There’s an interesting blog post on CNET’s Crave advising shoppers not to purchase a center speaker for their home theater sound systems.
“But for one or two people sitting directly in front of their TV a center isn’t necessary, and almost always sounds less good than the left and right speakers. Center speakers tend to sound boxy, so Denzel Washington sounds like he’s in a box. Ditch the center and your A/V receiver will redirect the center channel sound over to the left and right speakers.”
I’m just starting to research surround sound systems for my Vizio GV47LF. I’ve been looking for a budget system ($300-$400). It’s looking like you have to spend that much on speakers alone. I’ll report on my research and progress here.