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Center Channel Needed?

My HT setup is currently biased towards two channel but I am running two fronts, a sub and two rears. I do not currently have the amplification or the speaker to run a center channel. The front speakers are the Aerial 10T's which are spaced 12 feet apart. The imaging during both two channel playback HT applications are super. I am not necessarily opposed to adding a center channel, but even at used prices, this addition would be somewhat pricy as I would need to get another amp and the center speaker. Would love some perspective from those of you that have added centers what I am missing from the current setup...will adding the center add a level of excitment and realism to HT playback? My assumption now is that running the processor in center channel phantom is just as good as adding a center due to the imaging the remiander of the system and the Aerials provide. Would especially love to hear from current 10T owners, but appreciate all feedback & comments.

Thanks
Ag insider logo xs@2xmattkimb96
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
The center channel plays a very different role for movies than for music. My (good) system is used only for music, and my center channel is identical the the front left and right, consisting of a custom two driver subwoofer system and MG1.6 planar speaker. For music, the center channel is most important and should be as good or even better than the others. Obviously there would be no room for a video screen.

For movies, the center channel is mostly for dialog. A superb full range speaker is not the best choice. Dialog is more easily heard and understood if the frequency response is restricted, and shaped to emphasize a certain range.
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mattkimb96 OP
107 posts
 
Appreciate all of the responses. With a total of five weighing in, it appears that it is 5-0 in favor of adding a center to the current mix. Not sure I would be able to find just one 10T, so will begin looking for the Aerial CC5 Center. Thanks again for all of the well thought out & informational responses.
brainwater
520 posts
 
Matt , i would consider contacting Aerial directy and posing the single 10 t query. This company is very customer friendly . As I said however , a cc5 is a great center and mates well with 10 s.
johnmcelfresh
97 posts
 
Matt,

I will weigh in with a slightly different perspective. My system is used for both movies and music, with music being the most important. My speakers are quite large and only about 9' apart. I can not impement an identical center speaker due to height restrictions. I have decided, after attempting to integrate a number of center channel options, that, in MY system:

1) A center channel (as I can implement it) is detrimental to music.
2) A center channel speaker (in my system) has small impact on movies - even those who sit on either side of the seating area hear dialog well centered. My speakers are well known for floating an outstanding image, and they handle the needs for phantom center beautifully.

So - every installation is different. Depending on your room, seating area, etc., you may not need a center channel speaker. (just my 2 cents).

John
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