My current audio setup is a Denon AVR-S710W receiver with a set of Monoprice LRC, surround, sub speakers. I just ordered a pair of KEF Q100 speakers and was wondering if I should stick with a 5.1 setup or could get by with a 2.1?
If 5.1 what relatively affordable speaker do you suggest for my center channel? Is $200-$300 realistic? Is it o.k. to use inexpensive Monoprice speakers for the rears?
For either 5.1 or 2.1, what relatively affordable sub do you all suggest?
Thanks!
Use the KEFs for the Front L/R, move the MP to surround duty.
You really want the front 3 in a 5.1 setup to be from the same brand and the same line of speakers.
But, you could try the center channel as the MP and see how it sounds. Look for material that has the sound pan from left to right and see if it sounds odd when the sound pans. Some room correction may be able to mitigate differences, but that isn't ideal.
Of course, a "phantom center" is an option-- no center channel at all and let the L/R handle it. It just depends on how well you L/R image. I really don't need a center channel, my mains image so well.
