Can anyone recommend a non ML Center Channel?

[jerr2501]

I'm trying to put together a 5.1 system around my Aerius i's for occasional use.

I'd love to get a ML center channel but they're just too big and expensive for the little time it would be used.

Wondering if anyone knows of a non ML center channel which would be a close match in timbre to the Aerius i's.

 

[Charliemike]

I'm trying to put together a 5.1 system around my Aerius i's for occasional use.

I'd love to get a ML center channel but they're just too big and expensive for the little time it would be used.

Wondering if anyone knows of a non ML center channel which would be a close match in timbre to the Aerius i's.

Have you tried doing your Aerius i in phantom center mode?

I haven't yet but I hear it works pretty well.

 

[Pcar928fan]

Even a used Cinema is to much and to big? I think you could get one for under (or right at) $1k. They are pretty big, but not to bad... They would go well w/ the Aerius.

Good luck!

 

[attyonline]

Have you tried doing your Aerius i in phantom center mode?

I haven't yet but I hear it works pretty well.

You're better off doing this than getting a cheap, poorly integrated center.

 

[twich54]

What's your budget ?? My recomendation would be to get yourself a good used ML Fresco, that's what I'm using and it performs quite well.

 

[jerr2501]

Thanks for all the advice.

I'll try using phantom center mode.
I find the imaging with the Aerius is phenomenal so this could be a reasonable solution.

 

[edwinr]

Go phantom mode. My Summits are sensational in this mode and it's hard to imagine ANY centre channel speaker that will keep up.

 

[Taz]

Go phantom mode. My Summits are sensational in this mode and it's hard to imagine ANY centre channel speaker that will keep up.

I have yet to try it but I have heard and read this not only as acceptable but could be better depending on the quality of them. What center is truly going to be better then your Summits.