Center Channel Needed?

In my experience, the center channel is more important than side or rear channels.

The Center channel (or dialogue) carries the voices of the actors and when set up properly, matches the action and position in the room the actors occupy (when dialogue is above or below TV, aimed at you).

I have on occasion, watched a movie with dialogue only and given the choice of dialogue only or all other channels (without), I would choose dialogue only.

For my movies I employ my stereo systems large front channels, plus dialogue and sides to make the most of the movie. But I find the story line of the movie is in the speech and with most decoders, that level can be changed to match your existing speakers. This allows changing dialogue output from movie to movie, keeping special effects from overwhelming the story line and plot.

As for cost, you can likely find a decent center channel speaker here at Audiogon and if you can assign the amplifiers you currently have, I suggest disconnecting both rear channels and using one of those to power your used dialogue channel as an experiment.

If you don't agree the addition is worth the effort, sell the dialogue speaker and continue as you have. If disconnecting rear channels is not a loss in your system, you are good to go as is. If you require all the above, search for an inexpensive amp for center and go for it.

For me, I recently bought a multi function receiver to do this job. I have all tube amps and big speakers for front, but using the Vandersteen dialogue and B&W in wall for sides. I experimented with everything from small transistor gear to all tube system and have decided that the current crop of receivers are adequate for dialogue and rear, greatly simplifying my system.

These HT processor-amplifiers are very inexpensive, less than a grand for the best ones and many offer video processing, AM-FM tuners and the latest movie sound processors in one small package.

Mine has over 100 watts per channel and is very effective, especially since the power supply is only having to operate three of the five channels. Still a bargain for the less than $575.00 I paid.

The center is important , for music but especially movies. I would suggest thet it is critical to use another 10 t or at least a cc5. if you cannot afford a cc5 then dont do it. The cc5 is a great center channel speaker and mates well with the 10. It is far superior to the cc3. Do NOT mis match the center with another brand unless movies are all you care about. Music reproduction will suffer . Its critical you stay in the Aerial line . Movies need surround information , period. The encoding process has progressed dramatically and surround sound atmospherics play a tremendous part in the movies conection with the viewer. The center and its integration is another issue . Its a matter of some disagreement on its placenment and proximity to the monitor. A prominent member of the audio community suggests 2-3 and possibly 4 feet behind the arc to facilitate what he calls" magic" in that a deep center image creates a larger more harmonious blend with real life perception assuming ones suspension of disbelief is engaged . Placing a center on a large monitor mostly negates the advantage in my opinion and i suggest staying phantom.

Yes the center speaker is important especially if anyone is not sitting in the sweet spot. Otherwise it sounds like the persom is speaking out of one of the front speakers. But this is a concern for movies.