which to add next center or surrounds

Hey,

I'm loving my M50's. Now should I add a center or surrounds? I'm using some older tiny jbl's for everything besides the axioms and I plan to replace it all with axioms but what to buy next as I piece meal my system together. Eventually putting together a epic 50 surround system.

I'm thinking go for the center next but the surround sounds like crap as it is now. These axioms sure woke me up as to how bad my old speakers are. Hehe

Leaf

Hey Leaf from what I"ve read recievers can do very well using the mains to create a virtual centre and some people actually argue that it sounds better.

Also given the huge praise for the Qs series surrounds I would say hands down go with the Axiom surrounds first and then if you don't have it a sub and then the centre speaker

Cheers, Jag

If no sub, get that. Otherwise, get surrounds. I didn't realize how much of a difference they would make... Then again, I'm also suffering from a lack of center, but it sounds like you at least have SOMETHING there.

The M50's put out decent bass, and one or two people can sit in the sweet spot and enjoy a phantom center that's totally acceptable in the interim.

But "the surround sounds like crap as it is now."

There's no substitute for replacing crap, especially when you replace crap with gold.

Get the surrounds.

i will also put in a vote for you to get surrounds. that is, if you already have a sub. if you have no sub, then i would say to get that first, then the surrounds, then a center.

this is just my opinion.

bigjohn

bigjohn has a point. Each component of HT is really important in it's own way. Its only when you get into multiple surround speakers does it become a matter of taste or want. But you pretty much need the basic 5.1 system to get everything out of your home theater.

The subwoofer will add an extra sense of presense and umph to the sound. Don't skimp out here. Trust me. A good sub goes a long way.
The surrounds will get you that "something was behind, now it's in front" kind of experience. It's definitly something you'll want down the road.
And of course the center is designed to carry the bulk of the dialogue.

Personally at this point in time, I'd go with the subwoofer. It the most versatile piece you could add to really enhance both movies and music. And as odd as it may sound, I'd then go for the center, and then do surrounds last. Or try to save and do the center and surrounds at the same time.

Good luck!