If getting too good a center speaker is a concern, why isn't getting too worse a speaker? Either way, you won't match your front left and front right.
As I'm sure you've read, it's best to get the identical or matching (in the same series from the manufacturer) speakers.
Since 5.1 multichannel sound, the center has become arguably more important than the front left and right speakers. That's where the on-screen explosions, laser blasts, voices (which we're super sensitive to the quality of), and on-screen music comes from.
Thus, you could invert your plan and buy the best center you can afford that works in your room/tastes/system, and buy the matching front speakers.
A soundbar should not be for consideration, since it's not a center speaker. It's intended to replace ALL or at least the front three speakers.
As I'm sure you've read, it's best to get the identical or matching (in the same series from the manufacturer) speakers.
Since 5.1 multichannel sound, the center has become arguably more important than the front left and right speakers. That's where the on-screen explosions, laser blasts, voices (which we're super sensitive to the quality of), and on-screen music comes from.
Thus, you could invert your plan and buy the best center you can afford that works in your room/tastes/system, and buy the matching front speakers.
A soundbar should not be for consideration, since it's not a center speaker. It's intended to replace ALL or at least the front three speakers.