A 5th Bookshelf or Center channel

[Zetram]

So I was thinking of setting up a budget 5.1 system. The Sony bookshelfs I'm getting are decent for the size and price. Shopping around I've noticed bookshelf's are for the most part, cheaper than center channels.

Would I loose sq by using 5 identical speakers, instead of getting a comparible center channel? What are the advantages of using a dedicated center channel instead of bookshelf?

 

[leo1058]

Using identical speakers is a great way to go. You will get the same sound stage all around you. Lets say your watching a movie and a plane or helicopter is flying over head, if you set up the levels right when that helicopter moves back and fourth the sound will bend in very well and will make it just a little more enjoyable
.
Dedicated center channel not much advantage or any. Most reviewers i read about like the
identical speaker setup. MY 2 CENTS.

 

[dronezero]

Going with 5 identical speakers would be the preferred method. Using a center channel is a compromise because usually people need to be able to fit it above or below their tv. If you have room using an identical speaker would be better.

 

[Zetram]

Thanks for the input. I'd also like to add a spin on this.... I may upgrade my fronts one day and go to 7.1. I was initially thinking of just replacing the front L/R w/ monitors. If i'm going w/ 5 bookshelves I would have to replace L/C/R right? If I got a decent center now I could be saving money in the end?

 

[bandphan]

Using identical speakers is a great way to go. You will get the same sound stage all around you. Lets say your watching a movie and a plane or helicopter is flying over head, if you set up the levels right when that helicopter moves back and fourth the sound will bend in very well and will make it just a little more enjoyable
.
Dedicated center channel not much advantage or any. Most reviewers i read about like the
identical speaker setup. MY 2 CENTS.

a center has a dedicated signal, as long as the upper freqs are timbre matched its fine.

Going with 5 identical speakers would be the preferred method. Using a center channel is a compromise because usually people need to be able to fit it above or below their tv. If you have room using an identical speaker would be better.

3 would be more correct, the surrounds are for effect. How is the center channel a compromise?

 

[Halon451]

If I were you, I would opt out of the Sony speakers altogether is you're worried about SQ.

For excellent timbre matching, you can always use three identical center channel speakers versus three identical bookshelves as well. The surrounds do not need to be as timbre matched as the front three, but it's still a good call to have them close, or same brand.

I came very close to doing the Center Channel box for L/C/R using AV123 x-cs's. I think it would have done a terrific job.

 

[dronezero]

a center has a dedicated signal, as long as the upper freqs are timbre matched its fine.



3 would be more correct, the surrounds are for effect. How is the center channel a compromise?

I didn't mean to say center channel. I was talking about the traditional horizontal MTM center speaker being a compromise. From my understanding he was looking at using a bookshelf for the center channel, which, I was saying, would be better than the horizontal MTM center.