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Center speakers for KEF R900

post #1 of 11
6/2/12 at 3:56pm
Thread Starter 
I am using KEF R900 pair as the front left and right speaker in a 5.1 setup. I am considering using a single KEF R900 as the center speaker (for a weave AT screen) instead of R600C. Is this a good idea? The sub is a velodyne DD plus 12. The surround speakers are R800DS (dipole).
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post #2 of 11
6/2/12 at 7:15pm
I don't see why not even though it might be overkill depending on the size of the room. At 90 dB sensitivity it shouldn't be that hard to drive whether you're using an AVR or amp/processor combo or similar arrangement.
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post #3 of 11
6/2/12 at 10:32pm
Thread Starter 
The room size is 15 ft by 21 ft. I feel like R900 as the center speaker will be an overkill but it is recommended that LRC should be the same speakers if possible. Maybe I could use R600c and place them vertically? The sensitivity being 90 db I was considering using Denon 3313 with 125w (AirPlay is an absolute must). Is that enough power? I don't mind using another AV as long as it has AirPlay.
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post #4 of 11
6/3/12 at 7:47am
I would try NOT using a center speaker with those high quality speakers.

Try it and see if you find it good (I get along fine without one).




Quote:
Originally Posted by sci13960 View Post

The room size is 15 ft by 21 ft. I feel like R900 as the center speaker will be an overkill but it is recommended that LRC should be the same speakers if possible. Maybe I could use R600c and place them vertically? The sensitivity being 90 db I was considering using Denon 3313 with 125w (AirPlay is an absolute must). Is that enough power? I don't mind using another AV as long as it has AirPlay.
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post #5 of 11
6/3/12 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman View Post

I would try NOT using a center speaker with those high quality speakers.

Try it and see if you find it good (I get along fine without one).

Why would he not want to use a center speaker along with a 5.1 set up?
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post #6 of 11
6/3/12 at 1:25pm
Quote:


The room size is 15 ft by 21 ft. I feel like R900 as the center speaker will be an overkill but it is recommended that LRC should be the same speakers if possible. Maybe I could use R600c and place them vertically? The sensitivity being 90 db I was considering using Denon 3313 with 125w (AirPlay is an absolute must). Is that enough power? I don't mind using another AV as long as it has AirPlay.

Yes, the R900 as center should provide a seamless LCR. I think the R600C is designed to be placed horizontally so it might not work well in a vertical position. The 3313 should be plenty (and it has preouts should you feel an external amp is necessary) depending on your typical listening volume.
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post #7 of 11
6/3/12 at 5:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pokekevin View Post

Why would he not want to use a center speaker along with a 5.1 set up?

Well, if he can afford to use the same exact speaker in his setup, that will be great. But I have been through four or five center channel speakers, and in every case the dialog suffered when using the center speaker, compared to setting the receiver/processor to no center speaker. The problem for me is that I cannot afford a center speaker that can compete with the clarity of my L/R speakers.
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post #8 of 11
6/3/12 at 10:21pm
Thread Starter 
I think this pretty much answers all my questions. I was a little worried about power and reaching reference levels but oh well!
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post #9 of 11
6/4/12 at 7:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sci13960 View Post

I am using KEF R900 pair as the front left and right speaker in a 5.1 setup. I am considering using a single KEF R900 as the center speaker (for a weave AT screen) instead of R600C. Is this a good idea? The sub is a velodyne DD plus 12. The surround speakers are R800DS (dipole).

Hi,
You could use a R900 as a center channel. However, please note that if you have the Rosewood or Walnut finish, they are only sold as a matched pair.

The R600 is specifically designed to work as a center channel and handle dialogue so the speaker is crossed higher for that purpose. The R600 is crossed at 500Hz, 2.9kHz where as the R900 is at 400Hz, 2.9kHz. So depending on your needs you can select the best speaker for you.

One of the unique things we have done with the R Series is we use the same unique driver in all the speakers (except the R100 and the R800ds) and the only thing that really changes are the LF drivers. This creates a fantastic soundstage and high level of acoustical consistency.

Placing the R600 vertically should not effect the sound because of the way the R Series Uni-Q driver has been designed. We do recommend testing this first and making sure you like the sound.

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

KEF America
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post #10 of 11
6/4/12 at 9:22am
Thread Starter 
Thank you so much! That helps a lot!

Quote:
Originally Posted by KEFAmerica View Post

Hi,
You could use a R900 as a center channel. However, please note that if you have the Rosewood or Walnut finish, they are only sold as a matched pair.

The R600 is specifically designed to work as a center channel and handle dialogue so the speaker is crossed higher for that purpose. The R600 is crossed at 500Hz, 2.9kHz where as the R900 is at 400Hz, 2.9kHz. So depending on your needs you can select the best speaker for you.

One of the unique things we have done with the R Series is we use the same unique driver in all the speakers (except the R100 and the R800ds) and the only thing that really changes are the LF drivers. This creates a fantastic soundstage and high level of acoustical consistency.

Placing the R600 vertically should not effect the sound because of the way the R Series Uni-Q driver has been designed. We do recommend testing this first and making sure you like the sound.

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

KEF America
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post #11 of 11
10/4/12 at 12:46pm
I love the R series and the best part is i know i can't afford the r900's right now but it's fine because i can afford the r300's which put out almost the same exact sound as the r900's just with one less bass driver. Sound stage and clarity is the same though. LOVE KEF R SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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