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Martin Logan Center Channel-make sense??

Since I have always been more of a two-channel guy than HT guy, I am wondering, because the center channel is so important, would it make sense to have a Martin Logan center channel (like the Cinema i) if the other R/L and surround speakers are not ELS (traditional two-ways) of significant lesser quality (KEFs). I have a Sunfire sub and am thinking having a top notch center might really get the most bang where it counts. Would it be dramatically mismatched with the other speakers though?
128x128hifimatt
digital_video_direct
1 posts
 
I have Cinema center with B&W Signature 805's on front, Sunfire sub, and Paradigm rears. The Cinema is quite bright and takes some getting used to. We use our system predominantly for TV and movies and it seems to work together just fine. I had a set of Dynaudio 1.3SE's on the front for a while and it still worked just fine. Many told me not to mix speakers but I got such a great deal on the Cinema, I figured I could always sell it if it didn't work. My Sunfire receiver allowed me to adjust the relative volume between the fronts and center. If you can locate a used Cinema at a good price, you will always be able to get rid of it for close to your purchase price. I'd say give it a try.
labtec
189 posts
 
No...I doubt it would work. Even if you mix cone speaker brands, it's usually pretty obvious. Heck, even mixing different models within the same brand often causes noticeable mismatches.

You should use a center that exactly matches the L/R speakers or you're better off using no center channel at all.
amal
34 posts
 
OK, Results of a little experiment I did:

I have ML Aerius i's and Kef Q65s. Just for the heck of it once I used the Kefs as my front L/R speakers and the ESL section of one Aerius i (with appropriate amplification) as my centre is a HT setup. The results were less than satisfying with well-recorded concert DVDs (Eric Clapton unplugged etc.) where I could clearly hear the 'difference in pace' between the Kefs and the Aurius i. The voice sounded unfocussed and muddy, more like hearing someone talking from behind! However, with movies this was less evident due to the ambience noises of surrounds.

Now, I may be way out on limb here with my assertion since Cinemas are obviously different to the ESL panel of Aerius i. Anyway, just make sure that you actually listen to it before making up your mind. Believe me, getting the ESL panel and Dynamic woofer integration is something even ML took years to master. So, more often than not, you might find this whole "mix and match" business frustrating.

Cheers,
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