Xcs350

[jimmyc1996]

Looking for advise on using a XCS350 as a center channel . I'm currently using a B&W HTM4S for a center and 802D's as right and Left.The 802's are driven by MC501's .The HTM4S is driven by two channels of a MC207

Jimmyc

 

[Victor]

I have done several setups on B&W HT systems and several with other speakers and one setup with McIntosh speakers including the CS350 center speaker. The McIntosh CS350 center speaker had the best in room frequency responce of any of the center channel speakers I have ever measured. The LS350 sounded as good as it measured. I have not heard the XCS350 yet but I would expect it would be as good or better than the CS350.

As good as the McIntosh speakers sound you may be better off going with a diamond B&W center speaker which would match your 802Ds. You want your center, right and left speakers to be voiced the same otherwise it could be a little disorienting. Imagine someone in the soundtrack walking from left to right, how would it sound if his footsteps changed in sound from the center speaker. If you are going to keep your 802Ds I would recomend HTM1D or HTM2D.

Victor

 

[jimmyc1996]

As good as the McIntosh speakers sound you may be better off going with a diamond B&W center speaker which would match your 802Ds. You want your center, right and left speakers to be voiced the same otherwise it could be a little disorienting. Imagine someone in the soundtrack walking from left to right, how would it sound if his footsteps changed in sound from the center speaker. If you are going to keep your 802Ds I would recomend HTM1D or HTM2D.

Victor
Thanks for your reply
The reason I was thinking of the XCS350,and not B&W, was size and shape. I have a space problem. The XCS would fit nice on the floor in front of system ,see my avatar, the B&W would take up a lot more space in front
Thanks
Jimmyc

 

[Victor]

Victor
Thanks for your reply
The reason I was thinking of the XCS350,and not B&W, was size and shape. I have a space problem. The XCS would fit nice on the floor in front of system ,see my avatar, the B&W would take up a lot more space in front
Thanks
Jimmyc

It is worth a try. I would do a home demo on it first to see if the speakers are voiced close enough to work together.

Victor

 

[masterlu]

Victor is right. Timbre matching is very important!

 

[jimmyc1996]

Victor and Ivan
Obviously not what I wanted to hear . However ,I highly respect your opinions.
Back to the drawing board

Thanks
jimmyc

:scratch2:

 

[jefparis]

Victor and Ivan
Obviously not what I wanted to hear . However ,I highly respect your opinions.
Back to the drawing board

Thanks
jimmyc

:scratch2:

My XCS350 will be at home on Wednesday with my 802D.
I will give you a feedback.

 

[jimmyc1996]

My XCS350 will be at home on Wednesday with my 802D.
I will give you a feedback.

Great ,I look forward to your feedback

Jimmyc

 

[ron-c]

Center channel speakers have to work very hard. The typical movie mix has 150% of the left right speaker energy sent to the center channel. Besides power handling the other issue for a center is controlled dispersion so it does not stimulate a lot of early reflections. The early sound reflections are what cause dialog un-intelligibility.
The XLS 350 addresses these issues in a compact form that not only sounds good but is very dynamic and if given enough power is capable of swinging over 110 Db. The combination of 5 tweeters, the 6" mid and two 8" woofers is unmatched in other center channel designs. You may find that the XCS350 works well with many different brands of speakers as many users have reported this.

Thanks,
Ron-C

 

[masterlu]

Sure wish I had my XCS2K Center!

 

[ron-c]

We do too!

Thanks,
Ron-C

 

[jimmyc1996]

Ron
do you think the MC207 puts out enough power to drive the XCS350?
Is there a XLS 350 ?

Thanks
Jimmyc

 

[ron-c]

My bad, XC (center) S 350. You would think I should know the model numbers by now...Duh!

Yes the 207 will drive the XCS350 well. It is rated for 400 watts and the 207 goes to 300 with ease.

thanks,
Ron-C

 

[jimmyc1996]

Ron

Thanks
Jimmyc

 

[Victor]

Is there a XLS 350 ?

Oops, I also made the XLS350 instead of XCS350 mistake in my post. It is now corrected.

Also If anyone is interested my local dealer has 3 used XR27s in stock. If interested PM me.

Victor

 

[jimmyc1996]

My XCS350 will be at home on Wednesday with my 802D.
I will give you a feedback.

Have you had a chance to listen to your XCS350 center channel?

Jimmyc:drool:

 

[VTGOLFER]

"You may find that the XCS350 works well with many different brands of speakers as many users have reported this." Quote from Ron-C


I am sorry about this but this is wrong. The XCS350 might work ok with other brands but it will not be the optimum solution. You will always be better off going with your same brand and in the same series as your mains. The HTM1 or HTM2 with the Diamond Tweeter will definately sound better in your set up vs. the XCS350.

 

[ron-c]

I can only report that consumers have used the XLS and XCS 350 with their B&W left right speakers and reported that they actually preferred this over the one brand solution. Theory is great but that is not the same as actual in room experience.
The best course is to audition in your own system and decide.

Thanks,
Ron-C

 

[jimmyc1996]

Thanks Ron
Still waiting to hear from JefParis
Jimmyc

 

[jefparis]

Thanks Ron
Still waiting to hear from JefParis
Jimmyc

I chose this solution because the HTM1D is too heavy to fix on the wall below the plasma.
The XCS sound is very fine, i connected my MC207 with bi amp, the voice are clear and the dynamic is there with the 2 woofers.at the beginning i was surprise by this bass, i wasn't used with my old center!!
The match with the 802D is not agressive, just a adjustment of level with the Audissey system of my 4306 and you get a homogeneous gear.
I'm very happy by this match and the target is achieve.:thmbsp: