3 center channel speakers make sense? (1 Viewer)

[Chad_B]

Just curious. For my setup I am considering 3 center channel speakers instead of the conventional Front R/L and Center. Just wondering how significant(if at all) it would sound. Would there be a difference?

My setup is going to call for bookshelves because I dont have room for floorstanding. The reason why I am considering this is because the shelf I am going to place my Front R/L speakers on, I was thinking about laying them on their side to optimize space in the ET Center. If I were to go the 3 center route I would not have to lay them on their side as one "expert" said it would not be smart to do? So, does it make sense to get 3 centers? How much do I lose sound wise if any at all? Or Should I go the convetional route (R/L and center) and lay the R/L fronts on their sides? Or the convetional route and just stand the R/L up like they are designed?

I was thinking like 3 Infinity Alpha Centers vs. 2 Infinity Alpha 20s and 1 Infinity ALpha. Laying the 2 Alpha 20s on their sides to create more room in my shelves.

 

[Lee Distad]

There is also a fad right now called L/C/R speakers that can be oriented vertically or horizontally.

I see no cardinal errors in your plan, but I'm kind of odd that way.

 

[Jesse Sharrow]

I think its a good idea. Even if you can using matching centers as surrounds. As long as its a relativly beefy center channel and you have a good sub to go along with it. But that is pretty much "ideal". Tonal balance all the way across.

I looked at infinity's alpha centers and I would opt for the Alpha 37C. Because it has that midrange driver.

 

[Drew_W]

HT Secrets did a review where they setup 5 Athena ASC-1s all around with their AS-P400 sub. It's interesting to read what they have to say...

 

[Kevin G.]

Thought this was the link, had to double check. Cambridge uses three centers in this setup, kinda cool.
(though, at the price of my cc270, seems kinda far fetched for Paradigms)
LINK