Would center channel benefit audio only room?

Or get a tiny room. ;-)

Until you give us more info/parameters of your setup and needs, it's not possible to help.

Kal

As I've posted previously: To paraphrase Sam Tellig of Stereophile, with two channel audio, less is more; with multi-channel audio, more is less (unless you have unlimited resources, and even then the outcome is unclear).

I will say no. Even you use three identical speakers, the position of the center speaker is so different from the left and right speakers, it is impossible to create a seamless blend in.

What a lot of pointlessly decisive answers to a vague question about an indeterminate system setup! Amusing.

Kal

Lars, less is more has worked best in the past.

A left/right/center blend is a classic loudspeaker setup. Many of the great Mercury recordings of the 50s were recorded in 3 channel stereo. In the 60s Dynaco had preamps that would process 2 channel for a pseudo 3 channel effect. Currently, I believe the Meridian processors have a tri-field process. About a decade ago I heard a demo that was quite good. I'm not sure why people are dismissing this out of hand. It's not to be confused with home theater.

To the OP - this is not your first post on this subject. As far as I can tell you are refusing to give relevant info about your current system and room. People have asked and you do not provide. It really hinders the ability of anyone to help you.

To learn more about the benefits of a 3-channel audio-only setup, check out:

Trinaural website @ Spread Spectrum (Ampzilla2000)

and

The MilesTech website

onhwy61, the room size is 14 X 20, the ceiling is vaulted 8' at it's lowest level. My speakers are 3 way custom utilizing a Heil AMT tweeter. The soundstage is 3D left to right all the way across the room, but it is only 4ft tall.

"My speakers are 3 way custom utilizing a Heil AMT tweeter."

Hmm. All bets are off with such an unknown but adding another speaker to these won't elevate the soundstage (unless you put it near the ceiling).

Kal

Kr4, center channel near the ceiling is doable.

I was kidding.

Of course, you could go all the way and get a processor with Audyssey DSX to derive height channels and, even, a center.

Kal

Onhwy61, now that you have the information, you seem to have gotten lost.

I may be lost, but I don't have any problems with soundstage height!

Seriously, now that you've fleshed out your situation I haven't a clue as to what you should do.

I have never had a center channel, consequently, I havent a clue as to what one would do in a dedicated 2 channel listening room? Can anyone answer this question?

Dedicated? How will you derive a signal for it? Why do you think it will do anything for soundstage height, as opposed to central imaging?

The solution lies not in more equipment but attention to your setup, acoustics and, perhaps, speaker choice.

Kal

I am becoming acutely aware of room acoustics. The center channel emanates from the fireplace, which is a big hollow space center sound stage. What affect does this have on the sound?

Orpheus10, compare this post to your post. Pay particular attention to the info the poster provides. He even included a picture of his room. Then pay attention to the quality of the responses he got. Everyone here actually wants to help, but you are being really stingy with info. It's been my observation that the more and better quality info you provide, the better the quantity and quality of the advice.

That said, soundstage height is an issue I know very little about, so it's probable that I won't be able to help you. However, I'm sure there are more knowledgeable people than I on the subject who would gladly assist you.

onhwy61, the fireplace is the only thing that will explain my soundstage. It is at a proper height on both sides of the fireplace which is in the middle. Since all things are relative, I can lay on the floor and listen, that way my soundstage will be up high.

Orpheus10, Just start a fire in the fire place. The rising heat waves will taking the sound waves with them and you will thusly have great soundstage height. And you will have a pretty fire to watch and not think about that hole in the wall so much. :-)

Perhaps some 2d 3d diffusors from rpg are worth a try.

I have a potential solution; it will require: 2 tweeters 3500 to 20K, 1 electronic crossover, 1 small solid state amp fed from 2 output pre. Tweeters will be in ceiling 2ft from fireplace wall, aimed at that wall. The reflected sound will blend and it will emanate from high in the center channel where I want it. I hope this will give you brilliant people out there something to ruminate on.

I hope this will give you brilliant people out there something to ruminate on.

If you are going to cop an attitude like that, Orpheus10, why even come on this forum and ask for help? You have been asked to simply provide more information about your set-up and your end goals, and you respond with a tone I am accustomed to hearing from a 14 year-old. Go figure.

Good luck with your quest.

Finsup, Don't take him seriously. Judging from the overall body of his threads, as well as this one, he's just bored. A waste of time perhaps but it is fun to watch him display his, eh..., lack of eh...., take your pick. He has much to offer. :-)

Finsup, do you always misunderstand people?

Tvad, all options are open that will provide a solution.

There is a range of frequencies within the treble region that tends to be heard as if it is coming from a point that is significantly higher than the actual sound source (assuming the source is directly in front). I believe that range of frequencies may be in the area of around 8 to 10 kHz, although I don't recall the exact range because it has been some time since I last listened to a test record.

So I would suggest that you explore the possibility that your speakers and/or your room acoustics may be de-emphasizing that part of the spectrum. If that part of the spectrum received greater emphasis, as perceived from the listening position, it would probably tend to stretch the image higher.

Regards,
-- Al

Almarg, an electronic crossover and 2 tweeters would allow me to experiment in that frequency range, and the level can be controlled with the crossover.

Tvad, at a normal range; the volume does not alter the soundstage one way or the other.

Lars, Zu Essence has also discovered, "Less is more". They call a 2 way 1.5 which is what it is. To add without adding.

Take my word for this. The problem I have is the result of some unique room acoustics that can not be altered, consequently I will have to discover and emphasize the affected frequencies. A problem of this nature will not change with new speakers.