Hi all, and JohnK,
Like you, John, I've always disagreed with the notion that the center gets most of the energy. I don't know where this myth started. With movies, the center channel carries dialogue and on-screen sound effects, which of course can be high-energy in blockbuster type movies. With music playback in DD 5.1 ( and DPLII and its variants), the center carries vocals, and some part of an orchestra or band that's centrally located, or solo instruments. But with both movies and music, a great deal of the orchestra/band is mixed to the front left and right and even some to the surrounds.
Lots of good suggestions, including using zone 2 for a a pair of outdoor speakers on the side of Hawk's house where the partying occurs.
I, too, have shouted to "turn the damn thing down" John, but I don't think you allow for the frailties of people who love music when they're stoned or boozing; look at the absurd volume levels used in dance clubs and concerts where everyone is high.
Regards,
Alan
