Bi-Amping two Center speakers in parallel

[Tollaksen]

Let me start by saying that I have a 100" screen. The center is below the screen and while it sounds good, you notice the location of the speaker. All the other speakers are alot less noticeable, if at all, interms of location. So, i have some time and enjoy this "what if" stuff.

"Over and Under, Dual Center
The best way to make sure the vocal images are centered at the correct height is to use two center speakers. This also increases the dynamic range. One mounted just below and above the screen. Make certain that both speakers are at the same distance from your head in the central listening position. Both speakers must be connected in parallel."

I want to experiment with 2 center speakers in parallel, bi-amped. Is this possible and what are the ramifications:confused:.

I have heard about cancelation, but really how much of that goes on and how does it affect the front stage?

Is this just the limitation of the center channel in HTs?

How much does location of the center play? Above / Below, Both

Would adding a small sub to the center channel help delocalize the sound?

What about behind the screen? (With a sound screen)

8ohm spearkers in parallel = 4ohm load to the amp, right?

How do I bi-Amp and run in parallel?

I hope that I didn't leave anything out.

Thanks inadvance,

Tollaksen

[leroyjr1]

I am also running a 100 + inch screen with the center speaker under the screen and I too wasn't happy with the soundstage of the center.It was a direct sound coming straight at you ears and had no balance to it. I ran two Polk CSI A4's side by side off a two channel amp.It sounded better (wider) but still wasn't what I was looking for. I even tried to angle it out and it took alot away for the speaker and blended in too much with the fronts.

I also tried running the sub off the center and didn't like the sound.

[Tollaksen]

I am also running a 100 + inch screen with the center speaker under the screen and I too wasn't happy with the soundstage of the center.It was a direct sound coming straight at you ears and had no balance to it. I ran two Polk CSI A4's side by side off a two channel amp.It sounded better (wider) but still wasn't what I was looking for. I even tried to angle it out and it took alot away for the speaker and blended in too much with the fronts.

I also tried running the sub off the center and didn't like the sound.

So what are you happy with now?

[leroyjr1]

So what are you happy with now?

Polk CSI A6. Bigger fuller sound digs a little deeper with the box size and woofer size. I played around alot and found when I turned it 1.5 db higher it blended better for some reason. Not sure why but its ok for now. It may also be my room size and configuration.

[Eric W]

What center are you using now? Center speakers should really be kept to only one.

[Tollaksen]

What center are you using now? Center speakers should really be kept to only one.

I have the SRTs.

[vonnie123]

What center are you using now? Center speakers should really be kept to only one.


Hi Eric,

can you expand on this answer and the reasons for the cautionary statement. In the past, I have used up to three centers channels at once; each speaker was setup with its own dedicated amp channel; it sounds great.

[Eric W]

I have the SRTs.

You mention originally the rest of the system you don't notice the locations of the speakers as much. It would make sense as the front speakers have SDA and the rears are meant to be diffuse sounding. The center channel does not, it's appropriate to be able to locate where the center is- it is the "anchor" of the system. Are the levels properly calibrated in the system (maybe the center channel is too loud)?


Hi Eric,

can you expand on this answer and the reasons for the cautionary statement. In the past, I have used up to three centers channels at once; each speaker was setup with its own dedicated amp channel; it sounds great.

Lobing and comb filtering. The when more than one center channel is used, the sound produced by both speakers will start to interfere with one another- particularly in the midrange. It may sound more expansive with the double (or more) center channels but in reality you have less accurate frequency response and a narrower sweet spot. This is the same premise behind the Cascade Tapered Crossover Array used in our higher end center channels.

But in the end, it's your system- do what sounds best to you. We certainly won't complain if you buy more speakers :D