My first attempt at a crossover resulted in a harsh, hollow, blaring example. Curt C. came to the rescue offering to model a network based on the information I provided. If it wasn't for him, this project wouldn't be off the ground. Thanks Curt! Here is some correspondence between Curt and I discussing the sound qualities of his crossover.

"I buttoned the enclosure up and hooked up the crossover. I LIKE it! It blends perfectly with my two Dayton Budget 5 1/4" MT's. I was a little surprised that the bass was so tame compared to my attempt at a crossover. There is bass, but not what I expected. It is well controlled and actually not needed all that much on the center channel. My real concern was the mid and the tweeter. In my design the tweeter was harsh (you could definitely tell it was a metal dome), and the mid was blaring. In your design, they blend perfectly, no hint of harshness, and the mid is super clear and lends itself perfectly to dialogue.

When I first turned them on, I put on "Shrek" DVD. I found myself trying to listen to the two main speakers, searching for sound because in the past they made up for the lack of clarity of the center channel I was using. I equalized the volume of all the speakers with the test tone, and found the new center a perfect match (I use the Large Speaker setting). Even at low levels it is clear and dynamic. In the past it always seemed like I had three separate speakers across the front area. Now, it is more like I have one speaker that puts out sound from the center and also sound comes from the left and right as needed. I hope this makes sense.

Kim came home from work while I was testing the speaker. I said to come listen and tell me what you think. This is probably the best comment I can give you. She said, "It sounds so good that it makes the picture clearer". I noticed the same thing. There is not straining to hear things and your attention goes to the screen."

Final Thoughts

I've had a chance to do some A/B comparisons of the Dayton 3-way CC design and the Dayton Budget 2-ways. People may think the Dayton budgets are "bassy" because of their ability to go so low in a vented enclosure, but this is not really the case. They actually match very well with the sealed center channel. The timber match is perfect, with very articulate highs, mids, and bass-- overall a very clear sound. The tweeter is not the least bit tinny or harsh as I've heard others say. Now, with the enclosure well sealed, stuffed and drivers sealed, the bass has tightened up and more solid and the mids are smoother.

This is a very nice speaker and will really add to the listening enjoyment of those who own Dayton Budgets. Even though I disassembled my D3's I bet this center channel would be a great match for those people who have always wanted to use their D3's, BR-1's or Dayton HT TM's for HT. With the Dayton drivers, low component count and ease of cabinet design and great performance, I think this definitely fits into one of the best bang for the buck center channels around.