Tempted to get this as my centre speaker to my current 4.1 set up.
SVS SB 2000 Sub
Cambridge Audio Aero 6 as Front Floorstanders
Kef q300 as rears
The BMR principle
The Cambridge Audio Aero 5 speaker uses a technology that sets it apart from other centre speaker designs. Instead of a conventional tweeter, it uses a BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator) driver for sensational results. The BMR driver goes deep into the mid-range - exactly what's required from a centre speaker. This means a smoother transition between mid-range and treble for incredibly life-like dialogue. In addition, it also images exceptionally well, giving a broad soundstage that links with your front speakers to give an effortless 'wall' of sound.
Perfectly matched bass units
Left to concentrate on the bass and only the very lowest part of the mid-range, the matching twin 5.25" woofers can perform their task of presenting a punchy soundtrack with aplomb. The Aero cone woofers are specially designed to complement the BMR drivers and have similar sonic characteristics in terms of their precision and rhythm.
All comments (25)
rev6
15 Dec 161#1
Get it bought! :smiley:
maciejkopec08
15 Dec 16#2
I'm very tempted! The phantom centre I'm getting with the floorstanders is really good. Oh decisions, decisions :disappointed:
rev6
15 Dec 16#3
A phantom centre is fine if you're directly in between the fronts. A centre is most definitely something you should invest in if you like your movies/tv shows. I wouldn't go back to 4.1
maciejkopec08
15 Dec 16#4
I have a corner type sofa plus a recliner to the side so random areas at all times, not just directly in front.
Does the Centre really make that much of a difference? I know that for music it doesn't as music is mixed for stereo mode, but for films, does it add much of a dimension to warrant buying it? What's the Centre changed for you most? Just curious :smiley:
rev6
15 Dec 16#5
Yes, completely. It gives the dialogue a discrete speaker to output. Instead of splitting it up for the fronts. That way you can better adjust the centre volume too, as you probably know it can be a pain at lesser volume levels. And the benefit in your situation is that it will sound good in most seating positions and not just one. You won't be disappointed.
I'm starting to sound like a salesmen here. Honestly though. It will match perfectly with your setup and it's cheap. Go for it pal.
maciejkopec08
15 Dec 16#6
Email sent to the Maidstone branch to see if they can pick one of these up for me :smiley: Hopefully I'm not disappointed!
ephadrine
15 Dec 16#7
I have got Cambridge audio minx 11 and 21 speakers they are amazing sound considering they are the size of a coke can. They are worth every penny.
nougat
15 Dec 16#8
God price but why does it look like something from the 80's is it "retro"?
rev6 to nougat
15 Dec 161#9
Better?
maciejkopec08
15 Dec 16#10
Probably should've posted a pic with the front cover on haha Ooops.
rev6
15 Dec 161#11
I like the look of it without the grille on :smile:
agitatedclimax
15 Dec 16#12
I couldn't agree more. I added a centre speaker to my 2.0 setup (big floor standing mission speakers) and the dialogue in movies has become so much clearer. I wouldn't be without one now.
89quidyoucantgowrong
15 Dec 161#13
Bear in mind that Cambridge Audio, whilst sounding like a fancy heritage brand, isn't. Richer Sounds bought the name ages ago, so it's basically their own brand gear now. Only ever buy audio gear with your ears.
maciejkopec08 to 89quidyoucantgowrong
15 Dec 16#14
The sound from the Cambridge floor standers I have is sublime. Wouldn't change them for any other sub £500 pair.
I do agree though with the ears part. I was looking at rears that cost £100 more than the ones I ended up buying because they sounded worse off to me.
bma1445 to 89quidyoucantgowrong
15 Dec 16#17
Erm, that's nonsense. I think you're confusing them with Wharfedale, who still make their own speakers, but Argos etc sell crap DVD players and stuff under that name. Richer Sounds have a stake in them, under Audio Partnership, but it's not home brand crap.
A center is vital IMO - although for watching TV at low volumes I switch my AVR to stereo - less faffing! Personally I prefer 6.1 - best of all worlds, and I think it sounds somewhat more realistic than 7.1 as the rear is actually right behind you.
paulj48
15 Dec 16#15
There's conflicting views regarding listening with a centre speaker at lower volumes and increasing just the centre channel, as you probably know some sound effect panning from right to left (or left to right) will also pan through the centre speaker, if the centre speaker is set louder then these the panning effect will sound odd.
tebbo65
15 Dec 16#16
Just go up +1db. Gives dialogue enough boost and won't effect panning effects!
89quidyoucantgowrong
15 Dec 16#18
Audio partnership is Richer Sounds speak for own brand. In the old days it was just Sherwood, but now they have plenty of brands under their belts.
Danze1984
15 Dec 16#19
This or Tannoy Mercury 7C?
maciejkopec08 to Danze1984
15 Dec 16#20
The Cambridge can go lower as a result of the BMR but really it depends on what you already have in your system. I got this to complement the Cambridge floor standers in terms of sound/tone.
smokenlazer
16 Dec 161#21
I love Cambridge. I have the TV5 for my TV soundbase and I can't fault it
zen123
17 Dec 16#22
Would I be better with a Samsung soundbar like the j700 or this for my bed room?
crystalclear
17 Dec 16#23
?bmr? £ for £ the best (arguably) value speaker
sam_41
17 Dec 16#24
Can anyone give me some advice? I'm currently running a 2.0 set up, Monitor Audio BX5 floorstanders powered by a Marantz nr 1506.
If I want to add a centre speaker, am I best sticking with Monitor Audio and getting a MA bronze centre, currently £140 at RS, or is the Cambridge Audio Aero 5 sufficiently superior that I should go with that despite being a different brand to the floorstanders? I'm sure I've heard in the past that MA and CA audio kit plays well together in general, but could be wrong!
maciejkopec08 to sam_41
17 Dec 16#25
Ask richer sounds to give you a demo with both :smiley: they did a demo with me for a 5.0 set up so shouldn't be a problem for a 2.0 with an addition of a centre speaker.
Best judge for the sound is your own ears. I was going to get more expensive rears but the kefs sounded better to me in person with different films as examples so that's what I would suggest, although I know that doesn't help much.
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Opening post
Tempted to get this as my centre speaker to my current 4.1 set up.
SVS SB 2000 Sub
Cambridge Audio Aero 6 as Front Floorstanders
Kef q300 as rears
The BMR principle
The Cambridge Audio Aero 5 speaker uses a technology that sets it apart from other centre speaker designs. Instead of a conventional tweeter, it uses a BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator) driver for sensational results. The BMR driver goes deep into the mid-range - exactly what's required from a centre speaker. This means a smoother transition between mid-range and treble for incredibly life-like dialogue. In addition, it also images exceptionally well, giving a broad soundstage that links with your front speakers to give an effortless 'wall' of sound.
Perfectly matched bass units
Left to concentrate on the bass and only the very lowest part of the mid-range, the matching twin 5.25" woofers can perform their task of presenting a punchy soundtrack with aplomb. The Aero cone woofers are specially designed to complement the BMR drivers and have similar sonic characteristics in terms of their precision and rhythm.
All comments (25)
Does the Centre really make that much of a difference? I know that for music it doesn't as music is mixed for stereo mode, but for films, does it add much of a dimension to warrant buying it? What's the Centre changed for you most? Just curious :smiley:
I'm starting to sound like a salesmen here. Honestly though. It will match perfectly with your setup and it's cheap. Go for it pal.
Better?
I do agree though with the ears part. I was looking at rears that cost £100 more than the ones I ended up buying because they sounded worse off to me.
A center is vital IMO - although for watching TV at low volumes I switch my AVR to stereo - less faffing! Personally I prefer 6.1 - best of all worlds, and I think it sounds somewhat more realistic than 7.1 as the rear is actually right behind you.
If I want to add a centre speaker, am I best sticking with Monitor Audio and getting a MA bronze centre, currently £140 at RS, or is the Cambridge Audio Aero 5 sufficiently superior that I should go with that despite being a different brand to the floorstanders? I'm sure I've heard in the past that MA and CA audio kit plays well together in general, but could be wrong!
Best judge for the sound is your own ears. I was going to get more expensive rears but the kefs sounded better to me in person with different films as examples so that's what I would suggest, although I know that doesn't help much.