Originally Posted by
battlefrog
Going with the CMT-340 Center for a strong front with a weaker back, or go with the CBM-170s for all around uniformity and quality.Battlefrog
I think you have pretty much outlined the differences already. I also was considering both of these configurations. Because of room/placement considerations for the surrounds, I decided on system #1. We also use the surround system for movies more often than music (about 70/30), so having perfect uniformity for the surround speakers was not quite as important as someone who may spend most of their time listening to music in a surround setting. Nicholas Mosher did a great review of the system you have outlined as #2 (sans sub).
I don't think you'll be dissatisfied with either choice.
Rich
What if the Hokey Pokey is what it's all about?