Center speaker for stereo listening

TennMan
TennMan Posts: 1,266
edited March 2011 in 2 Channel Audio
This has probably been covered many times before but I have not found it here on Polk Club. I have found bits and pieces on the Internet but I would like input for Polk fans.

Is there really a way to get better sound in a 2 channel stereo setup by using a center speaker that, when setup correctly, will extract information from the left and right channels to provide better imaging or anything else that would enhance the listening experience? I've heard bits and pieces about how to do this over the last 20 years but have never talked to anyone who has tried it.

Would someone with knowledge about doing this tell me if it's worth pursuing or if its all smoke and mirrors that would just waste my time and effort. Any information or comments would be appreciated.!
  • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
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Post edited by TennMan on
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Comments

  • chandler9a
    chandler9a Posts: 878
    edited March 2011
    Well I personally have never heard of that, Tenn. Unless we are talking about audio/video listening for live shows, that is the only time I've heard of this sort of thing.

    I will say however, it sounds like you need to enter the world of SDA's though:wink: It might be fun for you to try out and see if you like it. I would look for some smaller ones around your area, I've seen them pop up near you from time to time.
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  • cubdog
    cubdog Posts: 835
    edited March 2011
    I believe early Klipschorns were designed to be used with a center channel speaker. Someone here will know for sure.

    cubdog
    Shuguang Classic S8MK
    Emotiva XDA-2
    Bel Canto M300 mono blocks
    Bel Canto DAC 1.5
    Squeezebox Touch
    Sony SS-M7
    A/D/S L710
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  • cubdog
    cubdog Posts: 835
    edited March 2011
    In fact, now that I think about it, the Heresy was originally designed as a center for the Horns in a three channel system. That had to have been in the fifties so I guess all would have been driven by tube monoblocks. I'd loke to hear that setup today.

    cubdog
    Shuguang Classic S8MK
    Emotiva XDA-2
    Bel Canto M300 mono blocks
    Bel Canto DAC 1.5
    Squeezebox Touch
    Sony SS-M7
    A/D/S L710
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited March 2011
    The link below will help explain the concept. There are lots .pdfs that have technical papers and wiring diagrams. It's all a little over my head and it might just be a bunch of nonsense. There is a lot out there about it. Just Google "center channel stereo" It's nothing new. Patents were issued in the '30s for different ideas on how to do it that may or may not have worked.

    Stereo w/c enter channel

    I would love to have a chance to audition SDA's sometime.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2011
    Room treatments, better speakers, and/or better gear would help. A properly set up 2 channel setup will have a larger soundstage than a 3 speaker setup.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,081
    edited March 2011
    Seems silly to me. A good pair of stereo speakers create an excellent center channel image. Just my $0.02.
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited March 2011
    Conradicles wrote: »
    Seems silly to me. A good pair of stereo speakers create an excellent center channel image. Just my $0.02.

    Agreed. Center was primarily a home theater thing. Any time you extrapolate data it usually does not have a good outcome.
    Main Surround -
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited March 2011
    I'm determined to try the Trinaural Processor at some point in my audio lifetime. Three electrostats, a couple tubed monoblocks, and the Trinaural Processor. Hell I should try it now - buy one more 'Logan Source and the Trinaural Processor.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited March 2011
    Guess I'd need 3 monoblocks for that application.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
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