Hello,
I am sort of a newbie so please bear with me. I would like some recommendations for a new center channel speaker. I would like to keep it around $200 or less if possible but could go more if necessary.

My current set up is:
Denon AVR788 set up as a 5.1 in my main listening area and I am using the other 2 channels for outside speakers on my deck.
Infinity PS210 subwoofer
Sony satellite front and surround speakers (I'm sure I will eventually have to replace these as well)

I was looking at the Infinity PC350, it seems to get good reviews but the thing is HUGE. Not sure I want something that big.

Anyhow, I am looking forward to your feedback and suggestions.

Daryl

The front 3 speakers should match if possible or at least have the same drivers in them. If you want to replace your center you will be better off to continue saving for now and replace all 3 at once. You could still use the Sony surround. Replacing the front 3 will make a big improvement.

jettore,
Thanks for your feedback. Any suggestions for all 3? What kind of budget would I need to do all 3? I would like to take full advantage of my AVR but I dont want to go overboard if you know what I mean.

How would 2 of the Infinity Primus P152's plus an Infinity Primus PC250 center sound?

How would 2 of the Infinity Primus P152's plus an Infinity Primus PC250 center sound?

Nobody can tell you how they will sound to you. Sorry. Personally, I don't care for the Infinity Primus line at all. Others love them and usually are quick to start a rant if anybody posts otherwise. What sounds good to one person may not sound good to another. Go out and audition. But it is correct to say that you should save up and buy three matched speakers for the front sound field. Otherwise you are throwing money away regardless of what brand or model you buy. Look at Ebay or Audiogon for used speakers. One can ususally buy for pennies on the dollar and your money will go much farther. Good luck.

Lhasa-lover,
Thanks for the advise. Would you mind telling me what you dont like about the Infinity's so I know what to look/listen for when I go check them out? Also, thanks for the tip about Audiogon!!

Thanks,
Daryl

The Cambridge Soundworks MC305 satellite speaker is on sale for $120 (200 list) right now. The MC305 their largest satellite and goes down to 80hz. I just bought two to replace my smaller MC200 fronts and the end result is a much fuller sound stage. I have the older MC300 (for which I paid more) as a center and noticed the tonality is different, so I've order a third MC305 to replace it.
http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=spk_frontmain

Here are the specs: http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=spk_frontmain&item=53CW0045AA001

45 day trial period. If you don't like them and return in 45 days, it's a complete refund. The MC305 comes with a horizontal cradle for use as a center that allows for angling up or down so it can be directed toward the ears.

Daryl, If you do want to replace the frons 3 speakers you should determine what your requirements are first.

1) What size speakers do you want. Satellites, bookshelves, floorstanders(these may be out depending on budget)

2) Speaker placement - More so for bookshelves and floorstanders. If you intend to have them in a cabinet or near a wall that may determine the speaker options. For example - rear ported boookshelves need to be a good distance from the wall for the rear port.

3) Budget - If you decide to replace all three then would your budget be up to $600 then?

Once you decide these items you can check through the many posts here and get a good idea of what in the price range. Then as others said try to listen to them if possible.

8 posts and no budget posted?

Post a budget so some realistic recommendations can be made.

How would 2 of the Infinity Primus P152's plus an Infinity Primus PC250 center sound?
For close to the same price you could pick up 3 of the http://rover.ebay.com/ar/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpt=1736155423&adtype=1&size=1x1&type=3&campid=5336055023&toolid=10001 Infinity Beta 20s (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?type=3&campid=5336055023&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fstores.shop.ebay.com%2FHarman-Audio__W0QQ_sidZ26519532%3F_nkw%3D20%26submit%3DSearch) and use them for LCR.
And they will sound better. Are they refurbished? Maybe. I bought a Beta 250 center from Harman that was brand new. They can't declare items as new as they would get in trouble with their retail partners.

Or buy 2 of them and get the Beta 250 center for even cheaper than the 20s. Saves you even more.

I was talking to a friend of mine and we got into a discussion of what type of sound he likes. We came to the conclusion that if you're coming from a mediocre or bad speaker, a quality speaker of any sound signature would most likely be welcome. For example, if you've never experienced good clear sound or heard multiple quality speakers side by side, you may not even be able to discern the differences between them.

Since the op's coming from Sony satellites, I think we'd be doing him a favor by recommending him some good choices for his money. Certain things like what application (ht, music, or ht/music) and budget would be needed though.

8 posts and no budget posted?

Post a budget so some realistic recommendations can be made.


For close to the same price you could pick up 3 of the http://rover.ebay.com/ar/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpt=1736155423&adtype=1&size=1x1&type=3&campid=5336055023&toolid=10001 Infinity Beta 20s (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?type=3&campid=5336055023&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fstores.shop.ebay.com%2FHarman-Audio__W0QQ_sidZ26519532%3F_nkw%3D20%26submit%3DSearch) and use them for LCR.This is a great option if you can accomodate one vertically in the center. Be aware that those are sold as singles.

This is a great option if you can accomodate one vertically in the center. Be aware that those are sold as singles.

I have two pair of the 20s. They are outstanding speakers, IMO. Smooth on and off axis response and surprisingly good bass extension for a monitor. Considering you can get them facotry direct on Ebay for about $130/pair, it's a no-brainer over the Primus line, though they too are quite good. As fairly neutral speakers, they will reveal the brightness in a given recording. So, keep that in mind. I also have the P162s, and they are comparable, though have noticeably less bass extension. I also have a pair of the 152s in my office setup in nearfield. The bass extension is not even close, though it's a much smaller box. Measurements of the 152s I've seen online are not as smooth as the 162s and the Beta 20s. Oh, one more thing, I have found the P162s to be more flexible in room placement than the Beta 20s, which for me, really need to be close to the stereo triangle setup. With rear ports, they also need to be away from the back wall.

As for the center, you won't be disappointed with the bigger Infinity offerings, but yes, they are huge. A lot of people say the bigger ones are too much with the 162s or beta 20s. I disagree as that has not been my experience, but you couldn't go wrong choosing the smaller center either. You might as well stick with either the Primus or Beta line for the front 3 if possible.