I always matching my center channel to my mains. It helped with imaging but more important tonality and overall performance particularly in scenes when there is more than just voices coming over the center. (Opinion) having a center that melds in with your mains tonally and otherwise helps with the overall satisfaction for the HT experience; you'll hear a difference I believe when you have scenes with music and other background effects panning from L->R or R->L (or Front to back), etc...in the overall soundstage. Have you tried to find your desired center here on Audiogon? If that is still a bit pricey, could you consider the next model down in the line? There is another side to think of as well...do you like the tonality, imaging and dispersion that the center channel which matches the Summits gives? If not, that may well be the best argument for considering another center channel. I'd suggest a Legacy Silver Screen HD (excellent, have used this personally) or the equivalent B&W speaker (have heard these personally).
matching center channel to mains/rears
I am getting a new HDTV, been out of home theatre for a long time. I need to pick up a center channel. My mains are Martin Logan Summitt's. I am looking to find an adequate center, as the "best" seems a tad pricey. Is there any loss in switching to a different brand of center, say going to a B&W? Also I'm using an old set of Vandersteen 2ci's for rears.