C1+ or C2+ for L/R

[copperdomebodhi]

I’m brand new to HT having put together a system with B1+ (LR), currently a C1+ for center, A1 front heights, svs prime satellites rear heights and will be adding E2+ as sides today or tomorrow. Svs Sb-1000 pro for sub/lfe. Marantz 6014 at the heart.
I did a sh*t ton of research and Emotiva seemed to be the best value/price ratio and I couldn’t be happier. Amazing sound.
I had waffled between the c1+ and c2+ for a center but my space is pretty small so decided on the C1. Soon had buyers remorse and ordered the C2+ with the intent of being able to send back the C1 witching the 30 day window. Well now I can’t send either back and do t want to anyways.
I’ve decided I will buy and additional C1or C2 to use as LR. I’m just now sure what pair I want.
Does anyone have a recommendation for which would make a better center or which would be better for LR? I know neither is specifically a LR but what do folks with more knowledge than I say? I’m about 8ft from MLP to screen with sofa being almost to the back wall. The room is about 14’ wide.

[doc1963]

If you intend upon standing them up on their sides, I wouldn’t recommend either for a L/R speaker as the tweeter wouldn’t be oriented properly. Instead, I’d consider the T-Zeros.

[copperdomebodhi]

I was planning on lifting you whichever I use so the tweeter is at ear level. Is there any other reason the tweeter is a concern? I’m trying to work with what I have on hand

[doc1963]

Aug 2, 2021 20:22:56 GMT -5 copperdomebodhi said:

I was planning on lifting you whichever I use so the tweeter is at ear level. Is there any other reason the tweeter is a concern? I’m trying to work with what I have on hand

The C1 and C2 center channel speakers are designed to be used “horizontally”. If you turn them up on their ends (vertically) the orientation of the Airmotion tweeter is wrong and it’s horizontal dispersion pattern will be off. As a result, they won’t image well…

[copperdomebodhi]

Interesting. I emailed Emotiva when I first started thinking about this and asked if they can be used vertically. They answered in the affirmative and never mentioned the tweeter being an issue

[audiogeek]

I thought you could unscrew and rotate the tweeter if needed for vertical orientation?

[copperdomebodhi]

Well the ribbon housing looks like it can be undone just not sure it can be reoriented. The housing isn’t Square it’s rectangular so I’m not sure that would work. I’ll explore a bit and see what I see. Thank you for the suggestion

[doc1963]

Aug 2, 2021 22:32:36 GMT -5 copperdomebodhi said:

Interesting. I emailed Emotiva when I first started thinking about this and asked if they can be used vertically. They answered in the affirmative and never mentioned the tweeter being an issue

They answered, but likely did not think about the horizontal versus vertical distribution axis of their own tweeter. You can clearly see by looking at the Airmotion tweeter that the wave guide (lens) has a much wider horizontal distribution pattern than it does vertical. By turning the speaker up on its side, you change the distribution pattern and your "natural" horizontal off axis frequency response changes dramatically. You can "toe in" to compensate, but you'll likely get a very narrow sweet spot.

Since the tweeter is rectangular (not square), you cannot easily rotate the tweeter without modifying both the enclosure and the grill. Although not impossible, I'd think hard about potential warranty issues and future resale value.

If it were me, I'd highly consider the T-Zeros. At the same price as the C2, you'll get the tweeter orientation correct and at the right height without needing stands. They are "tower" speaker, but are smaller than you'd think.

You can always ask Emotiva if there's a "trade-in" value for your unused center speaker or, better yet, sell it right here in our own Emporium...