If your surround sound home theatre system doesn’t come with a center channel speaker, then believe me the set is not complete. The center speaker is an integral part of the home theatre system that reveals the true explosive sound potential of the system.
The center channel speaker has a major contribution to the surround sound that fills your room. It is responsible for reproducing the sound and music effects as intended by the original producers. It adds detail to the minor sounds which are otherwise ignored.
With a center speaker, the movie nights are much more interesting. They provide crystal clear dialogue audio and add detail to the background effects which the movie director intended for you to hear. With the center speaker, your movie experience will be exceptional.
But the question remains of what features and factors make the speaker a good center speaker channel. In this article, we will describe some of the most important factors that contribute to the success of a center channel speaker.
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Factors That Make a Good Center Channel Speaker
A center channel speaker provides the anchor point to sound and carries almost 50 to 70 % of the soundtrack being played in the system. That includes most of the dialogues and musical vocals. There are certain factors that contribute to a successful center speaker. Some of the most important ones are:
1. Compatibility
The first and foremost factor that you must consider while selecting a center channel speaker for your home theatre system is its compatibility with other devices. The reason is that the sound that fills your room will be traveling between the speakers and it will travel smoothly if the speakers are acoustically similar.
If you already have a home theatre system, and it didn’t come with a center speaker, we suggest that you get a center speaker from the same manufacturer. However, it is not necessary that center speakers from the same brand won’t cause any issues because series and models also matter in this aspect.
Hence, we suggest that you consult with the customer support of your brand to gain insight on which center speaker would have maximum or perfect compatibility with your home theatre system.
2. Construction
Custom constructed center speakers often pose problems when working together in the system. Although their compatibility issue has been resolved, their role in contributing to the surround sound is still matters.
Hence, the construction of the speaker has to be in proper order. The center speaker consists of composite drivers and tweeters, which in custom are arranged as per the user’s guide. Professional suggest two subwoofers on either side in a horizontal layout with a small tweeter in the upper center portion to be an ideal arrangement.
Although many people consider the arrangement of two subwoofers with mini-subwoofer and tweeters in the center, specialists suggest that it may be cost-effective but aren’t functionally ideal. The three-way design is perfect for a successful center speaker.
3. Technical Configuration
The center speaker is the most important part of your surround sound system. It is not only limited to dialog enhancing and detailing, as many misconceptions suggest but are also responsible for major music and sound effects.
Hence, the technical configuration that supports those effects also is of utmost importance. You must vary the size, power, and delivery ratio of the composite drivers, subwoofers, and tweeters inside your center speaker.
4. Size, Orientation, and Placement
These dimensional features also matter a lot when it comes to the functioning of your center channel speaker. It must neither be too large, not too small and have a medium design that enables it to match the dimensions of a soundbar.
The recommended orientation of the center channel speaker is horizontal. Sound specialists suggest that the subwoofers must be arranged in a linear position with a small tweeter, making a three-way setting.
Experts recommend that the center speaker must be placed in the center beneath your TV. The medium size and horizontal orientation allow it to match the dimensions of a soundbar that allows its convenient placement beneath your TV. The speaker will take command of the sound from the center and control the surround sound in your room.
5. Independent Volume Control
The center speaker will have an independent volume control that will bring more flexibility in the sound environment. You will be able to adjust the volume of the home theatre system and center speakers to create the perfect resonance for immersive surround sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors in a speaker make it a good center channel speaker?
A lot of factors contribute to making a speaker a good center speaker. The construction and configuration play the most important role because they determine the sound power and sound quality of the delivered audio. The placement is also integral to a speaker’s worth.
What is the ideal placement for a center channel speaker?
The ideal placement is of a center speaker is in the center of the table beneath your TV. The speaker must have appropriate height, design, and color to fit perfectly with the surrounding gear and TV. The center placement gives it superior control of the surround sound.
Which center channel speaker should I purchase?
You must consider purchasing a center speaker that has a similar manufacturer as your home theatre surround sound system. The similar brand and series allow it to perfectly synchronize with other devices delivering a superior and immersive sound and providing you the perfect sound experience.
Conclusion
A good center channel speaker must have appropriate construction and a good configuration of hardware to make it work effectively. The center channel speaker is not only responsible for dialogue but also for major sound and music effects. It takes control of the surround sound and turns it into an exceptional sound experience. They are a crucial part of your home theatre system. Their design and orientation enable them to be placed anywhere in the home, perfect for all sorts of environments.
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