Personally I would ditch the center , buy a Powernode and call it a day Add sub when funds allow
Setup with three speakers, smart tv, and wireless amp/receiver
So, I was finally able to get ahold of the Blueroom/Scandyna Minipods (a pair of unique-looking stereo speakers), and as part of the sale, I also received the Cinepod (a center channel speaker). Some information on the speakers on the following link:
https://futureshapeofsound.com/birth-of-the-cinepod
While I do have a smart TV and would like to utilize the speakers for movies time-to-time, listening to my music collection on the PC is more of a priority.
I originally planned to buy something like Bluesound Powernode (wireless DAC/AMP), so that I could stream my music collection to it. Getting a center speaker complicates things a bit, as I don't believe that I can power it from something like Powernode - rather I need to buy a receiver.
Now the question becomes, for LISTENING TO MUSIC, would having a center speaker improve the sound? I did some search and I heard different opinions..
I heard the Minipods are pretty decent-sounding, except that they lack a bit of bass. The Cinepods do have a wider frequency response ( 28 - 22.000 Hz ( ± 3dB ) VS 55 - 22.000 Hz ( ± 3dB ) of minipod), but I don't know if that translates to a better bass. Also, if I were to incorporate the center speaker, I would be powering it through a receiver (Denon?) rather than a more specialized amp like the Powernode.
If the answer to the question is YES, then I would be inclined to forego the Powernode and go for a quality wireless receiver (any recommendations for a good one that also looks sleek?).
If the answer to the question is NO, then I would get the Powernode and think about adding a subwoofer sometime in the future. I might also try to find a cheap receiver just so that I can incorporate the center speaker when I am watching movies on my smart TV.
Or, I can just sell the center speaker and simplify the setup with Powernode + two speakers (and maybe a subwoofer down the road). My living room has a modern, minimal decor, so there is some motivation to keep things simple. But I am guessing, at least for movies, the center channel would be of help.
I would appreciate any answers to my questions and any other recommendations that you might have.
Thanks!