Price Paid:  $650.00 from Audio Excellence

Summary:
Wow, Ftang! I was a liitle sceptical as to why a centre speaker should command a price far in excess of that which many people pay for their whole AV systems, but I need not have worried. It's like having a whole new system in the room, bright clear voice, great clarity, worth every penny! That's £650.00 UK Pounds, not Dollars, ex display.

Strengths:
The sheer clarity and range.

Weaknesses:
A bit hard on the wallet and a little deep if you use it with a plasma like I do, but it must be this size for a reason!

Similar Products Used:
JBL 250TI, stunning to look at and stunning to listen to - good for annoying the neighbours with.

Price Paid:  $750.00 from Audio T

Summary:
I have used this centre for over a year with 1.3s for the main left and right and Audience 40s at the rear. The 5 channel amp is the Bryston 9B and the processor is the Bryston SP1 (A fantastic newcomer). Front end is the Meridian 596.

The centre is the best one i've heard at ANY price, and I've tried them all. This is worth every penny. Detail simply oozez from this little gem....Forget the cost, go and listen to one immediately, you wont be disappointed.

Strengths:
Midrange clarity, deep, tight, controlled bass. Excellent top end. Matches timber of 1.3MK2.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
You name it!

Price Paid:  $750.00 from Revolver HiFi

Summary:
I use Contour 1.3 Speakers as my mains and this is a perfect match for them. This center channel speaker can resolve detail to spare and is so open with fabulous width and depth and dispersion characteristics. Dialogue is always intelligble no matter how saturated the signal. It has a total lack of coloration and grain and the ability to play at high volumes without compressing or becoming harsh. It is in-efficient and does require power and quality amplification, but the rewards are enormous. This center brings home theatre to a new level.

My system consists of an AVR500 Receiver (Used only as a processor) a Creek OBH12 Passive Pre-Amp, Mirage LFX-1 Crossover network, 3 x Bryston PP120 Monoblock amps, 1 x AMC 2N100-3 150 x 3 Power amp, and my own subwoofer employing 2 x 12" Eminence drivers. CD Player drives directly into the CD input on the pre-amp using pure silver interconnect cables from an Australian company called PSC, with the same cables used from Pre-amp to crossover, crossover to Brystons. Cables for the Home theatre are silver coated copper and made by me using Vivanco cable. Speaker cable for the front three speakers is OCOS (a must for dynaudio speakers). My rear effects speakers are Mirage OMR Dipoles placed on the rear wall (It works best in my room).

Strengths:
Finish, Build Quality, Sound - You name it.

Weaknesses:
A little wide?

Similar Products Used:
Monitor Audio Studio Center, NHT Audio Centre 2, Dynaudio Audience Center C120+.