2.1 or 3.1

I have a 2.1 setup currently for my main living room tv.
Polk T15 bookshelf
Polk PSW108 sub
Pioneer VSX524K receiver
I know setting up rear speakers is going to be a challenge with what I call "wife acceptance factor" so I have ruled those out.
My question is will adding a center channel be worth it?
Right now my receiver is downmixing to stereo and I'm not sure if downmixing to 3.1 will be an option or if I will be missing sounds. Just looking for advice.
If I did get a center channel I will probably stick with the T series center.
Thanks in advance!
Polk T15 bookshelf
Polk PSW108 sub
Pioneer VSX524K receiver
I know setting up rear speakers is going to be a challenge with what I call "wife acceptance factor" so I have ruled those out.
My question is will adding a center channel be worth it?
Right now my receiver is downmixing to stereo and I'm not sure if downmixing to 3.1 will be an option or if I will be missing sounds. Just looking for advice.
If I did get a center channel I will probably stick with the T series center.
Thanks in advance!
Best Answers
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Legender Posts: 478
The center channel will carry most, if not all, of the voices for movies... so you get the feeling that the characters are directly in front of you. The rears and sides carry extra sounds/noises that add to the full experience but don't think you'll be hurting yourself by only adding a center... my opinion, anyways. -
tonyb Posts: 32,572
andyrblank wrote: »My concern is without the rear speakers will switching to a mode that supports the center channel cause some of the audio to be pushed to a rear channel that doesn't exist? I guess it's really a question for Pioneer but I was curious to hear from those experienced with 3.1.
When you set up the receiver for 3.1, you simply set it up like a 5.1 only you select no or none for rear speakers. Your receiver will route those surround signals to the front left and right. It's not going to give you that immersive 5.1 surround feel, but you won't lose information either.
Answers
I actually ran a Polk 3.1 for a while, and loved it. I have a 6.2 system right now and honestly can't tell much of a difference. Surround for most media such as tv shows and movies is poor. Games are where it really helps; nevertheless, I don't LOVE it. The center channel adds much more.