Sony's SA-VAx AV speakers req no centre speaker?

If the claim of Dolby ProLogic by this manufacturer is true, then they must be
decoding a center channel. The description implies that the Center channel is
being fed simultaneously to both of the additional tweeters, hopefully
resulting in a centered mono experience. This is similar to, and probably
permits potentially better quality than the "Phantom" center mode of most
ProLogic amps, where the center signal is added simultaneously to the regular
front channels.

I regularly use the Phantom mode in my Kenwood system with Cambridge Audio
speakers and at reasonable levels, the center channel is excellent. At high
levels, the separate speaker helps quite a bit. The reason I use both modes is
that my center speaker is an in-wall unit and can be heard in one of the
bedrooms (actually it's bathroom) if its loud.

One thing to be aware of is that the center channel frequency range is
100-7000, so hopefully you have dedicated mid-range or full-range speakers
rather than tweeters. It might also be interesting to see what the balance
control (if any) does to the center experience.

I have listened at length to the Sony SAVA 3 and for its price (800
retail) it is outstanding for movies in a modest room at resonable
volumes. Much better than the Bose Lifestyle 12 at 2K (dont flame me, I
dont like the Bose line, but it sells well and is what most people really
want). Here is what I hear:

Bass is boomy and not very detailed when compared with even modest
audiophile speakers (Like PSB Alpha). There is a large amount of dynamic
compression and no response below 50Hz or so. Still, it adds excitement
to movies and in that context is not objectionable.

Midrange accuracy is what you expect. No low level detail but good
intelligibility and fair center fill. Put the towers close to the
television (no more than three feet away on either side).

Treble is thin, wiry, and closed in on top. When used as designed (with
video tape as a source) this is not a real problem except with music.

For music these things are a poor value.

For movies they play well, add excitment and pan well with the source
material. Surround matching is ok. The rear speakers fill in well and
you dont hear too obvious a tonal mismatch. Finding brackets to mount the
rear speakers is a BITCH. The omnimounts designed for this system are $50
retail (too much). For best results the surrounds need to be at least
five feet off the floor and as far behind you as the tv is in front of
you. If you cant put them this far away, aim them at the wall and listen
to the reflected sound.

One last thing, watch your input levels. A laser player direct in can
cause clipping on the input side with all the attendant distortion.

My advice... if you want only a television/movie surround system for
cheap, have a set of not more than thirty-five inches in a room of less
than 250 square feet, and want ease of use the SAVA 3 is a must audition.
Dont expect miracles, but have fun...