big screen - two channel system enough for dialog?


If I have a large screen (100"+), will I need a dedicated center channel to hear dialog well??

My priority is music, and movies are mostly drama and comedies where dialog is critical. Surround effects are NOT a priority. Many folks here believe you can get much better value from 2 channel systems, but I am getting older and dialog intelligibility is key.

I am concerned about blu-rays needing to downmix from 5 to 2 channels and with such a big screen and separation of my mains, will two channels just make the dialog more diffuse??
tswei99
A center channel is not necessary IMO. If your speakers image well and you sit in the sweet spot they will work just fine. If you don't sit in the sweet spot the voices will not come from the right spot though.
It should reinforce center (improve imaging) for off center sitting position.
Mitch, how many seats do you have in your movie theater?
What's currently shown in there?
Stereo is great if you are sitting in the sweet spot. if sitting off to the side all dialog will obviously sound unnatural.
mitch, could I ask why you installed the surround system if stereo was OK for dialog?