Center Channel Dialogue
I am looking for suggestions to increase the comprehension of vocals for my center channel. I realize many movies and programs are produced such that understanding the dialogue can be a challenge.
My home theater is mostly Martin Logan: Summit X front, reQuest surround, LX 16 rear surround, SVS and Velodyne subs, and a Stage center. The amp for the Summits is a Pass XA30, all others use an Earthquake Cinenova Grande amp with over 300 watts/channel.
My issue is that I have to cup my hands over my ears to understand the dialogue. I have adjusted the Marantz 8801 pre/pro to maximize the output. I also use one channel of an equalizer to further increase output, and have also adjusted the different frequencies trying to improve dialogue.
I've angled and raised the Stage center the best I could.
My question is, should I look at different center speakers? I like having all electrostats, and wonder if a substitute non-electrostat would match? Would a horn center like Klipsch make sense?
Recently I considered a DBX expander, but don't know if that would help or hurt.
BTW, it's tiring holding my hands over my ears to understand the dialogue:)
I appreciate any suggestions.
Have you tried eliminating the center channel all together and allowing the processor to ghost it back in? I know my home theater setup is anything but idea, but I run a 4.1 setup and certainly have never had any issues with understanding dialogue (at least nothing that subtitles wouldn't resolve...LOL). I know that a center channel should be superior to not having one, but it might be worth at least seeing how the sound changes. It might help diagnose the issue. |
@elliottbnewcombjr - If the AVR has an auto setup with a microphone you just disconnect the center channel and run the setup. It won't hear a center channel and will simply eliminate it from the processing and as a result split the signal into the L/R mains. You can also manually turn off individual channels and it'll do the same thing essentially without the benefit of the auto setup. |
@elliottbnewcombjr - Your AVR can take 5.1 and make it 4.1 without an issue just like it can take a 5.1 and make it stereo. I have always had a 4.1 setup. You simply have to make sure that the AVR is setup to not have a center channel. |
@elliottbnewcombjr - The primary reason that I suggested that the OP give 4.1 a try was for him to see if it made any significant change. It seems like something is off in the setup, so trying different things will sometimes provide good feedback that can be used to identify the issue. I have an Integra 50.1 receiver that is either 7.1 or 7.2 and the auto setup uses the microphone to detect which speakers are connected and then does its thing after that. There isn't a specific 4.1 setting. I think it just takes the center channel signal and splits it between left and right. |
