Center Channel on an Integrated Stereo Amplifier

the other issue is matching the center to the mains...I'm actually in the process of turning my 5.1 into a 2.1

After having 2 complete home theater systems,I went right back to good ole 2 channel 8 or 9 yrs ago.

I don't miss it one bit.

Give us details of your system and maybe we can help you with the setup to get you closer to the sound that you think you desire.

Kenny.

@shawnpmathew:

I agree with the other posters on the thread that it is probably best to stay with 2.1.

HOWEVER, To answer your question and to address your needs, I, and I believe others, will need some more information.

1. Where is the 3.X channel signal coming from? The TV? The Cable Box? Another source?

2. What is that signal being transferred over? HDMI? Another type? For example, if you are using the Optical out of a TV, in many cases it will be limited to 2.1 channels.

Please know that I am not suggesting that you do this, but simply answering what you have posted in your thread.....

The simplest solution is to replace your PrimaLuna with an AVR.

[Again, I am not recommending this, but it is a solution.]

If you keep your PrimaLuna then you need to have something that switches seamlessly between 2ch and HT. The PrimaLuna may allow for bypass or passthrough, and if this is the case, then it can still serve as a hub. However, that will still mean that you need something to process the extra channel signal and an amplifier for the additional channel. Further complicating things is keeping everything 'sounding' the same since you will have to match the center to your L/R speakers and (less so) the amp and cabling and volume across all three channels.

The above para is a quick, short take on the complications one gets into with the type of setup you are looking for, which is why most don't go to the trouble. The results are very good when done right, but it is usually a pricey road.

You haven't mentioned which DAC you are using with the PrimaLuna, but an option I considered to get to true 3.1 was the new OPPO Digital UDP-205 directly feeding an NAD M27. The NAD has 7 channels and if I needed to biamp speakers, I would be able to use 6 of those, and likely a 7th for extra sub duties, since the OPPO is .1 only.

And then factor in what the money spent on the center channel could do to improve your 2.1    curious if you listened to the 5.1 as a 3.1 also...