[didymus]

I'm a newbie so please bear with me. I'm not sure if this is the right circle for my questions. Here goes...

I have two sets of mains (Optimus Pro LX-10 and ACI Sapphire IIti) each of which, I believe, has 7" woofers. Now I wouldn't know the size of these woofers if I hadn't read a reference to them on the Internet.  And I'm not sure if I can believe what I read on the Internet.  The outside measurement of the surrounds on all woofers from both sets measure 6.25".  But let's assume both sets have 7" woofers.

Question 1: How do you measure the size of a woofer?
                    Outside diameter of the frame which I can't see?
                    Center-to-center of the frame mounting holes which I also can't see?
                    Outside diameter of the surround which I can see?
                    Outside diameter of the cone which I can see?

                Is there a standard for woofer measurement, and, if so, what is it?



The Optimus Pro LX-10 set has two 7" woofers per speaker. The ACI Sapphire IIti set has a single 7" woofer per speaker.  I would like to use a single center speaker which will be used with either set of mains.
I listen mainly to classical music via audio CDs and over FM stereo but am starting to get involved with  home theater and movie DVDs.  Obviously, a late bloomer.  The Optimus mains seem to sound much fuller with the classical music than the Sapphires.  However, I'm only listening to the music through the mains with no center channel speaker and no subwoofer.

Question 2: What criteria do I use in choosing a center speaker which can be used for both sets of mains?
                    Do I use the size of the woofers?
                    Do I match on brand names? This is probably not viable since the two sets of mains are
                       different brands.
                    Is center channel speaker matching different when the mains have two woofers per
                       speaker vs one woofer per speaker?
                    Must the center speaker have the same size woofer(s) as the mains or can it be slightly
                       smaller?
                    Is it possible for the Optimus mains to drown out a center speaker if the center speaker
                       only has one woofer? And let's reverse that scenario. Is it possible for a center speaker 
                       with two woofers to drown out the Sapphires which have only one woofer per speaker?
                    Do I use some other criteria which might be difficult for me to ascertain?

There must be an intelligent way of choosing an appropriate center speaker to be used with two sets of mains with different brand names.  Surely, my situation is not unique.  I do have budget restrictions.



I've read statements regarding the matching of certain brand name speakers to certain receiver brands.
(Ex. Don't use Klipsch with Pioneer, Sony, Yamaha, etc. receivers. Rather use a Paradigm or Polk Audio.)
I'm currently using a Yamaha RX-V1200 receiver.

Question 3: Is there any validity in statements like this?



Many thanks for your replies.

[Mike Dzurko]

There really is no good standard for woofer diameter measurement . . . it is really a nominal # and is usually the measurement from the outside of the frame.  This means that two 6 1/2" woofers for instance can have significantly different size cones depending on frame size/shape, surround design and size etc.  Just matching sizes would tell you little about the sound and performance of the speakers under consideration.

My recommendation for a center channel to best perform with either pair of your speakers would be our Protege. As far as one speaker "overpowering" the volume levels between center and left - right speakers is adjustable in your Receiver settings . . .