The center is important , for music but especially movies. I would suggest thet it is critical to use another 10 t or at least a cc5. if you cannot afford a cc5 then dont do it. The cc5 is a great center channel speaker and mates well with the 10. It is far superior to the cc3. Do NOT mis match the center with another brand unless movies are all you care about. Music reproduction will suffer . Its critical you stay in the Aerial line . Movies need surround information , period. The encoding process has progressed dramatically and surround sound atmospherics play a tremendous part in the movies conection with the viewer. The center and its integration is another issue . Its a matter of some disagreement on its placenment and proximity to the monitor. A prominent member of the audio community suggests 2-3 and possibly 4 feet behind the arc to facilitate what he calls" magic" in that a deep center image creates a larger more harmonious blend with real life perception assuming ones suspension of disbelief is engaged . Placing a center on a large monitor mostly negates the advantage in my opinion and i suggest staying phantom.
Center Channel Needed?
My HT setup is currently biased towards two channel but I am running two fronts, a sub and two rears. I do not currently have the amplification or the speaker to run a center channel. The front speakers are the Aerial 10T's which are spaced 12 feet apart. The imaging during both two channel playback HT applications are super. I am not necessarily opposed to adding a center channel, but even at used prices, this addition would be somewhat pricy as I would need to get another amp and the center speaker. Would love some perspective from those of you that have added centers what I am missing from the current setup...will adding the center add a level of excitment and realism to HT playback? My assumption now is that running the processor in center channel phantom is just as good as adding a center due to the imaging the remiander of the system and the Aerials provide. Would especially love to hear from current 10T owners, but appreciate all feedback & comments.
Thanks
Thanks