I've read in a few different articles offering up the same opinion with the center channel (along with the sub) as being of high importance, at least in surround sound setup. Which makes sense being the center handles hf and dialogue and the sub the sound effects and such. You have any recommendations for brands to match timbre?
Timbre matching usually happens within the same model line of speakers produced by the manufacturer and when lucky across a lot of line ups by the same manufacturer. There are excellent recommendations being made here. I happen to like PSB, the company founder a trained violinist who decided to change careers and build some very good bang for your buck speakers.
These are pics of my main system with the grills off. Towers are PSB Image T65, Center is an Image 8C, Surrounds are Image 1B and the speakers I use for ATMOS are PSB CS1000.