Center channel for Thiel 1.5 mains?

 I just love my new (used) Thiel 1.5 main speakers.  For spousal acceptance factor (I do whatever the voices in my wife's head say...), I'd like to run sans subwoofer.  This means that whatever center channel speaker I buy will need sufficient bass response to deal with dialogue without the help of a sub.
 
My questions are two:
 
1.  Is there a cheaper option?  If someone knows of a non-Thiel center channel speaker with full bass response that matches the tone of the Thiel mains, please share. OR
 
2.  Thiel has now made 4 generations of the SCS center speaker.  Which generation of the Thiel SCS should I buy to best match the tonal characteristics of the 1.5s, or does it really matter?
 
Thanks!