A real center speaker reproducing a discrete center signal is superior. It is that simple.
Center channel?
Background
My HT setup is comprised of an Oppo 105D and Sony XA5400ES as sources, a Cary Cinema 12 prepro, Parasound JC 1 mono blocks for LCR, a pair of KEF Reference 107/2s and a KEF R600C. I set up the center channel because the Sony sends DSD to the Cary, and its center channel is not distributed to the LR channels. The Oppo can be set to output LPCM, so the Cary can distribute its center channel to LR. I await delivery of a Bryston SP3 to replace the Cary; the SP3 will accept only LPCM from the Sony. Finally, the KEF 107/2s image very well, so a center channel is not needed for dialog. The issue is mch music via HDMI from the Sony.
Question
Assuming the SP3 receiving LPCM from the Sony can distribute the center channel to the LR channels, is there any reason not to take down the center channel to eliminate clutter between the LR speakers and facilitate stereo? I suppose I could sell the JC 1 and R600C now used for that channel. (I use an Ayre C-5xeMP and JC 2 BP for stereo.)
db
My HT setup is comprised of an Oppo 105D and Sony XA5400ES as sources, a Cary Cinema 12 prepro, Parasound JC 1 mono blocks for LCR, a pair of KEF Reference 107/2s and a KEF R600C. I set up the center channel because the Sony sends DSD to the Cary, and its center channel is not distributed to the LR channels. The Oppo can be set to output LPCM, so the Cary can distribute its center channel to LR. I await delivery of a Bryston SP3 to replace the Cary; the SP3 will accept only LPCM from the Sony. Finally, the KEF 107/2s image very well, so a center channel is not needed for dialog. The issue is mch music via HDMI from the Sony.
Question
Assuming the SP3 receiving LPCM from the Sony can distribute the center channel to the LR channels, is there any reason not to take down the center channel to eliminate clutter between the LR speakers and facilitate stereo? I suppose I could sell the JC 1 and R600C now used for that channel. (I use an Ayre C-5xeMP and JC 2 BP for stereo.)
db