OK, I am getting to the point of finally doing a proper install once and for all. I have pretty much everything I need (Except processor, Sub amp and Centre Speaker)

Now with the centre speaker I have been told to match it to my fronts (Focal Utopia 165 W3). I have also been told that it needs to play a full range (About 80Hz and up). Now the only Focal options I have are Utopia drivers (6, 4 or 5 1/4 woofer) I don't think there is a single speaker though, that will play ful range. I could mount a TN-51 into the grill and angle it toward the driver if this is a viable option.
The other option I though Would be to get a Speaker like a Tannoy (Full range single speaker)

The only other downfall I have is that the Focals are a few years old and it might be hard to match those with the current model utopias.

Any ideastips or hints would be appreciated.

what's the purpose of your centre channel - dolby digital 5.1 for DVD or SQ or what?

using matching speakers is not essential but would be preferable. however, the 'enclosure' you use will also greatly influence the 'sound' you end up with. if the L/R splits use the doors, where-as your centre uses a 2L 'enclosure', it'll be very different.

as a suggestion : try a few OEM speakers. we did this years ago in a VW jetta and in ended up being a mitsi 4" that worked best.

have a play thats the only way to do it.(IMO)

If this center channel is for your SQ, forget it. You won't be able to match it with your front splits, Like shiny says, unless they are all equal in enclosure. If it is for 5.1 thats fine, but if you think the center channel will help in the SQ side or staging. Don't even try it. It will even sound more messy even with delay. Instrument precision and tonal will be compromise.

I was thinking of using it for 5.1 and SQ. But I think I can breathe a sigh of relief. So I should run SQ in stereo and use a centre speaker only for 5.1.

Well that helps a lot. At least I know now that the centre speaker is not so critical anymore. I still want 5.1 to sound good, So I'll still get a decent driver, but knowing it wont be used in SQ will make it easier.

cool. well, see what fits, as you may not easily fit a 6" driver and tweeter. i use a 2-way 4" splits (morel hybrid4) which is pretty good for 5.1, but simply doesn't play low enough (ie: HP'd at 125Hz with steep 24dB/oct xover) to be great; a bigger speaker would have been ideal but doesn't fit.

the treble is much less prone to changes in tone/timber from the 'enclosure', so worth using the same tweeter as the L/R if possible. and you could match it with a 4/5.25/6" driver from the same focal range for a 2-way setup. an expensive way to do it, like i did, is to by a set of 2-way splits, and just use 'half'. at least i have spare drivers. :roll: