[bone215]

My experience does not coincide with your experience. In my room I first tried three identical speakers across the front. I did not notice any major differences between three identical vs using the matching center.
I also did not like the way it looked, so, I went with 5 identical speakers along with a matching center.
My speakers are 5 of the NHT Classic 3's and the matching center. It is pretty much what you put in is what you get out.
That is my experience in my room, of course, all rooms are different. Many people report that identical speakers are the way to go.
Great Hobby isn't it?