Hey guys, I've been running without a center channel in my family room for several years (been using 15 yr old Klipsch KG1.5 bookshelf speakers for L/R in a 2.1 setup). About a week ago, I picked up a Boston Acoustics VRC center at CC on clearance for a great deal. At the time, I wasn't overly concerned about matching the center with L/R...the VRC was $69, so I jumped all over it.
Well, a couple of days letter, I decided to order a pair of Polk Rti8's for my mains. They aren't connected yet, and won't be until I rearrange my room (probably a few weeks from now).
So, my question...should I keep the VRC and just run it with the Polks? Or should I order a Polk Csi3 and sell the VRC? From a $ standpoint, I'm sure I can get more for the VRC than a Csi3 will cost...so it really comes down to which is a better option for the sound in the room.
Advantage of the Polk center is that it would match the mains. I don't really know how important that is...many here seem to feel strongly that the L,C, and R should be the same brand. Is that true?
The disadvantage (I think?) of the Polk is placement relative to the TV screen (60" Sony A3000). It will have to be placed above the TV...speaker will be on a shelf about 6" above the top of the screen. The VRC fits on a shelf underneath the TV, with the speaker about 9" below the bottom of the screen. So...the Polk would actually be closer to the TV, but would be above. From what I read here, below the TV seems to be the preferred location. Is that true?
I also have no idea of how the two speakers compare to each other...VRC vs Csi3. Are they similar quality/sound? I can't find the Csi3 locally, so don't have a way to listen to it. I'm relying on folks here that know more than I to help me understand the importance of matching the center to the L/R...and if the input is to go with a Polk center, to confirm that placement above the TV is OK. I can angle it down a bit, towards the audience.
Oh, receiver is Denon AVR-3802 (7 x 110W), and the room is 16x22x18H, and open to the foyer. Seating is 12ft from screen (TV on long wall).
Thanks in advance!
Well, a couple of days letter, I decided to order a pair of Polk Rti8's for my mains. They aren't connected yet, and won't be until I rearrange my room (probably a few weeks from now).
So, my question...should I keep the VRC and just run it with the Polks? Or should I order a Polk Csi3 and sell the VRC? From a $ standpoint, I'm sure I can get more for the VRC than a Csi3 will cost...so it really comes down to which is a better option for the sound in the room.
Advantage of the Polk center is that it would match the mains. I don't really know how important that is...many here seem to feel strongly that the L,C, and R should be the same brand. Is that true?
The disadvantage (I think?) of the Polk is placement relative to the TV screen (60" Sony A3000). It will have to be placed above the TV...speaker will be on a shelf about 6" above the top of the screen. The VRC fits on a shelf underneath the TV, with the speaker about 9" below the bottom of the screen. So...the Polk would actually be closer to the TV, but would be above. From what I read here, below the TV seems to be the preferred location. Is that true?
I also have no idea of how the two speakers compare to each other...VRC vs Csi3. Are they similar quality/sound? I can't find the Csi3 locally, so don't have a way to listen to it. I'm relying on folks here that know more than I to help me understand the importance of matching the center to the L/R...and if the input is to go with a Polk center, to confirm that placement above the TV is OK. I can angle it down a bit, towards the audience.
Oh, receiver is Denon AVR-3802 (7 x 110W), and the room is 16x22x18H, and open to the foyer. Seating is 12ft from screen (TV on long wall).
Thanks in advance!