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I rarely use center channel with processor

I set up my processor, nad m17 v2i, so that I can alternate between six channel or five channel(without center). I’m finding that my mains which are B&W 802D3, don’t really need the center channel for most streaming. I am biamping with tubes and solid state so that may be helping the quality

The vocals come through just fine on the main speakers.  Overall things sound better. It’s easy to toggle back-and-forth for purposes of excluding the center.

Does anyone else not use a center speaker because it is better to use only the mains?  I will admit I occasionally use the center channel sometimes when I need the vocal sound to come through better but it rarely happens. 

emergingsoul
erik_squires
17,538 posts
 

I should add that I did upgrade my center in the past year.  The original one was  rather smaller, 2 way which couldn't go very deep.  Went from dual 5" woofers to dual 6.5" and a low cut off of around 100 Hz to 60 Hz, and passive to active. 

The difference in the sense of fullness and weight was noticeable. After the upgrade though I can't tell if the center is on or off except sitting off-axis, so for this reason I think if the OP is hearing a big difference, his center may not be fully set up yet. 

emergingsoul OP
1,526 posts
 

@erik_squires 

When I listen to the system and the center is off the sound appears to be coming from the center so I think it's set up correctly.

I think people buy centers because it seems to be a necessary thing to do.  If you feel you need to buy a center buy something that's meaningful otherwise just rely on the mains.

 

erik_squires
17,538 posts
 

When I listen to the system and the center is off the sound appears to be coming from the center so I think it's set up correctly.

That just tells you it's on.  As I mentioned before, in various different ways, getting the correct tonal matching and avoiding placement issues matters as well. 

emergingsoul OP
1,526 posts
 

@erik_squires 

As I mentioned above, I think it has to do with mains being supported with tubes and the center being solid state.  Not sure many people use tubes with center speakers, although tubes I feel are better with vocal stuff.  Maybe this is part of the rationale for why it might sound better to not use a center.

mahler123
3,991 posts
 

My center was out for a while (something happened to the cable in a long run, and it took a few weeks and maneuvering through a drop ceiling to make the switch).  During that time I had great difficulty understanding dialogue.  I barely noticed a difference with multichannel music.  I have some RCA Living Stereo SACDs that were remixed in 3.1 because they were originally recorded in 3 channels and I didn’t even perceive much of a difference when I played a few of them

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