[stlblue]

I don't think I will be able to install a center channel due placing the TV above the fireplace. Can I go w/ 4.1 or will I have to opt for 2.1? Can most systems be configured for 4.1 or am I going to have do some shopping to make it work? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

[WGH]

Can I go w/ 4.1 ...?
Can most systems be configured for 4.1 (?).

Yes, and yes.

My setup is 4.1 with a 60" screen, dialog is just fine with no loss in intelligibility.

Wayne

[bpape]

Yes - you can do it 4.1.  Just configure your processor to have no center.  Everything from the center channel should be sent evenly to both the left and right front channels.  On some it's called 'phantom' center.

Bryan

[Watson]

Unless your mains are fairly far apart, 4.1 is likely going to sound more intelligible anyway, due to less combing.

[planet10]

I'm not a big fan of centre channels (ie a virual centre is the best centre), so as long as no one is sitting out of the sweet area it will most likely be better (assumming your mains can image)

dave

[face]

Another 4.1 user here.  I have the space, but prefer the sound of a phantom center. 

[stlblue]

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated.

[ajzepp]

This is an issue I've battled with for a long time. When I had Maggies, I ran a phantom center and was very happy. Then I read on another forum about a dynamic compression issue that was triggered by most A/V receivers and pre/pros when you were running DD w/out a center and/or without surrounds. I ran some experiments on my own and it was pretty obvious that I was having this issue with my pre/pro. It didn't happen with DTS tracks, just DD. Well, I eventually gave in and bought a center.