I dumped my Bose center channel after upgraded to Focal mains. It seems that as long as you're sitting between the mains the center isn't necessary as the mains can ghost it in just fine, BUT if you have people sitting outside of the mains then it won't be able to image properly. Not an issue for me as my system all but crushes those of my friends so they are happy either way.
4.1 HT?
Last night I tried an experiment by setting center channel to none in the Proceed PAV setup. My rationale was that the KEF 104.2 LR speakers provide excellent stereo imaging with a solid centered image when appropriate, and they use dome tweeters, whereas the KEF 200C uses a Uni-Q tweeter. Finally, the 104.2s are just much better speakers than the 200C. I think I prefer the sound without the center channel. I played the Opus Arte Blu-ray opera & ballet sampler, and definitely preferred the sound without the 200C; I played Robin Hood, and at least imagined the dialog is clearer; I played an HD-DVR recording of the Charlie Rose program, and could tell little or no difference. I'll live with 4.1 for a few days before deciding.
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