The KEF KHT2005 is a fabulous system, but one criticism that could be levied against it is that its centre speaker is not quite as strong as the rest of the package. You might say how can this be, because the 2005 centre is exactly the same as all the other speakers in the 2005 package. But that's the point - the centre is the most crucial speaker in any 5.1 system, because it handles the all-important dialogue channel, so it needs to be ultra special. This is why most 'big' 5.1 speaker packages sport elaborate, multi-driver centres. It's also the reason that KEF decided to change the centre configuration when they launched the KHT3005, their uprated version of the 2005. So, for KHT 3005, the centre was given a steroid injection, resulting in the growth of 2 extra drivers as well as a beefed up 4.5 inch ribbed -cone unit. The results were sensational, with a huge increase in clarity and presence. Dialogue that previously appeared to be mumbled, can now be heard with ease (even Marlon Brando in the Godfather!). The transformation is magical. At first we thought this new 'turbo' centre would only be available within a 3005 system, but I'm pleased to say that KEF have realised what massive potential this product has and have agreed to make it available separately.

With its fabulous performance and a clever foot system that doubles up as a wall bracket, the 3001 centre is a real winner. Not only is it the perfect upgrade for any KHT2005 owner, it is also one of the best compact centre speakers around - full stop!

NB - of course, if you do upgrade your KHT2005 centre to a HTC3001 you can use your old centre to upgrade your system to 6.1 - a real double-whammy!