re: Can I use a soundbar as a center channel?

When you get into really thin speakers, you run into the same problem as having speakers in a TV

IMHO, center needs to be a full-range speaker, and not just tweeters because you have voices talking at you. IIRC, frequency sounds for voice is 300-3000Hz. Most tweeters start at around 2500Hz, so you'd need an actual speaker to cover the rest. Get the deepest possible, aka biggest speakers that move the most.

Another solution is to put the bookshelf speakers directly next to the TV, or a little further apart and aimed at the center of the room. Still won't work as well as a dedicated center channel. If you do get a center, put the bookshelf speakers either halfway between the TV and the corner of the room facing out, or in the corners facing towards the listening area



Eta: almost all center channel speakers are more shallow than 7"