Centre Speaker

vishnuvj

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I am using a 2.1 out of a 5.1 stereo system with Denon AVR. I have a spare Onkyo centre speaker. If I connect it to Denon will it sound any better?
 
I am not getting the concept here. If you brought your AVR for a home theatre experience, go for 5.1; if you want music, then stick to 2.1. And which are your LR speakers at the moment?
 
Depends really, the only way to to find out is, try it out
We don't know how good your old centre speaker is
 
I am not getting the concept here. If you brought your AVR for a home theatre experience, go for 5.1; if you want music, then stick to 2.1. And which are your LR speakers at the moment?
Front R and L are Jamo with Yamaha sub. Basically I am happy steaming on 2.1. This is my bedroom setup so no tv nor wifi. I mostly stream music and play CDs. I watch movies and OTT on laptop and use the system for some movies but mostly I use Bose headphones for movies.
 
Depends really, the only way to to find out is, try it out
We don't know how good your old centre speaker is
Yes of course I connected and tried it but there’s not much difference. Since Denon AVR is not connected to wifi (modem is located in other bedroom) I can’t calibrate or use Audessey. I just put this post to get some inputs. End of the day I am very happy listening to music with 2.1.
 
If your primary usage is around 80% music listening, then it’s better to prioritize your left and right (LR) speakers rather than adding a center channel. Music is typically recorded and mixed in stereo, which means it’s intended to be experienced through just two main speakers. Adding a center speaker in such a setup often doesn’t provide a benefit and, in some cases, can even reduce the overall musicality or coherence of the soundstage.

In your case, pairing Jamo LR speakers with an Onkyo center may not give you the best tonal match, since center channels are designed to blend seamlessly with the left and right speakers of the same series. A mismatch can lead to inconsistencies in timbre, which become more noticeable when listening critically.

Another consideration is how AV receivers distribute power. Most AVRs are optimised to deliver maximum performance in a two-channel setup. When you run just the left and right channels, the receiver can devote more of its available power to those channels, resulting in better resolution, dynamics, and clarity. Splitting power across three or more channels can reduce that impact, which is not ideal if your focus is on high-quality music playback.

Therefore, a simple 2.1 setup (left, right, plus subwoofer) is usually the best choice for music-heavy listening. You’ll get a wider, more natural stereo image, better integration of bass, and more overall resolution than trying to incorporate a mismatched center speaker.


cheers
vishnu
 
If your primary usage is around 80% music listening, then it’s better to prioritize your left and right (LR) speakers rather than adding a center channel. Music is typically recorded and mixed in stereo, which means it’s intended to be experienced through just two main speakers. Adding a center speaker in such a setup often doesn’t provide a benefit and, in some cases, can even reduce the overall musicality or coherence of the soundstage.

In your case, pairing Jamo LR speakers with an Onkyo center may not give you the best tonal match, since center channels are designed to blend seamlessly with the left and right speakers of the same series. A mismatch can lead to inconsistencies in timbre, which become more noticeable when listening critically.

Another consideration is how AV receivers distribute power. Most AVRs are optimised to deliver maximum performance in a two-channel setup. When you run just the left and right channels, the receiver can devote more of its available power to those channels, resulting in better resolution, dynamics, and clarity. Splitting power across three or more channels can reduce that impact, which is not ideal if your focus is on high-quality music playback.

Therefore, a simple 2.1 setup (left, right, plus subwoofer) is usually the best choice for music-heavy listening. You’ll get a wider, more natural stereo image, better integration of bass, and more overall resolution than trying to incorporate a mismatched center speaker.


cheers
vishnu
I completely agree with you. These were my thoughts too but still wanted to check out. Thank you.
 
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