Cary, welcome. Yes, a "phantom" center can work very well; it's what we've listened to for many years on two-channel material from two front speakers. But, as Jason and you point out, one advantage of a separate center speaker is to be able to control the center channel volume independently of the mains. Of the possibilities that that you mention, I'd suggest an M2 above the screen tilted down; but if you propose to get the in-on wall model, how would you accomplish that?

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.