The Center Channel Speaker

The center channel speaker is important in the function of a multi-channel system. What is important is its design. Some systems use the tweeter over woofer design or in other words, the center channel matches the satellites in use which also happen to be that design. I have problems with that design because the center channel may effect the rear surround effects soundfield not making those effects as distinct as they should be. Years ago I tried a 5 channel dynaquad system with 5 Minimus 7 speakers. I could not get this system to give me a correct matrixed descrete sounding 5 channel surround field. However, one time I had the surround speakers on their side facing at a 45 degree downfiring towards my listening position near the ceiling. Boy did this system perform.

Many satellite systems with the tweeter over the woofer set-up feature a center channel speaker known as a W-T-W(W=woofer) or M-T-M(M=midbass) setup. It is called a D'Appolito design. It works very well overall for center channel dialogue. It also aids the rear surround field as well. Some time ago, I proposed that this design would be better if it had a
W-M-T-M-W(M in this case is mid-range). A audio expert said that it would create a LOBING effect. Personally, I doubt this. However, someone has a set of speakers with that design in their center channel, although I just cannot believe that using that for the left and right main channels would be that good. A picture of this system will accompany my comments here.

I may discuss in another writing what might be the perfect speaker to use; the coaxial or coaxial type. Respectively they would be KEF and the MIRAGE OMNISTAT.