Home theater without center channel? Opinions?

"What bugs me more so than no center ch is how 7.1 processors (the current rage) work as 5.1 systems. They don’t seem to have the same discrete/separated ch info, and more so seem to react as merely an older pro logic – or surround sound field that has much less integral or distinctively differing ch info." --Blindjim

Really? That's interesting... I'm using my Onkyo 7.1 receiver with 5 speakers and a subwoofer and have had no such problem. I would say that it's sonically better in every way (except simplicity of use) than the Sherwood 5.1 receiver it replaced using all the same speakers and wiring.

You're not using your "side surround channels" as the "back surround channels" are you? What you're saying about the lack of dimensionality doesn't make sense to me.

"Due to holiday decorations" If you find it wasn't that bad then it'd be OK for temporary. Put it back when the Holiday is over.

Shadorne, you mknow I respect you and give you thumbs up all the time for your excellent advice but I really wish you wouldnt spread the matching center myth. There are so many speakers that are alteast VERY similar if not darn near identical that one can very easy get away with a carefully thought out non-matched option that will sound fantastic.....your too smart to not know that.
Not picking a fight and I really value your knowledge but this isnt one of those times.
BTW I run a center by same company now (VMPS) but have many times (as others have and do) not had that ability for several reasons and it can be done!
In close count me as one who says Center channel is better than none in almost every single situation. Cheers

I would put in a conssesion stand with sour patch kids and popcorn and all that befoer a center channel.

Thanks to all who've taken the time to offer their opinions.

I'll run downstairs now and do some more watching/listening to see if I still feel the same about my absent center channel.

I've been contemplating purchasing the matching center channel for my Maxx 2's but have been utilizing the B&W HTM1 in the meantime. (Got a couple more upgrades higher in the food chain in the works.... shhhhh don't tell the wife!)

Once the holidays are over I'll think about putting the HTM1 back in it's spot to see how big of a difference it makes.