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Best way to generate center-speaker.

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Hi, I want to edge my way into home theather, having already spent too much on a Stereo system. I was thinking of just buying a center speaker and trying to come up with some cheap amplification -- a powered speaker would be nice, and then trying to either integrate it with the TV speakers or my stereo speakers.
Am I deluding myself here? Do I need some sort of processor to generate the center dialog? Of course, it would be nice to buy a whole home theater setup, but I am not into that at the moment.
Anyone have any suggestions for what I am trying to accomplish? Or is this idea really hair-brained?

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Thanks for your responses. - jedinvest 13:47:14 03/22/02 (0)
Thanks everyone for your responses.
Yeah, it is pretty foolish getting a different center speaker. It would be like using different left and right speakers.
My next stereo speaker purchase will have to include the center speaker unless I go for the 5+ speaker home theater arrangement.
Thanks to the last respondent who now has me contemplating a HT-processor purchase.
There are lots of options. - bilbobaggins 08:54:03 03/22/02 (0)
Well, I appreciate your dilemma. I hope my post will answer what you are really asking. You need a processor. If you are just getting into surround and are going to use high quality mains, the center channel should be as good.
However, with Dolby Prologic the center channel is matrixed L+R, the rears are L-R (mono), so I guess you could sum the L+R from the amp and run a center channel that way. --But, you would still need to be able to balance the volume for the center separately.
Ed Frias sells a PASSIVE processor that should be able to do the trick.
http://www.audioreview.com/AV+Preamplifier/EFE+Technology+PRO-ONE/PRD_118267_2719crx.aspx

For preamp processors,
there are plenty of relatively low cost options that will sound better than getting a receiver.
The Sherwood Newcastle AV 9080R pre/pro ($1200 list) sells for under $400 at audiogon as it was discontinued.
The Acurus ACT-3 BAM sells for around $600 ($2000 list) and is also discontinued.
Or you can get the Outlaw 950 pre/pro with all the latest modes for $899 -- like me.
If you don't want Dolby Digital, DTS and all that digital processing,
you could go with the analog Citation (7.0???) pre/pro (used to list for $4,000) I think and has the acclaimed 6-axis mode. It routinely sells for $400-600 dollars as very few want ANALOG pre/pros. But it should hold its own for surround sound music.
I know of very few powered speakers, especially center channels and/or that are inexpensive. Definitive Technologies makes a center channel with a built in powered sub but you would still need an amp. The Paradigm Active series may be an option. Diva by Swans M200 is a powered speaker and may be your best choice for quality with a minimal investment at $200/pair. If you get the Diva's please post on how they work out.
http://www.av123.com/divaproducts.html
Good Luck.
Don't do this on the cheap - Lasermeister 17:40:47 03/21/02 (3)
In home theater, the center channel is your most important one, as most of the dialog and a large amount of other info comes out of it. However, you don't have to have one to get going, as you can set your receiver or processor to a mode where it just sends the center channel info to the left and right stereo speakers. This will work fine, particularly if just one person is watching the movie and sitting in between the left and right speakers. You will get a "phantom" center image in between the two speakers.
Todd
- Don't do this on the cheap - woodduck 19:32:48 03/21/02 (1)
  Agreed! When I obtained a HT receiver, I used it as a preamp with matching stereo amps in front, using one for the left and right channels and one channel of the other for the center channel.
  However, I did not have a third speaker that timber-matched the other two speakers. I tried one from each of three other pairs that I have, but none were close. The "phantom", "ghost", or "virtual" center channel obtained by selecting "no center speaker" was far superior to using the center amp with a non-matching speaker. I finally purchased for the center channel a pre-owned speaker of the same manufacture that does timber-match the left and right speakers.
  Although matching the rears to the front speakers is not as critical, it is generally best to do so if possible. And yes, receiver quality is important, especially with regard to the DAC and the preamp sections.
  - Re: Don't do this on the cheap - tourist 02:06:52 03/22/02 (0)
    I sure am glad that I am not the only one. I too find that using phantom center speaker superior to a cheapie center. I will keep using phantom till I could get my hand on a better center.
- I second that. I tried and failed (dismally) - John C. - Aussie 19:08:37 03/21/02 (0)
  Some years ago my thought processes went along the same "cheapie" lines. Ye Gods, the sound was atrocious.
  So, deep breath, if you like good sound, then get used to the idea that your centre channel will cost the same speaker and amplifier wise as one of your two stereo ones.
  Furthermore, there are HUGE differences in how well processors change the digital matrix to discrete analog. Try to save there (yes, I'm also guilty of that) and you will end up with crappy sound.
  Much as it irritates those dedicated to 2CH, surround sound IS great BUT you must be prepared to spend up if you want good results.
  Bottom line, if there are budgetary restraints at the moment, wait until the finances are better. Otherwise you will waste dollars and be most unhappy with the result. Enjoy your 2CH until you can upgrade to that standard elsewhere.
  John
  
  Peace at AA
Best way to generate center-speaker. - woodduck 17:37:42 03/21/02 (0)
Well, this is simply not a productive approach to home theater, so save some money and effort. First, with a stereo preamp or receiver there is no benefit in purchasing a processor that merely creates a composite center channel. Anything more sophisticated costs more than a mid-level HT receiver. Second, adding a center channel with cheap amplification would be detrimental to the sonic performance of your system. Third, never engage the television sound system when you have nice equipment to use; TV amplifiers and speakers are generally very cheap.
The best that you can do without a HT preamp/processor or receiver is to utilize a very good hifi stereo VCR to provide video-out to the TV and audio line-out to the stereo preamp or receiver. Use the best possible video connection (e.g. component or S-video) to the TV and use excellent audio interconnect cables to the preamp.
Actively seek a nice pre-owned HT 5.1 receiver having DTS, Dolby Digital, and Pro Logic processing. Receivers are often sold as individuals upgrade to obtain units with additional features and/or processing enhancements. Good Luck.

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