Should I buy a power amp.

I suggest you buy or build a riser for your TV so you can place a center speaker directly below the middle of the monitor. We used temporary stacks of books to make sure the viewing angle/light reflections/clearance all worked together.

I had matching wood, but it could have been painted or stained ....

A back and ends to support a tempered glass shelf for the TV, so a 6-1/2" tall center channel speaker fits below

Here’s a Klipsch Center Channel (that's metal artwork on the wall above the TV)

I actually prefer the smaller Jamo shown below, matching cherry wood and it’s sensitivity matches my DBX Soundfield 100 Fronts

My Sony AVR sounds darn good, people dogmatically support the idea of separates, HT Pass Thru for Center, .... I listen to my music system, and my video system, I’m never tempted to change. I often change my Sony AVR settings to force 2 channel stereo of streamed programs, and often prefer that to whatever Pseudo Surround someone has created.

Blu-Rays, with excellent 5.1 Sound are Awesome.

I was under the impression that multichannel HT surround sound amplifiers like Anthem MRX “require” the front left, right, AND center channel speakers.  

I was under the impression that multichannel HT surround sound amplifiers like Anthem MRX “require” the front left, right, AND center channel speakers.  

Hey @kennyc , that’s mostly incorrect.  I haven’t touched EVERY receiver, but usually at least they’ll let you use a "phantom" center channel, with the sub and surrounds also being optional.

The phantom center is essentially the center signal routed to L and R.  In some cases you can set the level of the phantom separately, which helps you improve dialogue levels even if you don't actually have a real center. 

In all the cases I’ve seen only L and R are required. 

Best,

Erik 

OP 1st choice as he has Klipsch Mains, or anyone if OP uninterested (unable to send OP a private message)

I will list my Klipsch R-34C Center Channel Speaker for sale here if anyone wants, it is in excellent condition, fits under a riser, and has no rear port.

96 db sensitivity, 5.2" h; 6.2" d; 26" wide, 13 lbs.

$429. new, I would want only half of that,

I just checked USPS shipping, double boxed, to Kansas from NJ, around $47. including $200. insurance. Double boxed is required for insurance.

Klipsch R-34C Spec Sheet

@weazy365 I’ve lived through the journey you are embarking on.  I set up a HT space in a finished basement, 120 inch screen / native 4k projector, 5.2.2 atmos set up.  Initially, Home Theater was the priority, wasn’t even thinking about 2 channel use.  I was happy with the set up, happy with how 2 channel sounded until I started to then focus more on 2 Channel, once I went down the 2 channel rabbit hole… first came an amp for the fronts, then came a dedicated streamer, DAC.  Then came new Front Speakers, then came a separate pre for 2 channel and then… various front speakers, amps, digital front end set ups.  Currently I’ve got an Anthem MRX-1140, 4 k version.  What I found along the way, AVR’s can really limit your 2 channel performance, some are better than others as a pre for 2 channel but non I’ve had perform anywhere close to a Pre that is designed with 2 channel as the priority.  An AVR that has the ability to pass through analogue signals directly though for 2 channel do a better job, some AVRMs will shut down the rest of the receiver, that helps performance.  Unfortunately, Anthem AVR’s in the MRX series process all incoming signals, even analogue for 2 channel.  It can be really limiting in maximizing your 2 channel performance.  If you really like the sound now, I’d add the center channel and call it a day.  If you add an amp, you’ll likely then add a pre, you then will start to look at your speakers…. And want to upgrade those. Another lesson I learned is you’ll be far less critical of sound when you are using your set up for watching movies, once you start focusing on 2 channel, you’ll be far more critical of the sound, the impact of each component on the sound.  It can be a fun and rewarding journey and you absolutely can have a great 2 channel and HT set up that share the same space, gear, but delving into 2 channel gets way more expensive.