains and center "close" is a good goal to consider.

I like this...especially since I don't think I can afford "exactly matching".

How about a single 3-way 12" bookself speaker like the 4312, L100, etc.?

Got a pair of 4312's in the bedroom. Unfortunately the available vertical space is only 10".

How about a 12 inch system with a horn loaded HF driver (2206, 2426)

The vertical space limitations are why I'm thinking of compromising with an LE8T-H. I like the idea of the 2426 or similar.

[Val]

. Getting the sensativitiies between the mains and center "close" is a good goal to consider.

The only sensitivity I have for the 375 is from the 1976 product brochure which lists it as 59db 1 Watt @ 15 ft. The 2426 has a sensitivity of 107 dB SPL, 1 W @ 1 m, JBL 2344A horn. I'll try to find the 375 sensitivity in the 1 W at 1 meter units so I can compare it.

[robertbartsch]

you say your space limitation is 10"

Is this the space under your TV?

what about positioning your center speaker above the TV?

I did this and it works great.

....sensativities are impacted by the horn used in the measurement.....

[jcrobso]

you say your space limitation is 10"

Is this the space under your TV?

what about positioning your center speaker above the TV?

I did this and it works great.

....sensativities are impacted by the horn used in the measurement.....

It does work very well!

[Val]

you say your space limitation is 10"

Is this the space under your TV?

Yeah, the sub is under the lcd tv and there is about 10" vertical space clear. The center can be pretty wide and deep but only 10" high. Hence my interest in the LE8th (plus others on this site have recommended it)

what about positioning your center speaker above the TV?

I did this and it works great.

I have a very high WAF (note the 12 cu ft sub in the living room). The discussion was very short about putting the center over the LCD, so, the 10" vertical restriction stays...

[jcrobso]

http://cgi.ebay.com/JBL-2118H-Midran...item2c55330fb4

[Val]

Here are some 2118H if you want to go that route!

Thanks!

[Val]

I've just been re-reading this thread. I appreciate all of the suggestions.

Based on these suggestions I've put together a few scenarios. First off, I put together some of the specs for my existing R/L channels to help me think through matching sensitivity. I was not able to find the sensitivity for the LE15A or the exact freq range. I used the 2440 specs for the 375 and 2403 for the 075. I'm not sure if this is valid.

[Val]

http://cgi.ebay.com/JBL-2118H-Midran...item2c55330fb4

They went for $175...not to me

[Val]

The hf and mid should match the L/R for proper sonic match across the front. The 2404 maybe better, but not if it doesn't match the mains.

I've been thinking about your comment. In theory I agree. But the street price of 375's and 075's are a bit much these days...especially the 375 and so it starts to break down for me in practice. Gonna have to think on this some more...

[jcrobso]

It's OK, for the most but suffers on music that is mixed LCR.
My mains are LE175 H/L and 077s, I'm going to try a 2123 in a sealed 1.5 cu ft box and a LE175 H/L for highs. The sensitivity of this would match my L & R speakers.
My mains have a high sensitivity(100db @ 1 meter) while the EC35 is 91db at 1 meter.
FYI, the 375 rating was using the old method at 15', most now use the 1 meter method. So I assume that the 375 would be about 107~109db by the current method.
You might want to consider using 2 JBL 2118 for this, the have a higher sensitivity than the LE8 and higher power rating.
http://www.jblpro.com/pub/obsolete/2118.pdf

[Val]

It's OK, for the most but suffers on music that is mixed LCR.
My mains are LE175 H/L and 077s, I'm going to try a 2123 in a sealed 1.5 cu ft box and a LE175 H/L for highs.

Almost able to squeeze a 2123 into a 10" cabinet. It would be a little tight. Looking at the spec sheet it says the square dimension is 9 3/8". I would have to do some sculpting.

The sensitivity of this would match my L & R speakers.
My mains have a high sensitivity(100db @ 1 meter) while the EC35 is 91db at 1 meter.
FYI, the 375 rating was using the old method at 15', most now use the 1 meter method. So I assume that the 375 would be about 107~109db by the current method.
You might want to consider using 2 JBL 2118 for this, the have a higher sensitivity than the LE8 and higher power rating.
http://www.jblpro.com/pub/obsolete/2118.pdf

Thanks for the 375 sensitivity estimate. I had not considered the 2118. Thanks.