Do you run your center channel hot?

[Opus007]

When correctly calibrated I really notice that voices on my center speaker seems low.By running it 1db hot I notice a big improvement in the dialog.Does anyone else run your center a little higher than the rest of your speakers.
Thanks

[stuofsci02]

Yes.. But that is because the HTM61 is such a poor center..

[Opus007]

I agree the htm 61 and 62 are piss poor center channels.I have owned both.But I have to make do with what I have at this point and time.What gets me is just a 1db boost makes all the difference in the world with dialog but am probably losing something by the other speakers 1db lower.

[John22614]

I do too, but more like 2 or 3 db.......never been able to figure it out 'cause the test tones aren't the same as the actual dialogue presentation. I've often wondered if there's something wrong with my processor. Whatever, it sounds fine when I adjust it by ear during a movie or TV broadcast, and I do love the sound of the background music coming from my mains.

[emig5m]

I run my center at the same dB as my mains.... so no, I don't run mine hot..

[Opus007]

I also think that some disks are just not mixed right as on some disks it fine and others the dialog is up and down.But guess nothing is perfect.Or maybe its just my PS3 which is my DVD/BLURAY player.

[omar7631]

Before I did the audessy calibration I was unhappy with my systems performance. I had the l/r at -4db less than my center and I felt something was wrong. After I did the calibration the center is .5 less than my l/r and the souund quality improved. I felt my system was now more balanced.

[JustinGN]

I use whatever auto setup gave me. My speakers are too clustered together to give proper imaging anyways in my current situation, so I'm afraid I can't help much (even though I also use the HTM61).

Odd suggestion, but maybe try bi-wiring it? Or heck, if you have an extra amp channel laying around, try bi-amping. All it costs is an extra speaker wire and RCA Y-Adapter.

[Glenee]

Used to Run it Hot by 1-2db. Since I got the new Pre/Pro all are equal and it sounds closer to correct.

[scanido]

Mine are always balanced with the mains and dialog is crystal clear. This is from an HTM3S.

[theblue]

I run mine a little hot, but my LCR60 is probably an even worse match than those of you with the HTM61/62. My marantz has a home theater EQ that I like for any home theater source which is less than audiophile and I find it does a good job of maximizing the center channel. I also run a different interconnect with more silver from my pre to the amp for the center channel as I like it little brighter than my mains.

Question for those with the HTM61/62, how much power are you giving them and is the same as your main speakers? I've got a gut feeling that they are very power hungry.

[brunsje]

SP2 Options

The SP2 remote control allows an easy adjustment to alter the channel dB levels without altering the 'saved settings'. I use this if the DVD / BluRay has voices that are too soft. I have never had to reduce the center channel.

JohnnyB

[Opus007]

Thanks for the responses so far.I guess running it 1db hot is not that big of a differnce.I have no audyessy or room correction built into my pre so it is all about adjusting with a spl meter.

[SpeakerGuy]

I typically advise my friends to start with the center at +3 db and go up from there.

Most movie soundtracks seemed to be mixed with the effects a little too loud compared to the dialog.

If you live in a home where disturbing the neighbors is not an issue, then +1/+2 db might be fine, but if you're in a condo or apartment, boosting the center is particularly helpful for more clear dialog without driving the neighbors to either call the police to complain about noise, or, if you're lucky, just knock on your door and politely ask you to turn it down...

It's also useful for anyone who has some degree of hearing loss/deficiency.

I would also recommend setting your receiver's high pass on the center to ~80 hz or so, even if the center can go lower since the human voice rarely dips below that... (Caveat: I don't care for multi-channel (beyond stereo) music)

[Nolan B]

I run my hot about 3db

[mrsagibit]

I run my centre at +6 dB. It is also partly due to laying the speaker on its sides.

p.S My centre is same as my mains.