Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000: A Center Channel Speaker Review
The Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 is a center channel speaker designed to complement their high-end home theater systems. While not the newest model on the market, its performance and features still hold considerable appeal for those seeking a powerful and accurate center channel experience. This review delves into its strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine if it's the right fit for your home theater setup.
Key Features & Specifications:
- Driver Configuration: Typically features a configuration of multiple smaller drivers (specific details vary slightly depending on manufacturing run). This multi-driver approach is designed to provide wider dispersion and clearer dialogue reproduction.
- BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator) Technology (likely in some versions): Some ProCenter 2000 models incorporated BMR technology, known for its wide dispersion pattern and smooth frequency response. This technology helps create a more immersive soundstage.
- Power Handling: Capable of handling significant power output from your A/V receiver, allowing for high volume listening without distortion. Exact wattage varies depending on the model.
- Frequency Response: Generally, delivers a balanced frequency response, ensuring clear reproduction across the audio spectrum, critical for dialogue clarity.
- Cabinet Construction: Built with a sturdy enclosure designed to minimize unwanted vibrations and resonance, improving overall sound quality.
Performance:
The ProCenter 2000 excels in dialogue reproduction. Its multiple driver design (and in some variants, the BMR driver) creates a wide, even soundstage, resulting in clear and intelligible vocals, even in action-packed scenes. The speaker handles complex soundtracks with grace, delivering a detailed and nuanced listening experience. While bass response isn't as deep as dedicated subwoofers, it offers sufficient low-end extension for most users, making it a suitable option even without a subwoofer in smaller rooms. The overall sound is balanced and accurate, allowing the nuances of the soundtrack to shine through.
Pros:
- Exceptional Dialogue Clarity: The ProCenter 2000 consistently delivers crisp, clear dialogue.
- Wide Soundstage: The design promotes a wider soundstage, creating a more immersive listening experience.
- Good Power Handling: Handles significant power output without distortion.
- Solid Build Quality: Sturdy construction minimizes vibrations and improves sound quality.
- Relatively Affordable (for its class): While a high-end speaker, it's often available at a more accessible price point compared to some competitors.
Cons:
- Limited Bass Response: Bass performance is adequate but not as deep as dedicated subwoofers. A subwoofer is highly recommended for full-range sound, especially in larger rooms.
- Older Model: Being an older model, it may lack some of the features found in newer center channel speakers. Finding replacement parts might be challenging in the long run.
- Availability: Due to its age, finding this speaker new might be difficult, likely requiring purchase from secondary markets like eBay or Craigslist. Thorough inspection before purchase is crucial.
Conclusion:
The Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 remains a strong performer for those seeking an accurate and powerful center channel speaker. Its strengths in dialogue clarity and wide soundstage make it ideal for movie lovers and those who prioritize clear vocals. While lacking the deep bass response of a dedicated subwoofer and being an older model, its overall performance and often-accessible price point make it a worthy consideration for home theater enthusiasts. Just be mindful of its age and the potential challenges of sourcing replacement parts in the future. If you can find one in good condition, it’s a potentially excellent value. Remember to pair it with a subwoofer for the best possible audio experience.