5.1 Surround Sound (center speaker)

[zodiacfish]

I'm hoping to get some advice/guidance from those who have a 5.1 setup in their rig. Specifically, finding a speaker for the center channel. It would be nice to have the front, rears, and center from the same manufacturer for consistancy.

Are ther any manufacturers that cater to the 5.1 crowd?

I'd hate to buy a set only to use half of the pair. Currently, I'm lookin at some CDT HD-62's to handle front and center duty. Center would be run with 75W RMS.

Any advice/thoughts/comments/suggestions?

[ShakinSupra]

I don't have a 5.1 setup, but Eclipse is really into mobile video, they make a center channel. I think they used to make one that hung from the rear view mirror, but they don't seem to anymore.

[Redford]

Alpine makes some center channel speakers... they're in the Type-X series.

[supa_c]

try clarion, sweet in dash "center speakers"
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-1TzOouW...search=clarion

[zodiacfish]

Thanks for the input. The suggested speakers a little limiting though. I'm not sure what the power ratio for fronts/rears/center should be, but I'd like the luxury of speakers that could handle a little more oomph, so I can find out.

Since the center is really a 'fill' like the rears, there's no sense in matching it with the higher end fronts. MB quart's family of speakers might do the trick. Will probably use a 4" reference series for the center as those can be had for a song! CDT's are still in the running though...

If anyone else is looking into a surround sound setup, here are some head units that will get you on your way. It's not as expensive as you may think and the difference is AMAZING! Now, If I could only install it myself.......(sigh).......

http://www.dolby.com/Consumer/Automotive/Products/

[DARKHART]

I'm hoping to get some advice/guidance from those who have a 5.1 setup in their rig. Specifically, finding a speaker for the center channel. It would be nice to have the front, rears, and center from the same manufacturer for consistancy.

Are ther any manufacturers that cater to the 5.1 crowd?

I'd hate to buy a set only to use half of the pair. Currently, I'm lookin at some CDT HD-62's to handle front and center duty. Center would be run with 75W RMS.

Any advice/thoughts/comments/suggestions?

A good rule of thumb to use is make your center channel speaker the same or same sonically as your front speakers to make sure they all sonically sound the same for an balanced front stage. This is not set in stone but it makes it easier when balancing things in the front.......