Should I buy a power amp.

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.   

You can certainly do both HT & 2 Ch. Several approaches and might include:

Anthem Pre-pro, (my son enjoys it) and it leaves you to use some very nice amplifiers ...tube amps for main L & R Klipsch & something else for the center?

Happy listening