Greg:
Pretty much any receiver you buy will have options to deselect the rear centre(s) or ambiance speakers. It shouldn't make any difference to the sound. That said, I'd buy something that allows you to add a rear centre if you so decide in the future - this fills in the soundstage and makes for more convincing movies in larger rooms, but it isn't critical.
As far as receivers go, I like Denon and Yamaha (75+ watts/channel should suffice). The little Panasonic XR50 digital is nice too - it's slimline and comes in silver. Did you listen to the HKs before you bought them? What receiver were they using at the store? Many folks like Harmon receivers, but I'm not sure what they have in your budget range.
Have fun.
Hello everyone,
My question is whether I can use a receiver that is meant for a 6.1 or 7.1 surround sound system with only a 5.1 speaker system. I have already purchased the Harman Kardon HKTS14 surround sound speakers, which has 5 speakers and a subwoofer, but now I have to find the perfect receiver. I was not sure if there are different software in the receivers that would not sound too nice when only 5 speakers are plugged into the receiver when it should be more. Anyone have a receiver they would recommend? I'd like to keep it under $350 and it needs to be silver.
(Everything else I have is already silver so I wanted to keep the aesthetics pleasing.)
Thanks for the help!!
Greg

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