hypothetically if you buy two nice center channel speaker ( same brand and model, semi full range ) , is that the same thing as buying a nice pair of speaker for stereo use? has anyone try it ? result?
Not quite. If you look at the frequency ranges for center channel speakers, they tend to bottom out in the 70-80hz range. So, unless you plan to use a sub-woofer, you will be missing out on the bottom end.
In theory, 2 centres should work as well as regular main speakers. Of course sound quality will depend on the speakers. There are a number of regular speakers using a centre positioned tweeter (Linn Ninka, JML utopia mini come to mind), so that shouldn't be an issue. And, depending on the model, it is usually voiced to match the regular mains (ie., sound the same).
But, as always, you have to listen for yourself and decide.
Aside from the missing frequencies, there is no reason why the sound can not be good. I have often thought about going this route as I have speakers placed inside bookcases and I often must turn the speakers on their sides, as I do not have the bookshelf height available to allow the speakers to stand up. So, since my set-up is so compromised, would using two center channels be all that worse. Don't know for certain.
Where I have made the compromise is that I would rather have sound with some lower bass presence than have niceties like soundstage. I didn't think that center channels could do the disappearing act like well positioned monitors can, but I could be wrong.
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