This is the smaller of two LCR (Left, Centre, Right) models in the range and, like all speakers intended for centre channel use, is magnetically shielded to avoid television picture distortion. This feature is essential should you need to mount either the left or right front speaker close to the television too.
The symmetrical design lends itself to use with the drivers either horizontally or vertically in line. Typically, horizontal orientation would be used in centre speaker applications, where the low profile sits well on top of or directly beneath a television, or if you need to suspend the speaker tilted down from the ceiling. In most other situations, vertical orientation is usually more appropriate.
The twin 130mm (5½-in) drivers allow the LCR60 S3 to match the output capability of the smaller models in the range - DM600 S3, DM601 S3, DM602 S3 and DM602.5 S3 – for which it is the recommended centre speaker. Alternatively, the LCR60 S3 can be used in all front and surround positions of a home theatre for a perfectly matched installation.
Summary: Bought these great speakers a fiew years ago now. I have been very pleased with them, they produce all the high end and low end stuff extreemly well.
In conjunction with the asw 675 sub, the sound is near too perfect. although the high end is slightly too `frugal` when you are using un-cut levels. I do not like cutting the levels as the switches in the amp create slight distortion.
They sound great off centre aswell, so you do not have to be infront of them too hear how great they sound!
Strengths: Very strong in the bass, port does not make that `wooshing` sound
Weaknesses: sound a bit tinny. uncut levels, and they sound too high.
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Summary: My home theatre audio consists of Martin Logan SL3 fronts and Energy small bookshelves for the surrounds. I use a Denon 2307ci to power the non-fronts and modified Dynaco Mk 3's fro the M-Logans. The "problem" with the Logans are that they are provide a big, airy, smooth open sound, so finding a centre channel speaker to compliment them is difficult. Even the ML centres have problems because of the narrow directionality of them. And even though I have a nice set up, I didnt want to shell out a lot of money for a centre. I was looking for smoothness, warmth and non-boxy sound, knowing I'd have to make compromises in the purchase. I bought the LCR60 S3 for $300 on ebay and i have to say its great! It sounds better than the $700 Totem and Distinctive Audio centres i auditioned. It sounds almost as good at the $1500 top of the like signature totem.
when i listen to speakers i like to have the speaker seem to disappear. the ML's do this being big electrostats. having this characteristic in a centre would be a god-send for obvious reasons. the LCR60 S3 is not bad at making itself invisible. while watching movies on my 50" HP plasma, i rarely find myself thinking about the centre channel speaker as the LCR60 S3 effectively disappears. Not bad at all for a budget speaker!
about my rating: its not the best centre channel out there. the martin logan cinema I is pretty amazing. its the best centre i have ever heard but it really has a narrow field. my rating of 3/5 is compared to the best centre i have heard, the martin logan cinema I. i'd give the totem mite/dreamweaver a 2.5/5 and the totem signature a 3.75/5 just to give you a sense of it.
Strengths: excellent value for the money, warm, sweet, smooth, not very boxy sounding, as good as a $700 centre channel
Weaknesses: low end is not deep, maybe a little mid-high harshness
Similar Products Used: klipsch kv3, totem mite, dreamweaver, signature, martin logal cinema
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Summary: Excellent, outstanding speaker. I had many brands in mind when I was shopping for a new center speaker, but when I heard this, game over, I bought it. After listening to Boston Acoustics and Klipsch (both too bright as if the treble and midrange turned up too high), the warm, open sound of this B&W is quite noticeable.
First of all, it is a very attractive unit. With the grille off, the yellow Kevlar drivers are pleasing to the eye as well as the silver tweeter. Heck, even with the grille on, the handsome and understated B&W logo is nice by itself. Secondly, this is a great sounding speaker. Voices are clear and not overly bright or boomy, tangential sounds from soundtracks come through clean, the list goes on.
There are some drawbacks, though. Since speaker is designed for horizontal or vertical use, as such, one driver is for the bass while the other is for the midrange; in other words, speech and dialog will come through mainly from one driver and make it sound unbalanced. This is not an issue if you sit far away but it is more pronounced if you sit close. Also, this is an expensive unit for being "entry-level." I got it on sale but it retails for $350 (on the other hand, you get what you pay for). Lastly, this thing is very wide, very deep, and HEAVY (20 lbs.). Before purchasing, make sure you have a wide top TV or a sturdy shelf.
All in all, a great speaker and one that will motivate me to buy the matching DM603 S3 floorstanders.
Strengths: Attractive and well made.
Five year warranty.
Excellent sound and accurate bass.
B&W prestige.
Easily bi-wireable.
Weaknesses: Expensive.
Pretty big and heavy.
Voice and dialog are more pronounced from one speaker as opposed to the other.
Similar Products Used: Boston Acoustics, Klipsch, Definitive Tech, JBL, Polk Audio, Infinity
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Rating Reviewed by: Alan Ranch(Unregistered User)
(Audio Enthusiast)
Review Date December 30, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 4.08 of 5,
13.00 votes
Review 4 of 12
Price Paid:
$300.00
from sight and sounds
Summary: I just love the lcr60 s3 center speaker. Great mids and highs with deep bass for a center channel(lcr = left center and rear or right). That is what the seller told me. it works on whatever set up you like. From music to movies this center channel delivers. The sound is awesome highs and mids are perfect and voices and strings come alive withouth the highs being too bright! I definitely recommend this product
Strengths: Great sound, can be used as fronts, rears and centre channel, center channel thats packs good bass, great build, mids and highs make music and movies come alive.
Weaknesses: None at all
Similar Products Used: proud of my set up coz I didnt go for the same surround. I went to a lot of stores and tested a lot of speakers and decided to build a system based on the sound I like. so here is my set up
B & w Lcr60 s3 (center)
Energy c- 3 (fronts)
Mordaunt-short 907w (subwoofer)
Yamaha NS-160 (rears)
Jbl Simply cinema (surround back)
Marantz sr4300 (100x6) Amp
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Summary: We have had our B&W centre speaker(LCR60 S3) for 10 months now.Cant fault this speaker,very clear definition in sound, looks great,compliments beautifully with any other speakers from the B&W 600 series 3 range.Well worth the money spent.
Strengths: Exceptional acoustics,good looking picks up voices and sounds from a movie as if you are right there
Weaknesses: Cant fault this product.
Similar Products Used: marantz,Aaron,pioneer,krix
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