I recently purchased a set of JBL speakers (VOICE center channel and BALCONY speakers for fronts) from Best Buy and although the sound is good from the fronts the center puts out way too much distortion. When I return them, should I exchange them for a set of Definitive Technology speakers or look for something else? price range is around $400.

i like Definitive Technology stuff a lot...

i would say it's an easy "yes" to your question...

Definitive, IMO, is as good as consumer-grade speakers get. I don't know what you'll get for $400, though, since I paid $300 for my center channel speaker alone (and it was used!).

First what are you using to power the speakers? Distortion is caused by either damaged speakers or not enough power/too much volume. You say it was the center that was distorted? Were they setup using the test tones to calibrate the volumes?

Second, Definitive makes good speakers but you should listen to them to decide if you like them.

I'm using a Pioneer VSX D812 to power the speakers. I did calibtrate them beforehand. It's definately the speakers though. Lke an idiot I read reviews on the center channel after I purchased it and pretty much everyone complains about dialog distortion.

Def Techs are generally bipolar. Be sure you like that.