Upgrading 5.1 set bit by bit - does it work ok?

PardonTheWait · 8 Mar 2011 at 16:57

This might seem a bit of a strange question, but oh well, I don't know so I'll ask!

I recently got a new TV, and a new amp (Yamaha RX-V367). I'm using the amp with my current Tannoy FX5.1 system which I've had for years, the earlier one with the centre speaker that's the same as the rest.

I'm pretty happy with the speakers as a whole but if one thing wants upgrading it's the centre, for two reasons:

a) it looks stupid

b) it just feels like it could be better, the centre channel could be clearer.

Does upgrading a 5.1 system piecemeal like this cause problems? If I get a new centre will it sound ... 'wrong'?

If it's a sensible option, do you have any recommendations for something that would work? I like the look of the Mordaunt Short alumni 5 but I think that's just because it's not stupid money and it looks pretty, does anyone have one? (or the set)

Oh there's also the SFX5.1 centre which is included with the newer version of my speaker set, I assume that would be a safe bet being from a very similar set of speakers? £70.

Thanks

jellybeard999 · 8 Mar 2011 at 19:12

There should be no problem at all, though I'd recommend upgrading the front 3 at once if possible, then the rears and sub as you want. The front 3 really need to be be matched - if not at the same time, make sure its going to be a model you can still get down the line.

Tomtom3989 · 9 Mar 2011 at 10:41

Yea I agree give priority to you your front left/right and centre speakers first, preferably of the same make.
Otherwise you will here the quality difference (it will just sound odd)
even more noticeable if your fussy

Then just upgrade the rears if you need to and have got the money.

I do recommend when buying new speakers especially if they are expensive that you demo them first

a1ex2001 · 9 Mar 2011 at 10:46

I had a non matched centre speaker for a year or so when I first went 5.1 it sounded fine, was much better when I managed to upgrade to a better model from the correct make but it wasn't like it was ear bleedingly bad!

Tomtom3989 · 9 Mar 2011 at 11:37

Is sometimes all-right if the the speakers are of the same quality, but once you hear the difference in sound you can't not hear it, if that makes sense

PardonTheWait · 9 Mar 2011 at 22:04

So, looks like I'll either get the SFX centre for £70 and leave the rest, as it should blend in perfectly, or save up a bit and do the front three. I don't have that sort of cash at the moment (to do all three), so I shall have a little bit of a ponder on it. Can't afford anything til next month anyway so loads of time to think about it.