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Center channel questions

I currently listen to my TV sources using a normal two channel stereo. Its very high end but my wife and I often cant understand dialog and other times the sound track background noises and music overwhelm the dialog. Is this because we are missing the center channel information?

I understand the the center channel is dedicated mostly to voices so the addition of a center channel might clarify our problem.

If i am correct I would be looking for a center channel decoder. (I don't want to buy a 5.1 channel system, just a mono amp being driven by a center channel decoder if such a thing exists. Please comment and or make suggestions.
keis
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
you can use TV output into B&O beoplay S3 amplified speaker for your center channel.

ricred1
2,064 posts
 
When I added a center channel there was a significant improvement. Especially with movies. 
dbtom2
383 posts
 
@keis 

It's not clear whether it's your TV or your 2 channel stereo is high end. In any event, for as good as the picture is on high-def TVs, the audio can be awful. Even on high end TVs. 

Check the Audio Output settings on the TV. You may have it set to surround. 

Or...

Get a soundbar. Mine has a wireless sub. Very boomy but I can hear the dialog. Shop wisely. The downside to this is that you've bypassed your two channel system if you enjoy music on television.



tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
"I don't want to buy a 5.1 channel system, just a mono amp being driven by a center channel decoder if such a thing exists."

I don't think such a thing exists, and if it did, there is a good possibility you would have a sync problem with the main speakers.

Does your main system have HT bypass capability?
 
ricred1
2,064 posts
 
I was in a similar situation...Initially I purchased a AVR to drive my center channel, but ended up purchasing rears. I use my preamp’s HT bypass when l’m watching television or movies. The AVR is turned off when I’m listening to 2-channel. Some would say my system is Highend and I thought this was the most economical way to improve the dialog when watching television and movies. 
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