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Center channel speaker match for Allison fronts?

post #1 of 13
5/9/09 at 11:37pm
Thread Starter 
Here's a challenge I'm hoping some folks here can help me solve. I've got an old pair of Allison CD6 fronts (cube speakers with woofer on top facing up). I'd put these up against speakers 3 and 4 times the cost. I love the sound and will not be changing them out. But as you may know, Roy Allison and Allison Acoustics are both gone from the speaker scene. I just bought an HDTV and would like to replace my NHT Super Center speaker with a newer slim center channel speaker because the NHT is 8" deep and I don't have room for it in front of my TV (used to sit it on top of my old console TV). Long explanation to ask a simple question: What's the best sounding slimline center speaker out there these days less than $400? I know conventional wisdom is to use the same brand center as your fronts, but that's not possible here and my NHT has worked perfectly with my Allisons for years in terms of timbre. I just need a more slim speaker to fit in front of the TV. Any suggestions?
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post #2 of 13
5/10/09 at 7:48am
I've got an old pair of cd9's in the basement that I was using at one point.

Look for a center with a neutral, laid back sound. I tried many years ago a polk csi3, and it was not a good match.
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post #3 of 13
5/10/09 at 10:05am
Thread Starter 
Agreed. I need a natural sounding slim line center. I've seen some advertised that are long and slim and sit at the base of the HDTV, but I'm not familiar with any of them. Recommendations would be most appreciated. Anyone out there using one as part of their home theater set up?
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post #4 of 13
5/10/09 at 10:21am
How slim of a speaker do you need? Its hard to make a recommendation when you dont know the size required.
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post #5 of 13
5/10/09 at 10:31am
Thread Starter 
I'm looking for a speaker 6" deep or slimmer. My current NHT is 8.5" deep and does not fit on my TV table in front of my TV.
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post #6 of 13
5/10/09 at 10:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by denguy View Post

Here's a challenge I'm hoping some folks here can help me solve. I've got an old pair of Allison CD6 fronts (cube speakers with woofer on top facing up). I'd put these up against speakers 3 and 4 times the cost. I love the sound and will not be changing them out. But as you may know, Roy Allison and Allison Acoustics are both gone from the speaker scene. I just bought an HDTV and would like to replace my NHT Super Center speaker with a newer slim center channel speaker because the NHT is 8" deep and I don't have room for it in front of my TV (used to sit it on top of my old console TV). Long explanation to ask a simple question: What's the best sounding slimline center speaker out there these days less than $400? I know conventional wisdom is to use the same brand center as your fronts, but that's not possible here and my NHT has worked perfectly with my Allisons for years in terms of timbre. I just need a more slim speaker to fit in front of the TV. Any suggestions?

Years ago I owned a pair of the "cube's" and absolutely loved them. At some point I upgraded to their larger brother.....woofer on top and two angled tweeters in each enclosure, and could be mounted on the wall. I would love to see that company make a comeback!
Perhaps you could endlessly search for another used pair of matching Allison's to use as you see fit...for a center or surrounds.
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post #7 of 13
5/10/09 at 12:51pm
Thread Starter 
Problem is Allisons and most conventionally sized speakers won't fit my TV table. I know there must be some good slim line centers out there (plus I like the look). I just don't know which ones.
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post #8 of 13
5/10/09 at 6:55pm
http://www.definitivetechnology.com
pro center 1000 can be purchased in white.
The Mythos centers can be purchased in polished silver.
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post #9 of 13
5/10/09 at 7:24pm
http://www.miragespeakers.com/na-en/...s-cc-overview/

The Omindirectional pattern should be a nice match for your Allisons.
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post #10 of 13
5/11/09 at 10:24am
Thread Starter 
I like both those suggestions. I checked out the Def Techs and the Mirage and just ordered the Mirage from Crutchfield online without hearing them first. I've got 30 days to live with it and see how I like it. If not, it goes back and I'll try the Def Tech.

Thank you for the help. I'll write a review when I get the Mirage.
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post #11 of 13
5/25/09 at 1:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by denguy View Post

I like both those suggestions. I checked out the Def Techs and the Mirage and just ordered the Mirage from Crutchfield online without hearing them first. I've got 30 days to live with it and see how I like it. If not, it goes back and I'll try the Def Tech.

Thank you for the help. I'll write a review when I get the Mirage.

Okay I decided to take home the OS3 and the Def Tech Mythos Three to try them out and compare. My review is here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post16525190
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post #12 of 13
5/25/09 at 2:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Espo77 View Post

At some point I upgraded to their larger brother.....woofer on top and two angled tweeters in each enclosure...........

Fours (I think). Some of the best speakers ever.
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post #13 of 13
5/25/09 at 5:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by denguy View Post

Okay I decided to take home the OS3 and the Def Tech Mythos Three to try them out and compare. My review is here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post16525190

Good call
I know that good build quality doesn't always mean good sound quality.......but it certainly is a good place to start your speaker shopping.
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