upgrade from 5.1 to 6.1: rear center channel worth it?

[alexhsony]

Hi,

I'm currently running all SONY components: matching front and rear SS-LA500ED satellites, a SS-LAC505ED center channel, and a WD200 subwoofer, connected to an STR-DA2ES receiver, which supports 6.1

I'm still in college and purchased the components mainly for the stylish looks (I got them in silver), but also for the quality of sound and build quality for components valued at the time at around $2k+, but which I paid around $850 for on a great clearance deal at my local Good Guys.

However, I now have the bug to upgrade, and have read everything I could possibly find on the speakers I have. Since my da2es supports 6.1, I found another SS-LAC505ED center channel on ebay for around $200, which is much more than I paid for for the first one. My question is, is it worth it to upgrade to 6.1? For me, I will be living in apartments for another 5 years at least, and I enjoy the components for their design and looks as well as their sound. If I want to keep these speakers, and I've read that I should keep all the speakers the same for the best sound, would it be better for me to wait and purchase a better receiver? Is 6.1 even going to be around with many high end companies these days putting out only 7.1 systems?

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.

 

[JVC]

The sixth channel is worth the upgrade, but, I wouldn't use a center channel speaker. A center channel speaker is designed mainly for voices, with some background noises. I'd use the same kind of speaker as your surrounds, if possible. Then it's timbre matched, and won't sound different when a sound travels from a surround speaker to the rear center speaker (panning across the back).
Good luck with whatever you decide on................