Must you match the brand of center speaker to front speakers?
I have a 5.1 surround system I'd like to fill out with a center speaker; I have two Vandersteen speakers in front, and the rears are two Snells. A year-old Sony receiver powers the system, and the consistency and sound between the four speakers is excellent, very flawless. My TV's own speaker acts as the center channel, but obviously doesn't have proper, consistent sound output or timing. I want to get a good center channel speaker, but was told my audio dealer that unless I get a matching Vandersteen, it won't sound right or match. How accurate is this? I really like a couple of Polk models that are more aesthetically pleasing (the Vandersteen center speaker is a big, ugly cube) and easier to mount on the wall. Also, any recommendations on a good center speaker for between $300 to $500?