2.1 or 3.1

andyrblank · February 2017

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!

Legender · February 2017

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.

cfrizz · February 2017

Welcome Andy, the center channel carries the bulk of movies and would be a very good addition to your setup.

andyrblank · February 2017

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.

andyrblank · February 2017

Btw @cfrizz thanks for the response!

cfrizz · February 2017

No, if there is no signal to rear speakers then sound won't be sent to them. Usually you have to go into the menu setting on the receiver and turn on the speakers.

tonyb · February 2017

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.

andrew82 · March 2017

With regards to whether or not the center channel would be worth it, it depends on which center channel you get. If you're going to get the T30, which looks like it retails for $100, then I'd say it's definitely worth it. I know nothing about a speaker, but adding center-channel audio for just $100 is going to be a huge marginal improvement over no center channel at all, especially if you have a varied seating arrangement in whichever room you've placed your system (better sound for all).

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.

2.1 or 3.1

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2.1 or 3.1

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