Good sounding, small center speaker


I'm considering the Gallo or Orb speakers for a home theater speaker system, but I'm concerned that especially dialogue will sound a bit light or thin coming from such small speakers. Anyone have experience with either of these in an HT setup, and if so how do they do as center channels for movies. Can they do a credible job with movie dialogue, and how do they compare to larger center speakers you've heard?

As an alternative I'm thinking about avoiding the center speaker altogether and just running something like 4 Maggie MMGWs and using a phantom center and adding a HSU STF-2 or VTF-2 sub.

Any thoughts would be helpful, but I'm really looking for a small footprint speaker that can do a great job with movie dialogue so I don't feel like I'm hearing a "small" speaker. Thanks all.
soix

Showing 1 response by flrnlamb

I would recommend against a "mis-matched" center, as it will not work! You'll never have a believable, cohesive soundstage, with smooth tonal transitions, and a system that "disappears". Rather you'll always be aware of tonal shifts in the sound, and the fact you are listening to "speakers" and gear, not the soundstage!
I would also recommend against small single woofer/tweeter designs, in favor of dual mid/woof speakers, which will control acoustical reflections from floor to ceiling, and provide often better transient reinforcement, and dynamic impact, dialoge inteligibility, etc.
Alternatives I'd recommed are Polk RM7200 system (???...maybe it's 8000), Infinity TSS1100 system, and little
Atlantic tech or M&K Systems as such.
I used to sell the otherwise very clear and detailed (on axis, that is) Maggie system lacking dyanmics for movies, and not so strong, while off-axis listening is combfiltered for a rolled off sound.
hope this helps...