Lindahl
02-27-2006, 12:17 AM
How much of a difference is 3.1 versus 2.1, considering the pretty clear and neutral speakers (Ascend 170SEs), in a bedroom environment (16x13), where I have complete flexibility of placement across the front? Approx. 9-10 feet from speakers.
I'm wondering if I should add a center (HTM200) to make the dialog more clear (comparable to 5.1). Or is the center speaker really only for imaging? If so, considering that I have complete flexibility for lateral front placement, would this be only a minor incremental improvement?
I'll have a dedicated theater downstairs with a 7.1 setup for when I want the full experience. However, I will be watching 5.1 OTA HDTV and some movies now and then in the bedroom. Usage would be 10% / 40% / 50% for movies / HDTV / music. Lets say 20% of HDTV would be 5.1 - with possibly using PLIIx during stereo to shift some of the sound into the center.
I do plan on testing it out myself, but wanted to get others' opinions as well (I have not placed my order yet, pending my relocation to another city).
NOTE: I may upgrade the center to a 340 or 170 at a much later point in time, so, in addition, opinions on this too would be nice.
I'm wondering if I should add a center (HTM200) to make the dialog more clear (comparable to 5.1). Or is the center speaker really only for imaging? If so, considering that I have complete flexibility for lateral front placement, would this be only a minor incremental improvement?
I'll have a dedicated theater downstairs with a 7.1 setup for when I want the full experience. However, I will be watching 5.1 OTA HDTV and some movies now and then in the bedroom. Usage would be 10% / 40% / 50% for movies / HDTV / music. Lets say 20% of HDTV would be 5.1 - with possibly using PLIIx during stereo to shift some of the sound into the center.
I do plan on testing it out myself, but wanted to get others' opinions as well (I have not placed my order yet, pending my relocation to another city).
NOTE: I may upgrade the center to a 340 or 170 at a much later point in time, so, in addition, opinions on this too would be nice.