3rd tower of bookshelf as center channel?

[EM3]

There is a discussion over at AVS about this. So what are your thoughts. Some people seem to think that the use of a 3rd tower is ok as a center channel but it should only be placed vertically. I thought maybe something like the Klipsch RB 61's could be used but the horns have me stumped. Then I was thinking about using the same 5 speakers all around for a more unified soundfield.

Here is a snipet on one post "You cannot simply put a speaker designed for vertical use on its side without encumbering great compromise in its function". Ok I want proof through the form of some kind of graphical representation. Anyone know of any?


"Sorry second question just came to mind. What happens if you use the same speakers as surrounds? Will there be more detail in surrounds?

Not more detail (unless the original speakers were mediocre). What you gain is better matching and integration of the soundfield." Ok that I could believe.

[sub780lime]

I at one time used a bookshelf on its side as a center. Now this wasnt the best configuration because the speaker did not have two drivers and a center tweeter...suffice to say, it wasnt symmetrical. It worked until I could upgrade.

I do not see see how turning a symmetrical speaker on its side would affect the sound. Unless we are talking major high quality speakers, I cant assume in any mainstream manufacturing that the drivers are set just so in the housing that you would be affecting the sound by turning it sideways.

[EM3]

Could a mod please fix fix the title since I couldn't spell bookshelf.

Thanks

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by EM3

Could a mod please fix fix the title since I couldn't spell bookshelf.

Thanks

Fixed.

And for the record, as long as the tower has good range, there’s nothing wrong with using it as a center.

[EM3]

Thanks for fixing the title.

Now what about a Klipsch RB 61 since it has a horn tweeter. Would the sound dispersion have a more narrow field?

[Iguana Man]

I've heard having 5 identical speakers is ideal, but doing so in most cases is impractical IMO based on most rooms.

Personally, I would prefer a center that is designed to be a center. It lays horizontally with multiple speakers and is wide from left to right. To me, this allows for a wider soundstage that melds with the mains. Using that Klipsh which I now realize is a bookshelf, not a tower (I was thinking towers regarding my first comment above) would be OK to me, but I'd probably leave it vertical based on the horn ports design.

Why, I don't know, but if I were going to place it horizontally, I'd probably buy 2 and but them together so the bottoms touch and wire them as one. Well, lets say I'd be very tempted to at least try it.