Comparing my Dali and Klipsch center

[Bacovish]

I purchased the Dali Zensor 7 LCR to replace my Klipsch fronts few weeks ago. I made the switch to improve my music listening which did improve but after some time I noticed a decline on the center for movie dialogue.

I've been struggling to hear good dialogue with the Vokal center especially earlier today watching Gold on bluray. Never really had a problem with the RP-250c.

So for a non scientific AB comparison I switched back and forth between the two watching the same scenes over and over. I ran them both on through and adjusted a couple decibels(non scientific) since the sensitivity between the two are different.
It's hard to get the same volume match by ear between the two but in certain scenes I did notice a improvement in dialogue clarity with the RP-250c. During busy scenes with the Vokal the dialogue seems to get washed out or covered up.

Well what to do? Would I be crazy to run the Klipsch for home theater on zone 1? And run the Dali LR for music on zone 2 with the speakers sitting a foot a part from each other?

I know this is probably a question only I can answer I guess I'm just venting and a little frustrated with my quest for the perfect balance. If I never heard the Klipsch center obviously I wouldn't know the difference.

Heck I just could go all out. Purchase a Anthem or Cambridge for my 2.0 with the Dali. The Yamaha and Klipsch for the HT. I have plenty of room. If only I can get this by the wifey. .

 

[Tony V.]

How do you have the centre channel placed, a lot can be accomplished by moving it around. Sometimes just pulling it forward can give big gains in sound.

 

[Bacovish]

Well I'm limited on the placement for now. It's under the tv. Sticking out of the cabinet about 2inches. It is front ported. The Dali that is. I might get my father to hold it above the tv to see if it sounds any better.

 

[Bacovish]

I have been playing around with some functions on the yammy. Even though I'm against using the YPAO volume and the DRC it does sound better when both are engaged. fwiw I did boost the center about 1.5db after calibration.

 

[Tony V.]

How far off the floor is it? Is the front of the speaker hanging over the front edge of the shelf its on or is it back from the edg?

 

[Bacovish]

16 inches off the floor. The front is 2 inches past the cabinet.

 

[Tony V.]

Ok, that's a good start. I know you say you don't like using YAPO but trust me, it's actually not a bad idea to try. Placement of the mic is crucial for the test to be done correctly.

 

[Bacovish]

Thanks for the replies and help.

I actually don't mind using the YPAO calibration it s the YPAO volume and DRC that I'm not crazy about. These functions if I'm not mistaken help keep the the volumes from getting real loud during action scenes and helps even out the spikes and keep everything one level during listening sessions. I believe this is can also be called "night time listening"

For the most part we don't listen to real loud volumes so maybe having these functions engaged for now with these speakers do the trick. It actually does sounds better. Just not as dynamic.

 

[Tony V.]

Agreed, using those features is not ideal.
When you did your room calibration how did you have the test mic placed, did you use a trypod and have the mic at ear level, at the listening position and pointing up?

 

[Bacovish]

Yes. I think I'm getting good placement for calibration.
Never had a problem with the Klipsch after calibration with dialogue. Don't get me wrong. The Dali isn't terrible.
Just not on par with clear dialogue in action scenes. Starting to think it's a design issue. Well maybe not a design issue but not as good or what I like compared to the Klipsch RP-250c.
I'm certainly not giving up. Going to keep trying to dial that puppy in.

 

[Tony V.]

Sometimes a well designed speaker just needs a little more time to get its placement right.

 

[Bacovish]

Couldn't agree more. Need to find its sweet spot.

 

[Leonard Caillouet]

The Vokal is 1.5 dB less sensitive than the Zensor 7 so you will likely need more gain on the center. I would run the YPAO, see where it sets the center relative to the others and then use those levels as a start to set it manually if you don't like the YPAO running all the time.

 

[Bacovish]

Yes I ran the YPAO 3 times in a row with identical results. The YPAO sets the center 1.0 higher than LR and then I'm adding 1.5 on top of that. The center is clearly louder than the LR. After thinking about the center sound more I can maybe better explain it. The dialogue on the center sounds like it behind everything else or covered up compared to little more out in front or emphasized. Even on scenes with no action we look at each other and are like what did they say. This is also with the LR off. Just center on. Besides the level being 2.5 higher on the center I also have the dialogue function +2. Go figure.

 

[JBrax]

Do you level match your speakers after running YPAO?

 

[Bacovish]

Ypao has been doing a pretty good job with distance and level's. Everything is pretty close except Ypao sets the center level a little higher. Even though Dali says the center is made for cabinets I think I'm going to rig up a stand and bring it in front of the cabinet about a foot. I was moving my granddudes bean bag around and testing different seating positions and found a little better imaging sitting closer to the cabinet. Right now I'm 14ft. I had better imaging at about 12ft. Actually everything had better imaging. The LCR.

 

[JBrax]

By level matching I mean after running YPAO do you pull out an SPL meter and run test tones? Ideally you want all of your speakers at equal volume levels. Then if you find the center channel and dialogue still hard to hear you can bump it up.

 

[Bacovish]

Sorry I should have been more clear. Yes sir purchased one few months back because I didn't trust the YPAO.
It has done a pretty good job though. All the levels have been right on.

 

[JBrax]

Ok, well I'm running out of ideas. Are the Dali's a warmer speaker and therefore the dialogue is somewhat muted when compared to the Klipsch?

 

[Bacovish]

I kinda think your on the right track. It is a little warmer. I'm going to keep playing with placement for a bit and see if I can improve it.

 

[JBrax]

Yeah, it sounds like you might be better off with a brighter and more dynamic speaker for movie night.

 

[Bacovish]

Lol. Funny you mention that. I've been eye balling the new Monitor Audio Silver line that was just released a couple days ago. Well the pic and specs at least. The new line has a beautiful 3way center I can't seem to forget about. I gave the Klipsch to dad and I might have a fight on my hands trying to repo them.

 

[JBrax]

I'd say you're on the right track and no way should you take the Klipsch back. Let that man have his fun with them. I'm going to offer another suggestion for you. JTR is a sponsor of the site have you ever heard them? Well, I have and they sound incredible and might be the happy medium you're looking for with movies and music.

 

[Bacovish]

Never heard them but know their reputation. Just dont think I can get on board with looks. I know the sound is what I should concentrate on but they need to pass the eye test also. My Dali sound so good with music don't know if I can let them go. But your right. Have to find that happy medium. I am close though. Im going to keep listening and adjusting and see if I can t make them work.

 

[JBrax]

Yes, to some aesthetics might be an issue especially in a multi purpose room. Just throwing gunk against the wall.