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Center channel questions

I currently listen to my TV sources using a normal two channel stereo. Its very high end but my wife and I often cant understand dialog and other times the sound track background noises and music overwhelm the dialog. Is this because we are missing the center channel information?

I understand the the center channel is dedicated mostly to voices so the addition of a center channel might clarify our problem.

If i am correct I would be looking for a center channel decoder. (I don't want to buy a 5.1 channel system, just a mono amp being driven by a center channel decoder if such a thing exists. Please comment and or make suggestions.
keis
dbtom2
382 posts
 
@keis 

It's not clear whether it's your TV or your 2 channel stereo is high end. In any event, for as good as the picture is on high-def TVs, the audio can be awful. Even on high end TVs. 

Check the Audio Output settings on the TV. You may have it set to surround. 

Or...

Get a soundbar. Mine has a wireless sub. Very boomy but I can hear the dialog. Shop wisely. The downside to this is that you've bypassed your two channel system if you enjoy music on television.



tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
"I don't want to buy a 5.1 channel system, just a mono amp being driven by a center channel decoder if such a thing exists."

I don't think such a thing exists, and if it did, there is a good possibility you would have a sync problem with the main speakers.

Does your main system have HT bypass capability?
 
ricred1
1,976 posts
 
I was in a similar situation...Initially I purchased a AVR to drive my center channel, but ended up purchasing rears. I use my preamp’s HT bypass when l’m watching television or movies. The AVR is turned off when I’m listening to 2-channel. Some would say my system is Highend and I thought this was the most economical way to improve the dialog when watching television and movies. 
erik_squires
15,662 posts
 
It can be partly the speakers you are using, and partly lack of the center. A good center adds significant clarity.

I used to be on the "phantom center is good enough" camp, but after experimentation and research I am no longer. A center is noticeably better, and a neutral center is the best. :) Look for Monitor Audio as a solid affordable brand.
theo's avatar
theo
2,659 posts
 
The only way you can "de-code" the center channel track is with an AVR. This would take the same space as a separate amp. However you would have 2 volumes to deal with, the 2 channel system and the AVR, this would become annoying. Unless your 2 channel preamp has unitygain. The other option is to not use the 2 channel system and buy a good sound bar, as mentioned above.
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