Is 3 CH with a HT pre/pro better than 2 Channel

Yyz:

Quite frankly, put off buying any HT equipment until you move. In the interim, if your DVD player offers virtual 3D surround options (like my SONY 506) experiment with those settings for "center channel like" sound. I have a similar sized room (except for the height); have a 2 channel system, and in nearfield situations, the simulated effect really works out fine. In fact, I prefer it to when I was using a center channel speaker. Regards, Rich

The primary reason to use a center speaker is to keep the dialog centered on the screen for people that are sitting considerably off axis. If you only have a single sofa in front of your TV and you're sitting 10ft behind the plane of the speakers, the center channel really isn't going to add that much. In fact, it may even detract a bit since timbre matching between the Salons and Voice is not perfect (although it's one of the best available).

If you're sitting closer or have a wider seating arrangement, the center channel may be worth it.

I can see why you think your room may be too small for surrounds, particularly if you have your system set up along the long wall. If practical, you might consider moving the system to the short wall which may provide more room for the surrounds. The downside, of course, is that your main speakers will be closer to the sidewalls, and additional acoustic treatment may be required to reduce first-reflections from these walls. I'm with Sdcampbell in believing that surround effects are a bit over-rated. Still worth having if you've got the space and budget, but not as important as excellent front sound (which you've certainly got with the Salons).

Thanks for all the responses.

This room just barely cuts it for my music requirements. I cannot put more equipment (2 + 3.1) in there without tripping over everything.

From all the above responses received, I think the smart thing to do is hold off until I get my own house with a bigger room.

I currently have great imaging with the 2 front speakers (1 couch about 10 feet away). I created this thread because I was curious whether the HT pre/pro effects would blow me away. Sounds like it is a nice thing to have but something I can wait for.

Sdcampbell, I was debating whether to get the SP-1 at the time I purchased the BP25. I never thought I would get into HT but I enjoyed watching DVD's on my 2 channel so now I have the desire for HT.

Yyz --

I find that 90% of the time, while watching DVD's, there
is nothing coming out of the rear surrounds. However,
there are a few DVD's that have sequences using the rear
surrounds that *will* blow you away. If you are into
those types of films -- Star Wars, Private Ryan, etc --
you would see a huge difference with rear surrounds,
but on most of the films I watch -- nothing is coming out
of the rear surrounds. ZERO. There are a few films that
use the rear surrounds for a little "ambiance." If you
are making compromises, certainly, first thing to eliminate is the rear surrounds. 90% of the time, you will be
missing nothing.