Phantom center w/o center speaker sounds better?

Video Asylum

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I've been experimenting with my center channel and in at least one test I have found that I prefer NOT having the center channel speaker but running the receiver/processor in 'phantom' center channel mode. At least this was the case with a Dolby Digital concert DVD - Norah Jones Live in New Orleans.
It was obvious to my ears that her voice was much 'clearer' and more 'present' without the center channel speaker. I wonder if this is often the case or could it be a mismatch in my center channel amplification vs the main front Left and Right channels? My main Left and Right channels go through a PS Audio HCA2 stereo power amp while the center channel is coming direct from the Denon 3803 receiver. Yes, I did level match all channels and even experimented with turning up/down the center channel level - but in the end, I preferred not having the center channel speaker at all. Also note that the center channel speaker in my system is of the same brand and closely matched with my left/right main speakers - they all share the exact same 8" driver with integrated 'coaxial' tweater.
Your thoughts and opinions please. Thanks!

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Topic - Phantom center w/o center speaker sounds better? - AbeCollins 01:24:01 10/14/04 (6)

Think it's the mix - Robert Hamel 17:11:08 10/14/04 (1)

You might be right... - AbeCollins 20:07:25 10/14/04 (0)

Re: Phantom center w/o center speaker sounds better? - rico 07:43:30 10/14/04 (0)

Re: Phantom center w/o center speaker sounds better? - Lowrider 06:07:44 10/14/04 (0)

Re: Phantom center ... - Estes 06:03:32 10/14/04 (0)

Re: Phantom center w/o center speaker sounds better? - johnvb 05:42:05 10/14/04 (0)

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