[cregis]

Hi, I'm trying to put together my first HT system on a very tight budget. I'm looking at a 5.1 setup using Monoprice in-wall/in-ceiling speakers.


I've read here that Monoprice is weaker in the human voice frequencies and so I was thinking of getting a better speaker for my center channel. But I've also read that it's safer to stick with all from the same line as they are more compatible.


Just by looking at the published specs, can I find a little nicer center channel that would match the Monoprice satellites and surround speakers? Or are differences too subtle/complex to be handled that way?


Any/all advice appreciated by this newbie!

 

[m_vanmeter]

you are getting into the world of "timbre matching" - or - with the front 3 speakers L-C-R, you are creating a wide soundfield where voices can and do move from one side to the other. As the vocal tract is passed from speaker to speaker, the human ear can detect a change in the timbre of the higher frequency sounds and the voice "can" change, or be preceived to change as it moves. Other high frequency sounds can exhibit this as well, but you will notice voices because that is primarily what you are listening to.


For a budget system, I have had very good luck with the "Dayton" brand of in-wall speakers from Parts Express. I used the largest kevlar coned units they sell, 8" speakers and was very satisfied with the install for my daughter's home. http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...TOKEN=63262820


They now have both 2-way and 3-way Dayton in-walls, but at the time I purchased them they only had the 2-way units.