Center Channel and Television: What to Do?
GregoryOrme
Posts: 25
I have one of those HUGE CSi A6 center-channel speakers. I used to have it over the television, which was enclosed in a cabinet. Probably not ideal, but it worked. Now, however, I have a different cabinet--a Sanus Woodbrook 65-inch cabinet--with the television sitting on the top of it.
1. I had thought originally of wall-mounting the television and then placing the CSi A6 on the top of the Sanus. However, there have been many times in the past where I have had to access the back of the television--usually because I thought something had gone wrong with the network cable or HDMI cable--so, truthfully, I prefer to have it out where I can work with it. The Sanus is tall enough that the television is a good height, too. Putting it on the wall high enough to clear the CSi A6 would make viewing a little uncomfortable from some spaces.
2. I have been very pleased with the CSi A6, and it works well with the Polk Audio speakers in the setup, including a couple of RTi A9s up front. Nevertheless, for aesthetic purposes, I considered going with a smaller speaker that would fit in the Sanus. Well, hardly anything worth having will fit in this cabinet, as it has fixed-width compartments that are made to house components comfortably. Before I bought the Sanus, I looked for a cabinet that would hold the CSi A6, but could find nothing. I also considered buying or building a stand to raise the television above the CSi A6. Doing so would allow me the easy access to the television I wanted, but it had the same problem of the wall mounting--it raised the television higher than I really wanted.
3. I could put the CSi A6 vertically in the center compartment of the Sanus. However, despite the argument that horizontal-aspect center-channel speakers are a compromise of looks over performance, the CSi A6 was designed as a true center-channel speaker and not really built for a vertical application.
4. Perhaps I could use a single Polk Audio tower speaker in that center compartment and employ the CSi A6 elsewhere or (gasp!) sell it.
With the family around, this setup is used probably 90 percent for home theater. I do have my audio components, but only get to cut loose with the music once in a while.
I appreciate any thoughts.
1. I had thought originally of wall-mounting the television and then placing the CSi A6 on the top of the Sanus. However, there have been many times in the past where I have had to access the back of the television--usually because I thought something had gone wrong with the network cable or HDMI cable--so, truthfully, I prefer to have it out where I can work with it. The Sanus is tall enough that the television is a good height, too. Putting it on the wall high enough to clear the CSi A6 would make viewing a little uncomfortable from some spaces.
2. I have been very pleased with the CSi A6, and it works well with the Polk Audio speakers in the setup, including a couple of RTi A9s up front. Nevertheless, for aesthetic purposes, I considered going with a smaller speaker that would fit in the Sanus. Well, hardly anything worth having will fit in this cabinet, as it has fixed-width compartments that are made to house components comfortably. Before I bought the Sanus, I looked for a cabinet that would hold the CSi A6, but could find nothing. I also considered buying or building a stand to raise the television above the CSi A6. Doing so would allow me the easy access to the television I wanted, but it had the same problem of the wall mounting--it raised the television higher than I really wanted.
3. I could put the CSi A6 vertically in the center compartment of the Sanus. However, despite the argument that horizontal-aspect center-channel speakers are a compromise of looks over performance, the CSi A6 was designed as a true center-channel speaker and not really built for a vertical application.
4. Perhaps I could use a single Polk Audio tower speaker in that center compartment and employ the CSi A6 elsewhere or (gasp!) sell it.
With the family around, this setup is used probably 90 percent for home theater. I do have my audio components, but only get to cut loose with the music once in a while.
I appreciate any thoughts.
Gregory
Power Amp: Emotiva XPA-3
Fronts: PolkAudio RTi A9 Canare 4S11/Vampire Wire B12
Center: PolkAudio CSi A6 Canare 4S11/Vampire Wire B12
Surrounds: PolkAudio FXi A6
Rear: Polk Audio RTi A3
Sub: PolkAudio DSW Pro 500
Power Amp: Emotiva XPA-3
Fronts: PolkAudio RTi A9 Canare 4S11/Vampire Wire B12
Center: PolkAudio CSi A6 Canare 4S11/Vampire Wire B12
Surrounds: PolkAudio FXi A6
Rear: Polk Audio RTi A3
Sub: PolkAudio DSW Pro 500
Post edited by GregoryOrme on
Comments
-
Always a problem with center channels =], why dont you try to put it in vertically and see if it sounds good. Another option is you buy a wall mount that rotates out so you can access the back easily. But it seems like you have covered most of the options. Your CSI-A6 should fit in a standout designs entertainment center though, and it looks like you have plenty of room to get a big one.
http://www.standoutdesigns.com/collections/solid-wood-tv-consoles-tv-stands-media-consoles/products/haven-72-solid-wood-tv-console-media-stand
Here is my vertical center.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?140932-DIY-vertical-center-channel-entertainment-center. -
PubFiction wrote: »Always a problem with center channels =], why dont you try to put it in vertically and see if it sounds good. Another option is you buy a wall mount that rotates out so you can access the back easily. But it seems like you have covered most of the options. Your CSI-A6 should fit in a standout designs entertainment center though, and it looks like you have plenty of room to get a big one.
http://www.standoutdesigns.com/collections/solid-wood-tv-consoles-tv-stands-media-consoles/products/haven-72-solid-wood-tv-console-media-stand
Here is my vertical center.
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?140932-DIY-vertical-center-channel-entertainment-center.
I did look at the Standout line--much to like about them. However, in the end, I couldn't justify the extra expense at this point (2 kids in school). I am going to take your recommendation and try the center channel in a vertical arrangement. If that doesn't work, Wood Technology said they would modify one of their designs so that the CSi A6 would fit. I will just have to back away from the TV some!Gregory
Power Amp: Emotiva XPA-3
Fronts: PolkAudio RTi A9 Canare 4S11/Vampire Wire B12
Center: PolkAudio CSi A6 Canare 4S11/Vampire Wire B12
Surrounds: PolkAudio FXi A6
Rear: Polk Audio RTi A3
Sub: PolkAudio DSW Pro 500 -
Look at the scissor mounts from Monoprice. I have mine extended 22" fom the wall but the can be folded in pretty flat. EZ access....
-
If you don't like it vertically, how about another A9 as a center channel?
