Center Channel Choice to Match SDA-2B

[Conradicles]

1st of all, thanks to all who have helped me in my short time here at Club Polk.
Here is the deal:
My new TV stand only gives me 18.125" of width to put a center channel speaker. Plenty of depth and height.
Here are my current idea's:
1. CS1
2. CS245i
3. Make my own DIY center with Monitor 10 parts (internal volume would only be ~1.6 cubic feet). I could get a RD0194-1 tweet from Polk and use (2) 6.5" drivers, 10" passive and Monitor 10 XO.
4. Take this stand back to Circuit City and exchange it for a different one (but I like this one the best).

See pics below. The glass shelf can be adjusted or removed (giving me lots of room for a DIY center).

Now I need more good advice and input from those of you here who can help!

[thsmith]

To bad you can't fit a CSi5 or CSiA6 but you can't. I would think the CS245i would be a better match than CS1.

[leroyjr1]

Csi3 or csi a4 are smaller centers that might work. What about putting the tv on the wall and use the top of the cabinet for the center.

[Erik Tracy]

Csi3 or csi a4 are smaller centers that might work. What about putting the tv on the wall and use the top of the cabinet for the center.

The CSi3 is 20" wide - so it looks like that is a no go.

The OP could try the 'phantom center' - seems like there are divided camps on whether a center is *required* in a properly designed HT setup and other folks have said they've gotten good results running a phantom center.

Just stirring the pot....;)

[Early B.]

See pics below. The glass shelf can be adjusted or removed (giving me lots of room for a DIY center).

Remove the glass shelf and build a form-fitted rectangular center channel or use a set of bookshelf speakers. The other option is to set your TV on top of the center channel. Guess who does that?;)

[Conradicles]

Remove the glass shelf and build a form-fitted rectangular center channel or use a set of bookshelf speakers. The other option is to set your TV on top of the center channel. Guess who does that?;)

Use a set of bookshelf speakers...interesting. Looks like 2 of the Monitor 4A will fit in there perfect side by side. The tweeter in the 4A looks...not so good. Wonder if they would timbre match my SDA's? Probably not?

[Conradicles]

Csi3 or csi a4 are smaller centers that might work. What about putting the tv on the wall and use the top of the cabinet for the center.

Can't put it on the wall. If I could, I would have got a CSiA6 the other day when Polk was selling them dirt cheap!
Good suggestion though.

[Conradicles]

The OP could try the 'phantom center' - seems like there are divided camps on whether a center is *required* in a properly designed HT setup and other folks have said they've gotten good results running a phantom center.

Phantom did sound good with the SDA's...but I love a good center. So much of the dialog comes from there.

[Conradicles]

I see now that the CS250-S will fit as well.

Anybody heard that one?

[leroyjr1]

Might be D.I.Y. time.

[seeclear]

CS245i !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D


Here you go: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75452
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[mmadden28]

What about the center on top of the TV on a shelf?

[Conradicles]

What about the center on top of the TV on a shelf?

I thought about that, but my wife hates that idea. :(

[leroyjr1]

I thought about that, but my wife hates that idea. :(

First buy her something nice then mount the center above the tv. :)

[Erik Tracy]

The other option is to set your TV on top of the center channel. Guess who does that?;)

I'd second this given all the constraints you have to deal with and the 'must have' for a center.

Maybe you could find a 'hutch/cubby' to put on top of your entertainment center that the center speaker could fit into - and be strong enough to set your TV on top of.

It may raise up your TV by 10" - but it may have a better chance at the WAF. :D

Good luck!

[Conradicles]

I'd second this given all the constraints you have to deal with and the 'must have' for a center.

Maybe you could find a 'hutch/cubby' to put on top of your entertainment center that the center speaker could fit into - and be strong enough to set your TV on top of.

It may raise up your TV by 10" - but it may have a better chance at the WAF. :D

Good luck!

Thanks! That is a great idea! ;)

[Early B.]

Thanks! That is a great idea! ;)

Just build the "cubby." It'll take 10 minutes to build and 10 minutes to paint. You only need 3 rectangular pieces of MDF and glue them into a U-shape to fit the center channel you plan to purchase.

[Conradicles]

Still leaning to building my own DIY center. Just seems like something fun to do.

Do you guy all agree 3/4" MDF is the way to go? I do not mind spending extra to get better wood...something I could paint and it would look good.
What kind of wood would you use?

[mmadden28]

...It'll take 10 minutes to build and 10 minutes to paint....

And a couple hours in Home Depot ;)

[Conradicles]

Thanks to all for the input. A decision has been made:
Taking back my stand to CC and exchanging for one that is $106 cheaper and has much more room for my center.
Then, Lord willing I'll get one of those CSiA4's from Polk for $99! Polk has some killer deals lately at their e-bay store! Good job Polk!

[leroyjr1]

Conradicles, How high is that Tv stand? Looking for a new one and that one might fit the bill.

Thanks

[Conradicles]

I think it is ~ 22".
Now I am thinking about keeping it and going 2.0 with no center.

Hard to make up my mind sometimes...LOL

[Conradicles]

CC is selling that one for $299 and it is very nice quality. Fully assembled is a big plus as well.
You can check out all the specs at their website.
It also has some cool LED lights inside to light up you gear.

[ben62670]

MDF is the only way to go.

[Chitown_Badger]

I've got my center channel in front of the tv. I used to have a CSR, and could see the tv just fine. Now I have a CSi A4 and it's actually much better viewing because of the curved cabinet.

though I'm guessing the wife wants the center channel IN the cabinet, not on it.

[ben62670]

Why not swing down. I have all the parts except the tweeter, and wood. Polkies are more than welcome to drop in, and crash here.
Ben

[Conradicles]

Sounds like a good idea...I have to pick up my new SDA's (maybe tomorrow) that are probably very close to your crib.

[ben62670]

PM sent

[dudeinaroom]

The CSi3 is 20" wide - so it looks like that is a no go.

The OP could try the 'phantom center' - seems like there are divided camps on whether a center is *required* in a properly designed HT setup and other folks have said they've gotten good results running a phantom center.

Just stirring the pot....;)

Phantom did sound good with the SDA's...but I love a good center. So much of the dialog comes from there.

I ran my HT with a phantom center (SDA 2A's) And my center image was glued to the tv, if you sat in the sweet spot about a foot out of it and the center was gone. Good luck with the project, let us know how all turns out.

[Conradicles]

Thanks to all for the input. A decision has been made:
Taking back my stand to CC and exchanging for one that is $106 cheaper and has much more room for my center.
Then, Lord willing I'll get one of those CSiA4's from Polk for $99! Polk has some killer deals lately at their e-bay store! Good job Polk!

Nope. Changed my mind again. My stand is too sweet to take back. It has plenty of room for a future power amp for my SDA's and my kids think it is cool with the LED lights.

Back to a DIY center speaker. Thanks to all.;)