Video Asylum

Posted by bilbobaggins (A) on March 22, 2002 at 08:54:03

In Reply to: Best way to generate center-speaker. posted by jedinvest on March 21, 2002 at 16:37:58:

Well, I appreciate your dilemma. I hope my post will answer what you are really asking. You need a processor. If you are just getting into surround and are going to use high quality mains, the center channel should be as good.

However, with Dolby Prologic the center channel is matrixed L+R, the rears are L-R (mono), so I guess you could sum the L+R from the amp and run a center channel that way. --But, you would still need to be able to balance the volume for the center separately.
Ed Frias sells a PASSIVE processor that should be able to do the trick.

http://www.audioreview.com/AV+Preamplifier/EFE+Technology+PRO-ONE/PRD_118267_2719crx.aspx

For preamp processors,

there are plenty of relatively low cost options that will sound better than getting a receiver.

The Sherwood Newcastle AV 9080R pre/pro ($1200 list) sells for under $400 at audiogon as it was discontinued.
The Acurus ACT-3 BAM sells for around $600 ($2000 list) and is also discontinued.

Or you can get the Outlaw 950 pre/pro with all the latest modes for $899 -- like me.

If you don't want Dolby Digital, DTS and all that digital processing,
you could go with the analog Citation (7.0???) pre/pro (used to list for $4,000) I think and has the acclaimed 6-axis mode. It routinely sells for $400-600 dollars as very few want ANALOG pre/pros. But it should hold its own for surround sound music.

I know of very few powered speakers, especially center channels and/or that are inexpensive. Definitive Technologies makes a center channel with a built in powered sub but you would still need an amp. The Paradigm Active series may be an option. Diva by Swans M200 is a powered speaker and may be your best choice for quality with a minimal investment at $200/pair. If you get the Diva's please post on how they work out.

http://www.av123.com/divaproducts.html

Good Luck.