Why You Might Want to Use Two Bookshelf Speakers as a Center Channel
If you have ever struggled to hear dialogue in a movie, you have likely asked: can i use 2 bookshelf speakers as center channel? Most home theater enthusiasts find themselves with an extra pair of high-quality bookshelf speakers and wonder if they can replace a weak, single center speaker.
The short answer is yes, you can use 2 bookshelf speakers as a center channel, provided you understand impedance (ohms) and comb filtering. To do this safely, you must wire them in series to protect your AV Receiver (AVR) from overheating or short-circuiting. While it provides a wider soundstage, you must place them close together to avoid “dead spots” in your room.
Key Takeaways: Expert Summary
Safety First: Always use series wiring (connecting the positive of one speaker to the negative of the other) to keep the impedance at a level your receiver can handle.
Sound Quality: Placing two speakers side-by-side can cause comb filtering, where sound waves cancel each other out. Keep them as close as possible.
Calibration is Key: You must re-run your receiver’s Room Correction (like Audyssey or Dirac Live) after setting up dual speakers.
Best Use Case: This setup works best for large rooms or behind acoustically transparent projector screens.
Step 1: Calculate Your Speaker Impedance (Ohms)
Before you even touch a wire, you must understand the math behind your gear. If you are asking can i wire 2 bookshelf speakers as center channel, the most important factor is impedance, measured in Ohms (Ω).
Most AV Receivers are rated for 6 to 8 Ohms. If you connect two speakers incorrectly, you could drop the impedance to 4 Ohms or lower, which may cause your receiver to go into “Protect Mode” or catch fire.
| Configuration | Calculation (for two 8Ω speakers) | Resulting Impedance | Safety Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series Wiring | 8Ω + 8Ω | 16 Ohms | Very Safe (Lower volume, but safe) |
| Parallel Wiring | (8 8) / (8 + 8) | 4 Ohms | Risky (Can overheat standard AVRs) |
| Single Speaker | N/A | 8 Ohms | Standard |
Expert Tip: I have seen many beginners fry their Denon or Yamaha receivers by wiring in parallel. If your speakers are 8 Ohms, wiring them in series results in 16 Ohms. While this makes the speakers slightly quieter, it is 100% safe for the amplifier.
Step 2: Choose Your Wiring Method
When considering can you hook up two separate speakers to center channel, you have two main physical connection paths.
Option A: Series Wiring (Recommended)
This is the “Safety First” method. It ensures your receiver sees a high resistance, preventing it from drawing too much current.
- Connect the Positive (+) terminal of the Center Out on your AVR to the Positive (+) terminal of Speaker A.
- Connect the Negative (-) terminal of Speaker A to the Positive (+) terminal of Speaker B.
- Connect the Negative (-) terminal of Speaker B back to the Negative (-) terminal of the Center Out on your AVR.
Option B: Parallel Wiring (Use with Caution)
Only use this if you have high-end external power amplifiers rated for 2-Ohm or 4-Ohm loads.
- Connect both Positive (+) terminals of Speaker A and Speaker B to the single Positive (+) terminal on the AVR.
- Connect both Negative (-) terminals to the single Negative (-) terminal on the AVR.
Step 3: Physical Placement and the “Comb Filtering” Problem
A common question is: can you have 2 center channel speakers without ruining the sound? The biggest challenge is comb filtering.
When two speakers play the same sound (mono signal), the sound waves overlap. In some parts of the room, these waves reinforce each other; in others, they cancel each other out. This creates a “tinny” or “hollow” sound.
How to position them correctly:
Keep them touching: Place the bookshelf speakers as close to each other as possible.
Vertical vs. Horizontal: Stand them up vertically. Laying bookshelf speakers horizontally often ruins their dispersion pattern.
Angling: Toe them in slightly toward the primary listening position to focus the acoustic center.
Avoid the TV: If you are using a standard LED/OLED TV, do not place one speaker above and one below. This creates a massive vertical lobing issue that makes voices sound like they are coming from everywhere and nowhere.
Step 4: Configure Your AV Receiver Settings
Once you have answered can i use two center speakers by physically connecting them, you must tell your software what happened.
- Level Matching: Because series wiring increases impedance, your center channel will be quieter than your Front Left and Front Right speakers. Go into your AVR settings and manually increase the Center Channel Level (usually by +3dB to +6dB).
- Crossover Frequency: Set your bookshelf speakers to “Small” in the speaker configuration. A crossover of 80Hz is usually the “sweet spot” to let your subwoofer handle the heavy lifting.
- Room Correction: Run Audyssey, YPAO, or Dirac. These programs will detect the phase and timing of the dual-speaker setup and try to smooth out the frequency response.
Step 5: Testing and Troubleshooting
After setup, play a movie with heavy dialogue (like Tenet or The Social Network). Listen for “phaseiness”—a sensation that the sound is moving as you move your head.
If dialogue is muffled: Check if one speaker is wired out of phase.
If the receiver is hot: You likely wired them in parallel. Switch to series wiring immediately.
If the sound is too narrow: Spread the speakers apart by an inch or two, but be wary of the “dead zone” in the middle.
Tools and Materials Needed
| Item | Purpose | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Wire | Connects speakers to AVR | 14 AWG or 16 AWG Oxygen-Free Copper |
| Wire Strippers | Removes insulation | Any standard hardware store tool |
| Banana Plugs | Clean, secure connections | Sewell Direct or MediaBridge |
| Measuring Tape | Ensures symmetrical placement | Essential for soundstage balance |
| SPL Meter | Measures volume levels | Use a dedicated device or a smartphone app |
Pro Tips for the Best Dual-Speaker Center Channel
Use Identical Models: Never mix and match different brands or sizes. If you are using can i use 2 bookshelf speakers as center channel as your strategy, they must be the exact same model to ensure timbre matching.
The “Phantom Center” Alternative: If your bookshelf speakers are high-end, you might actually get better results by using NO center speaker at all. This is called a Phantom Center. The AVR redistributes center audio to the Left and Right speakers.
Acoustic Treatment: Dual center speakers create more reflections. Placing a thick rug on the floor between the speakers and your couch can significantly improve vocal clarity.
Power Matters: If you feel the sound is “thin” after wiring in series, it is because the amp is pushing less power into 16 Ohms. Consider an external power amp to provide more “headroom.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using TV Speakers: Many ask, can tv speakers be used as center channel? While some Sony TVs allow this (S-Center Speaker Mode), generally, the answer is no. TV speakers are poor quality and will not match the richness of your bookshelf speakers.
Wiring in Parallel on a Budget AVR: This is the fastest way to trigger a “thermal shutdown.” Most entry-level receivers cannot handle a 4-Ohm load.
- Horizontal Orientation: Bookshelf speakers are designed to be used vertically. Turning them sideways for a “center look” creates off-axis lobing, making the sound inconsistent for anyone not sitting in the exact middle of the couch.
FAQs: Optimizing Your Center Channel Setup
Can I use two center channel speakers for stereo?
Yes, you can use two center channel speakers as your Front Left and Front Right speakers. However, center speakers are often tuned specifically for mid-range frequencies (dialogue). They may lack the deep bass or high-end sparkle found in dedicated stereo bookshelf speakers.
Can you use tv speakers as center channel?
Generally, no. Most TV speakers cannot be used as a center channel because they lack the necessary input terminals. Only specific high-end models (like Sony Bravia XR) have a dedicated “Center Speaker Mode” that allows the TV to act as the center speaker in a larger system.
Can i use a center channel speaker for main speakers?
Yes, many people use three identical center channel speakers for the Left, Center, and Right (LCR) positions. This is common in high-end home theaters and behind projector screens because it provides a perfectly seamless soundstage.
Can i have two center channel speakers?
Yes, you can have two center channel speakers, but it is technically difficult to execute. You must manage the impedance to avoid damaging your receiver and manage the placement to avoid destructive interference (comb filtering).
Can i use hdtv speakers as center channel?
No, hdtv speakers are typically not designed to receive an external amplified signal. Attempting to “hack” them into your speaker system usually results in poor sound quality and potential damage to your AV Receiver.
Conclusion: Is a Dual Bookshelf Center Right for You?
Using 2 bookshelf speakers as a center channel is a creative way to repurpose high-quality gear and potentially create a more powerful front soundstage. By following the series wiring method, you protect your equipment while gaining the benefits of increased surface area for sound.
However, remember that acoustics are a game of precision. If your DIY setup sounds “fuzzy” or inconsistent, do not be afraid to revert to a single, high-quality dedicated center channel or a Phantom Center configuration. The goal is clear, anchored dialogue that makes you feel like you are in the middle of the action.
Ready to upgrade your sound? Start by checking the Ohm rating on the back of your speakers and grab some high-quality 14-gauge wire to begin your series connection today!
