Center channel and/or sub needed?

[ZeppFan]

I am in the process of creating my first "real" home theater/ music system. I will probably never afford anything top of the line, but I'm trying to eventually piece together a descent system as I go, that hopefully works together.

I currently have a Yamaha RX 573 receiver and have just purchased a pair of Infinity Primus p363 tower speakers as my main left/ rights. I read many nice reviews on these speakers as being a good bang for the buck (just paid $280 with shipping from Frys.com).

I also ordered a pair of new Pinnacle S-Fit LCR250 speakers because I couldn't pass them up for $55 a piece online. I know they are designed to be center channel speakers, and I still my want to try to use one of them as a center channel, but I figured I could use them as my rear satellites for now; probably a little more speaker than I need in the rear, but I thought they were nice speakers.

I'm wondering what the simulated "surround sound" signal from the receiver will sound like without a center channel. I can't really afford a good center right now, so I'm debating whether simply adding a slightly older, mis-matched, but descent one will help or hurt the sound. I don't want to take away from the quality of the Infinity tower speakers, but will there be a "gap" in the sound without a center channel hooked up?

Am I better off waiting until I can afford a "matching" center channel speaker, using a different brand, or not having one at all?

My last question is if you think I will need a powered sub to go with those speakers? The frequency on those Infinities looks like it goes down to 35Hz or so, but I'm not sure that's quite enough on the lower end to satisfy all home theater needs as well as a nice well-rounded sounded stereo.

I know this is quite a loaded question, so I'd appreciate any input,
Thanks

 

[Grador]

Mismatched centers can work, but you need to be VERY careful when selecting one. I think you'd probably be best off waiting. You can run a 4.0 or 4.1 system just fine, the biggest thing the center does for you is gives better imaging for a wider seating area. Generally if you're in the sweet spot of a 2 channel system sound can still sound like it's coming directly from the screen.

 

[twoeyedbob]

You could cheat and get an infinity bookshelf spkr(or 2) from the same range...if they do such a thing ?
I tried several centre's but it was never right until i got a Matched centre from the same maker and range as the rest.


Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk 2

 

[zhimbo]

"My last question is if you think I will need a powered sub to go with those speakers? The frequency on those Infinities looks like it goes down to 35Hz or so,"

About 45HZ looks more realistic: LINK TO REVIEW W/MEASUREMENTS. The 38Hz quoted by Infinity might be a -9db or -10db limit.

A Stereophile review of an earlier version (the p360) gives the -6db point as 42Hz.

You'll want a subwoofer.

 

[mpompey]

The phantom center your receiver will create will "appear" directly in the middle between your fronts. Those Primus bookshelfs may play 35Hz but I am sure they aren't flat to 35Hz. They will struggle to give the same experience a decent sub can provide.

 

[j_garcia]

Go order another one of thsose LCR250s. Should work fine as a center (thus the designation LCR) with the added bonus of your front stage being identical.

The review of the Infinity towers here was not 100% positive. There's a better value out there - the Pioneer FS52 towers. Cost less and by all accounts here, a better performer. I've heard the P363 at Frys and felt they were decent, and I own the P163 as well. Their frequency ratings are +/-3dB, so the rating at the bottom I would expect to be at least -6dB, so not a usable measure of what they are actually capable of. My P163s claim 49Hz capability and I can say for sure that is not the case. They are good sounding speakers, but after picking up a pair of the Pioneers, I the P163s are looking for a new home