center channel speakers - stupid noob question

quote:

Originally posted by Frank Abela:
Pace,

I presume you're using th TV as the source here. If so, you can use it as a stereo input to an integrated amplifier and then either use a pair of speakers to give you stereo sound or a centre speaker. Now, if you use a pair of speakers - i.e. it would be a traditional stereo systemk, provided you setup the speakers correctly you should get a very good result, and a lot better than the undoubted rubbish available from the TV.

If you really wanted a centre speaker, then yes, a mono switch would be very handy to ensure you get all that's available from the TV.

As to speakers themselves, you can use one of a pair or you can use a dedicated centre. However, dedicated centre speakers only really get good once you're spending fairly good money. In my view I prefer the stereo solution since that gives me a spread of sound rather than focussing it all in the centre all the time. It is nice to hear some of the sounds moving in relation to what's happening on the screen - it makes it more believable.

If you decide to go this route and intend to place the speaker(s) quite close to the TV, ensure that the speakers are shielded. Speakers have big magnets in them which can cause picture bleed, or discolouration, unless the speaker is shielded. All centre speakers are shielded. If you choose unshielded speakers, they typically need to be a foot or more away from the TV. Incidentally, this colour bleed only applies to traditional CRT TVs - it doesn't affect more modern panels such as plasma or LCD.