5.1 Speaker System - Center Speaker Issue

[Macdaddy Warsaw]

Hey, I have the Logitech Z-680 5.1 set and a Creative Audigy 2ZS. For some reason, all the speakers except the center speaker are working perfectly. The subwoofer is working. The center speaker works on different effect settings. That is, the logitech comes with a volume control that allows you to flip through 6 Ch. Direct Playback, Surround, and Surround x2. When I have it set on 6 Ch. Direct Playback or Surround, the front two and center speakers play (less subwoofer response). When I have it on Surround x2, the front two and rear 2 play, as well as the subwoofer. The center does not. I'm wondering what the problem might be?

The connection seems to be like a composite from a TV. I think I have them plugged in correctly, but when I unplug a specific one, I get no sound, but and the two other ones don't have an effect. I think this might just be because iTunes isn't 5.1 enabled or something. I'm wondering if anybody has some program I can use to check the channels individually. I used to, until my hard drive crashed.

Thanks for any help.

[ColdCaller]

The center channel usually only works during true 5.1 playback, which requires a THX filter (found only in the Z-5500's, I think) or audio that was recorded in a 5.1 setting (DVD audio, for example).

I think high-end soundcards can emulate these settings as well (Audigy2 or better). Not sure though.

EDIT: After reviewing a bit of tech specs, it looks like these should work. Hm. No idea then!

[chris b]

I know that my 5.1 speakers have the same problem, when playing sound in windows, however, most games will run the center speaker. The simple reason I found is that windows does not support it.

[Macdaddy Warsaw]

Thanks I appreciate the reassurance. I feel like the middle speaker worked during music playback before, but in the end I might just be making that up.