Do I really need a center channel?

[Cwoodall334]

Right now, I've got the Polk RM6750 speaker system. I was thinking about upgrading the fronts since they don't produce the range I want. My question is since my room is only about 20x15 ish probably even a little smaller, do I really need the center channel if I upgrade the fronts to 2 good towers? I was looking at the Polk RTI10. Any feedback is appreciated.

[Marcusarilius]

Ahhhhh, YES! If you are watching movies thru a 5.1 system, you will not get a voice track unless you listen in stereo mode.

[Cwoodall334]

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

Ahhhhh, YES! If you are watching movies thru a 5.1 system, you will not get a voice track unless you listen in stereo mode.

Oh. I thought I heard somewhere that you could turn off center channel and have those sounds sent to the left/right.

[Marcusarilius]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Oh. I thought I heard somewhere that you could turn off center channel and have those sounds sent to the left/right.

Yes. Its called Stereo. Even prologic delivered a designated center channel, but with some bleedover into the right and left speakers. You will want to use a Center Channel. Why wouldn't you?

[Ranger-R]

If your just going to play music, then no worries. Cinema your going to need it.

[DavePS3]

If don't have a center speaker, you can throw the receiver (most anyway) into phantom mode which places the center information through your fronts but the real advantage of the center speaker is isolating the dialogue so you can hear it better above the effects, music etc. The center should match your fronts in terms of general tone otherwise in comparison to the two fronts, your voices will sound muffled or tinny. I'ts a good investment. I doubt you'll find anyone who will tell you different.

[Cwoodall334]

Thanks everybody. I was just trying to find a way to save money while upgrading.

[Marcusarilius]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Thanks everybody. I was just trying to find a way to save money while upgrading.

That statement just might be an oxymoron.

[Stephie_is_a_dork]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Right now, I've got the Polk RM6750 speaker system. I was thinking about upgrading the fronts since they don't produce the range I want. My question is since my room is only about 20x15 ish probably even a little smaller, do I really need the center channel if I upgrade the fronts to 2 good towers? I was looking at the Polk RTI10. Any feedback is appreciated.

Only if you like movies with dialogue

[Kratos3]

There are many receivers(such as my own) that allow you to turn off the center channel. In the menu, just designate the center channel as "none." When you do this, all the center information is sent to the fronts. Check in your receiver's menu or manual to see if this is a possibility. That being said, you won't get the full cinema experience without the center channel, but if you want to upgrade to better fronts and buy a better center channel later, it is one way to go. What make and model of receiver do you own?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Oh. I thought I heard somewhere that you could turn off center channel and have those sounds sent to the left/right.

You might be thinking of sub out puts.

[musicman1999]

Any good receiver will let you set your center to no or none and the signal will be rolled into the L and R speakers.


bill

[Lucy Diamond]

I actually built my system that way.

I had two fronts for a few weeks and then I got a center channel for my birthday.

At this point you will get much better and smoother sound running in stereo.

You CAN listen to 5.1 tracks and the dialogue WILL go left and right, but you will find yourself turning the volume up to hear what people are saying and then you will jump to grab your remote when something explodes because it will blow...balls out...through the only two speakers you have and it will be VERY loud.

How do I say this...YES...you neeeeeeeed a center channel.

It's for your own good.

Now....at this point...you can have just a center and fronts and enjoy a great soundstage until you finish out your rig, but please get yourself I decent center. It's arguably the most important speaker.

Enjoy and good luck.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Right now, I've got the Polk RM6750 speaker system. I was thinking about upgrading the fronts since they don't produce the range I want. My question is since my room is only about 20x15 ish probably even a little smaller, do I really need the center channel if I upgrade the fronts to 2 good towers? I was looking at the Polk RTI10. Any feedback is appreciated.

Yes you do.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Oh. I thought I heard somewhere that you could turn off center channel and have those sounds sent to the left/right.

Yes you can, technically you don't need one but if you have a 5.1 system - it would be much better to have a center.

[tommyboy81]

Yes and you'll want a good one to. Nothing cheesie

[ManUtd]

In HT, most of the sound will be coming out of the center speaker, so it is necessary.

[dialog_gvf]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Right now, I've got the Polk RM6750 speaker system. I was thinking about upgrading the fronts since they don't produce the range I want. My question is since my room is only about 20x15 ish probably even a little smaller, do I really need the center channel if I upgrade the fronts to 2 good towers? I was looking at the Polk RTI10. Any feedback is appreciated.

For movies it is perhaps the most important speaker in your system.

And it is vitally important it be timbre matched to your left and right (otherwise audio pans will sound wierd). This is why it is common to recommend the same speaker maker, and possibly model line, for the three fronts.

So, Polk experts: What Polk center would go well with his current set?

Gary

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

For movies it is perhaps the most important speaker in your system.

And it is vitally important it be timbre matched to your left and right (otherwise audio pans will sound wierd). This is why it is common to recommend the same speaker maker, and possibly model line, for the three fronts.

So, Polk experts: What Polk center would go well with his current set?

Gary

Any of the CSi series. The CSi5 is recommended. http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/csi5/

[nycomet]

I set my previous Sony receiver to Phantom mode and it totally diminished the surround sound effect. In essence, it was a Phantom Menace. Use the center speaker (and the rears too).