Center or No Center

[TomK]

I would like to set up a surround speaker system in a small (10.5x11) room.
The system is only for music such as SACD Surround. The Sierra 1’s would be the main (front) speakers with two rear side speakers and maybe a sub woofer.
Could I get away without using a center speaker? I am trying to avoid the extra cost of a center speaker and the fact that the mains are not that far apart. (6 feet max) Anyone have an opinion?
Thanks,
Tom

[qwknuf6]

I think the center channel is needed , it has a large role in 5.1 channel music and movies .

Mark

[davef]

In a small room and if your home theater listening will primarily be on-axis (sitting directly in between the front left/right speakers) you could get away with using what is known as "phantom center" mode in your receiver. This works well but once you move off-axis, center channel dialogue and effects lose clarity...

[Hksvr4]

That's almost the size of my room. I have the 170's for the mains and a 340 center. I also sit in the middle and the mains are about 6ft apart. What Dave suggested is a good idea but when you have people sitting left or to the right of you then that's all they will hear. With a center, the vocals are spreadout and makes a better 5.1 surround. The mains are are for left and right sounds.