If you are trying to recreate the Motion Picture Theatrical experience in your home, you need a center channel speaker. They have them in the movie theaters. Everything else is a facsimile of the theater experience. Yes some will say that they don't use a center and it works fine. It does but will only hold a stable center image in a very small seating area. There is also the spl level which three discreet channel will put out verses two. Much research went into why three channels across the front were necessary in Motion Picture Exhibition. Logically that should extend to the home.
is a center channel really necessary??
I am currently redesigning the family room and have the option of installing a 5.1 system but have always been a 2 channel kinda guy. I love films and music equally, but assuming a fixed budget, may $4K, I know I could get a killer 2 channel setup but just a mediocre HT. MOst films I like aren't effects type, but I am concerned about hearing dialog clearly.
How much does the center channel matter?? Won't a set of good monitors image well enough to handle the dialog??
How much does the center channel matter?? Won't a set of good monitors image well enough to handle the dialog??