Is a center speaker needed for streaming music?

Good4it

Good4it

Audioholic Chief
Does a center speaker add/subtract to a 2/1 music steaming system?
 
TLS Guy

TLS Guy

Seriously, I have no life.
Does a center speaker add/subtract to a 2/1 music steaming system?
If it is 2.1 then there is no center. A center speaker is never mandatory. Two good speakers and a sub can easily produce excellent clear and uncolored dialog. I'm listening to one that does just that right now.
 
2

2channel lover

Audioholic Field Marshall
Does a center speaker add/subtract to a 2/1 music steaming system?
Short answer is no.

It's doesn't factor at all in 2.1 system. Most streaming sources are not offering surround sound music so there's no reason to have a CC...multi-channel music is the only reason you would want a CC for music.
 
highfigh

highfigh

Seriously, I have no life.
Additional speakers aren't needed to reproduce sound that wasn't included in the stream and speakers that are correct for the room will have no problem creating a seamless 'front stage'- the center is produced by the output of both speakers equally because that info is the same in both channels. The difference information is what makes a mix 'stereo'.
 
MR.MAGOO

MR.MAGOO

Audioholic Field Marshall
why do you think it's called "streaming"? That feed comes directly from the sewer, a "stream" of garbage music. :rolleyes:
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
I wouldn't add a center to a 2ch system particularly for music. YMMV.
 
S

snakeeyes

Audioholic Ninja
If 5.1, DTS Neo6 Music mode isn’t bad upmixing 2.0 but I mostly listen to music in 2.1, unless it’s recorded in 5.1 such as a Blu-ray concert or a 5.1 SACD. YMMV :)
 
AVUser001

AVUser001

Full Audioholic
Assume you mean a real speaker for center channel in 2.1 music?

in which case, its not there to begin with(ie purely 2 channels L+R + Sub).
Or you talking about multi-channel sound ?

In a 2.1 system thats properly setup( optimal speaker/listening position without unwanted reflections that can distort the soundstage), you get a fantastic front stage with a phantom(virtual) center in the middle, without the aid of any other gimmick. I hear this virtual center, all the time, in my 2ch music setup. Dont miss a dedicated center channel.
 

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