2. home-theater
  3. 1110743340

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
mattkimb96

Showing 1 response by eldartford

eldartford
4,262 posts
 
The center channel plays a very different role for movies than for music. My (good) system is used only for music, and my center channel is identical the the front left and right, consisting of a custom two driver subwoofer system and MG1.6 planar speaker. For music, the center channel is most important and should be as good or even better than the others. Obviously there would be no room for a video screen.

For movies, the center channel is mostly for dialog. A superb full range speaker is not the best choice. Dialog is more easily heard and understood if the frequency response is restricted, and shaped to emphasize a certain range.
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