2. home-theater
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is a center channel really necessary??

I am currently redesigning the family room and have the option of installing a 5.1 system but have always been a 2 channel kinda guy. I love films and music equally, but assuming a fixed budget, may $4K, I know I could get a killer 2 channel setup but just a mediocre HT. MOst films I like aren't effects type, but I am concerned about hearing dialog clearly.

How much does the center channel matter?? Won't a set of good monitors image well enough to handle the dialog??
tswei99
Post removed 
sid42
302 posts
 
I don't use a center channel in my HT room, mainly because a lot of the older films I enjoy sound crappy with everything coming out of the center channel only. I would rather spread the sound to both sides, even if some of it is mono. Just my opinion, of course.
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
I would first set up the 2 channel exactly the way you want it. The speakers are dialed in to their best spot and the electronics are off to the side and your chair is where you like to listen. Then add the extra speakers for 5.1. You can either optimize 2.0 or 5.1 but very difficult to do both equally well. That said, I like having the center for dialogue movies and SACD. Listening to full orchestras with SACD is simply amazing. I recommend the center channel.
tswei99 OP
17 posts
 
For a 2.1 system, couldn't I choose a BlueRay player that downmixes into 2 channel rather than doing it in an AVR?? I believe the Oppo BDP-93 SE does this.
cappuccino
122 posts
 
I have a 7.1 setup with 2 x Aerial 20Ts for left/right and Aeiral CC5 for center channel. For movies I definately prefer to use my center channel. It is very good, blends perfectly with my mains and makes dialogue more realistic.
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