4S as a center?

[conmoto]

I just purchased the 4s powered monitors. They are wonderful! I intend to purchase the MC-700, a sub (undecided on size) and single 4s to use as a center.

Can I purchase a single 4s? Will I regret not using a center marketed as such? 

Any opinions on subwoofer? My listening is 50/50 TV/2.1 music. 

Even as 2.1, the 4s' sounded so much better than my Polk SurroundBar. 

[garbulky]

People have done worse. Only thing is that it might be a bit tall for a center and obscure your tv.

[Axis]

Another 4S would work great for a center channel but I think you can only buy them in pairs.

[Axis]

Emotiva could make a proper center channel powered speaker if they wanted to. They are in the Video surround sound business and just because no one else makes one is no excuse to me why Emotiva does not make one. People have been using there whole range of powered monitors for surround duty for a long time and if I was in charge I would make one.

[Gary Cook]

My suggestion would be buy a pair of 4s and place one each side of the screen with the Centre channel output going to both via an RCA "Y" splitter. They don't have to be below the screen, they could be alongside, that way it will sound like the dialogue is coming from the centre of the screen (ie; mono).

Cheers
Gary

[vcautokid]

Sure you can. I use Stealth 6 and Airmotiv 6 in my setup in surround. Works great.

[conmoto]

Update: The three 4s' in my 3.1 system sound great. I'm about to make it a 5.1 by moving two 4s' in back and adding Stealth 8 as mains. I hope the 4s center keeps up with the Stealth.

[Deleted]

Unless you have already gone to the 8's, I would seriously consider 3 4s's across the front (not 4, buy a pair if you have to but use only one, don't use two speakers as one sub channel).  Three equal L, C, and R always sound great with a perfectly smooth soundstage across.  The center 4s might sound OK on its side if necessary.  I would consider at least one or maybe two subs, depending on the size of your room and is the room carpeted, very important, (see my response about adding a sub to your 4s's)  The 4s's should be OK with the Stealth 8.  Again based on your room size, my question is maybe the Sealth 8 overkill?      

[405x5]

Jun 12, 2017 12:17:41 GMT -5 conmoto said:

I just purchased the 4s powered monitors. They are wonderful! I intend to purchase the MC-700, a sub (undecided on size) and single 4s to use as a center.

Can I purchase a single 4s? Will I regret not using a center marketed as such? 

Any opinions on subwoofer? My listening is 50/50 TV/2.1 music. 

Even as 2.1, the 4s' sounded so much better than my Polk SurroundBar. 

The 4s will work great for the center channel.
The closer you can arrange your layout (so the tweeters from left to right are as close to ear level as possible when seated,)the better it will be.

A speaker designed specifically as a center channel component is the answer in many cases, especially when the equipment makes center channel placement highly restrictive, but there are many situations where conventional loudspeakers can fill the bill as well (or better).

Bill

[SteveH]

Apr 27, 2020 9:10:31 GMT -5 405x5 said:

A speaker designed specifically as a center channel component is the answer in many cases, especially when the equipment makes center channel placement highly restrictive, but there are many situations where conventional loudspeakers can fill the bill as well (or better).

Bill

I have to agree with Bill.  I used a regular speaker for my center channel for years.  Once I upgraded my system, I purchased a center channel speaker that is designed specifically for center channel use and the difference is like night and day.  I have never had clearer dialogue for movies.  I should have made that move years ago!