We have all heard the phrase, the bigger the better. But does it apply to the center channel speakers too? Maybe. In this article, we will answer, is a bigger center speaker really better?
There are some advantages as well as disadvantages of choosing a center channel speaker. They are different for every user. One has to weigh the pros and cons to make the best decision for themselves.
In case you are wondering which center channel speaker to choose, we have an article just for that. The article discusses the best center channel speaker for you.
What Is A Center Channel Speaker?
In a surround sound system, there are many speakers. Together, the speakers along with a subwoofer create a cinematic experience in your home. It is not just a speaker, rather it is a life-changing audio experience.
So if you need many speakers, there has to be one component that carries the load of all the others. This is usually a center channel speaker.
For example, a surround sound system is said to be 5.1, then which means there are 5 speakers, 2 left, 2 right, and 1 center channel speaker along with 1 subwoofer.
Is A Bigger Center Channel Speaker Better?
Firstly, we will discuss all the advantages of a bigger center channel speaker. This will be followed by the disadvantages.
Pros Of A Bigger Center Channel Speaker:
The bigger the center channel speaker, the more concentrated the sound will be at low frequencies. However, the size of the room plays an important role in this discussion.
In case you have a big room, a smaller center channel speaker will not have enough power to throw the sound at a greater distance with high dispersion.
In contrast to that, in a smaller room, a small center channel speaker will be enough. In case you are thinking of upgrading the surround sound system by getting a bigger center channel speaker and don’t already have left and right speakers, I will recommend that you get the other speakers for this upgrade.
The timbre accuracy is also enhanced when the woofers are placed at a distance from a tweeter. This happens when the size of the speaker is big enough.
As the drivers will also increase in size, the delivery of the mid-frequency will also improve. This means a bigger center channel speaker when placed correctly can have a nicer impact on the overall sound quality.
Cons Of A Center Channel Speaker:
A bigger center channel speaker needs more room. You can only give it as much room as the screen allows you. In case you have a TV screen and you want to place the center channel speaker below it.
You will not be able to position it in a way that the speaker remains at ear level. Many times, when being set up with a projector the center channel speaker is placed behind the screen. Now, this is also not very comfortable with a bigger volume.
Thus, as long as you have the placement figured out for the bigger center channel speaker, the upgrade is worthwhile.
Another thing that is quite technical is that in a three-way design, the ratio of the tweeter to midrange is much more important than the size of the speaker.
Q- Should center speaker be large or small?
This depends on various factors such as the size of the room, the design of the center channel speaker, the configuration of the surround sound system, and most importantly, the placement of the center channel speaker.
Q- Does a good center speaker make a difference?
Definitely, I cannot stress enough how important a center channel speaker is for the entire audio experience. A good center channel speaker makes all the difference and makes the sound quality exceptional.
Conclusion:
A bigger center channel speaker is better, only if the placement, design, and size of the room call for it. I will recommend getting the best MTM ratio on your three-way design and size will not be as much of a problem for your surround sound system.
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