I wanted to create a high quality but affordable 3-way center channel that is the center piece of my home theater system. Clear and precise dialogue is important, as everyone knows, as well as good off-axis response. Since I've already used the excellent RS180s woofers and Seas H1212 tweeters in my left and right channels, it would make sense to use the same drivers for the center channel. I decided to try the RS52 dome midrange, instead of an open back mid that would necessitate a separate enclosure.

The system is as follows: volume of 1.1 cu ft, vented system tuned to a F3 of 51Hz. 3/4" MDF through out, braced and lined with 8-pound carpet padding. The front baffle is solid oak, reinforced with MDF for added rigidity. The system is crossed at 700Hz and 2,800Hz, third order all pass. Impedance is around 4 ohms, dipping briefly to 2.8 ohms around 2,000Hz.

The sound? Very good! For $28.00, the RS52 represents an excellent value for a dome midrange. I ran the center channel through 3 hours of "Dead Man's Chest" and another 2 hours of "Miami Vice" with incredible results. My Pioneer VSX-1014 is driving two 4-ohm MTMs and a 4-ohm center channel without the slightest complaint. Quite amazing for a 6-ohm rated receiver.

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GALLERY - Click to enlarge