phantom center speaker experiences

[jomari]

so, just curious for those who has experienced using a phantom center speaker how well or difficult was it for you? im also understanding that
- essentially no signal is lost and is just transferred to the left and right channel, correct?
- seating position is immaculately needed to be in the middle. anyone who isnt, is screwed.

so i guess everyones going to watch a movie on top of me.

 

[CMonster]

It costs absolutely nothing to try so there's no reason not to give it a shot. I had been running a 3.1 system in the living room but was finding it difficult to hear dialog. After repeatedly changing the sound mode to Stereo for a couple of months I eventually decided to sell the center channel.

 

[Zing]

As CMonster stated, you really should try it. When I tried it, I found almost no difference without it than with but ONLY when seated in the center. Sitting off-axis (in my room) immediately proved a center channel speaker was required. YMMV.

 

[jomari]

thank you both. i will definitely give it a shot. i think its because everytime i turn it on to some sort of 'front speaker DSP, it kinda gives the fronts a bit more heft, and well, shows it has a lot to er... show. when i put it on '5.1' or DD surround, which is another DSP, the center is definitely taking up the show. its been a while, and with the kids and all, i havent dialed in my system.

recently got a new center speaker, and kinda matched the 5.25 baffles the mains have now, sounds so much better... but i am just excited to hear what others say about having a phantom center.

thank you again for the input.