Favorite Center??

Centers are best matched with the rest of the system so that will also be an issue as you shop for a center. I've been impressed with the Monitor Audio Silver's (haven't heard the reference Golds) and Paradigm Reference speakers. The sound is very different with the Silvers being a bit brighter. Both are good.

The BG Corp 220dx is a great center channel. Very crisp and distinct. Voices sound very natural and airy. It is also one of the largest center channels out there. You can probably get one used under a grand.

The Dali Suite C 0.8. This can be had for around 500.00 and its sound is clean, articulate and full. Plus it looks good.

If you're an audiophile or in the least bit picky, you're asking a question that you should not be asking. If you don't match the center speaker with your mains, you're going to run into the very good chance of a bad situation.

Think about a vehicle panning from the left through the center and on to the right. If that doesn't make you realize the potential of the problem, it doesn't matter what speaker you use. In fact, you can just use your TV speakers.

I've heard great sounds from the Thiel PowerPoint and the Martin-Logan Cinema (baby brother to the Theater). The latter, unfortunately, may be out of your price point.

In both cases, all other speakers in the system are of the same design, from the same company, and are carefully matched to provide a very coherent, seamless sound.

With the Thiel PowerPoints in particuler, ALL five speakers are identical! They can be wall-, ceiling, or floor mounted. They literally disappear to give a great illusion of live experience. They also produce surprisingly loud sound despite their diminutive size. A truly interesting design concept.