Center channel questions

The only way you can "de-code" the center channel track is with an AVR. This would take the same space as a separate amp. However you would have 2 volumes to deal with, the 2 channel system and the AVR, this would become annoying. Unless your 2 channel preamp has unitygain. The other option is to not use the 2 channel system and buy a good sound bar, as mentioned above.

keis,

How are you getting the TV output to your system? What is the setup? Is it possible that you just have a setup problem. I know I had issues years ago when I tried to connect my cable box into my system via digital output. The cable box was set to Dolby Digital and I had to change it to PCM so it down-mixed the multi-channel audio down to 2 channels.

If your setup is good and you want a solution, perhaps a higher end under TV audio system like an upper-end ZVOX would work for you. It probably would be a self contained system, not using your existing L&R main speakers. But it would probably provide better dialog.

A more expensive choice would be to replace your current 2-channel pre-amp with a high-end multi-channel HT pre-amp and buy a center channel speaker and amp to power it. In the setup you would only set up the 3 speakers and set the rears/surrounds and sub to "none". However, this may diminish the sound quality of the 2-channel portion of your system unless you buy a super-high end multi-channel pre-amp.

keis,

     Another unique solution would be to buy an Oppo 103 or 105 Blu-ray player instead of an AVR.  Both Oppos have built in surround sound (up to 7.1) and analog audio outputs for each channel.just like an AVR but at least you'd have the added bonus of a high quality Blu-ray player if you don't already own one. 

    This would be very similar to buying an AVR and a center channel speaker but would require the additional purchase of a separate center channel amp (a small and inexpensive class D mono amp would work well for this).  This setup would allow you to control the center channel volume through the Oppo remote and, if you later changed your mind about a complete 5.1 or 7.1 surround system, you could add speakers and amps for a complete surround system.

     If this setup appeals to you, I'd be willing to assist you in the hardware and hookup options.

Just an outside the box solution to consider,
          Tim  

You may not have your system configured properly. Go in your TV's menus and make sure you have the output set for 2 channel only. That will get everything to your speakers.

Also look for an option called volume normalization. (It may be called something similar like normalization. You should have no problem finding it. Turn it on and do some listening. You should hear a big difference. (Assuming you needed to make adjustments to the above.)