Placement for the center channel speaker

Chameleon2

Hello, long time Polk Audio owner, first time poster here - nice forum.

The question I have is for my mother's setup.

She just got a 46" Panny plasma and is looking to setup a nice surround-sound system.

The TV is setup above a gas fireplace (I know....:eek:); no place for the center speaker above the TV and not much room in front of the TV (which sits up on it's own stand).

Looking at getting the CS10 (6.5hx20wx9.8d); would it be completely insane to place the speaker behind the TV?

The only other option would be to have it well off-center which is obviously not ideal.

She already has satellite speakers (can't recall the model #), but will be getting a PSW-110 subwoofer and an Onkyo TX-SR606 receiver.

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Another question; I have as early 1990's subwoofer, model RM1000W and RM3000 satellites; couldn't find any specs here....anyone have info on these speakers?

thanks

tcrossma

Behind the TV I'd have to say is no good, and off-center is much less than ideal. If there's no room below, how about above tilted down?

Chameleon2

okay, have it suspended from the top of the cabinet angled downward...hmmm. interesting.

Will have to check that out this weekend.

thanks!

thunders

I placed a CSi5 behind my Samsung LCD facing up due to a simular tight setup situation. They both sit on the bedroom dresser which is almost 5 feet above the floor. This was a huge improvement from the factory TV speakers which face the wall to the rear of the TV. I'm very happy with the set up. Absolutely no complaints about the looks either.
I also have the Onkyo TX-SR606 receiver and used automatic set up for the system.
So check it out both ways.

McLoki

Are in-wall speakers an option? (not sure if your gas fireplace vents through a chimney or not)

Assuming the answer is no - I think your best bets would be:

1 - phantom center. (no center at all, just play with your front speakers. Depending on placement of your fronts in your room and relation to your seating position - this can vary from exceedingly good to less than ideal. (in my room, unfortunately it slides closer to the less than ideal side of things)

2 - mount the center below the TV on a floating shelf or with a bracket. (I recommend below the TV based on the fact that the tv is above a fireplace so is probably pretty high already.

3 - mount the center above the TV on a floating shelf or with a bracket. (this is how mine is set up and I can tell you from experience - it can sound pretty good, but as you get closer than a foot or so from your ceiling - sound quality starts to suffer. Even with the speaker tilted twords your listening position.)

Michael



Edit - Forgot to answer you questions....

1) behind the TV is thinking outside the box, but a really bad idea.
2) Off center would work, but running a phantom center (option 1 above) would provide better sound than a center speaker to the side of your TV.
3) Welcome to Club Polk.

Chameleon2

For mounting the speaker above the TV, any recommendations on a commercially available bracket that can mount to the "ceiling" over the TV? The TV is in a large, wood-paneled space with shelves on either side (and the gas fireplace & hearth underneath).

Mounting the speaker below the TV would put it in front of the fireplace which doesn't sound like a hot idea either.:rolleyes:

McLoki

Can you post a picture of the intended location? May help.

Chameleon2

I'll try and get a pic tomorrow; in the mean time....

The room is fairly large and "open" to the sunroom, dining room and so on. Would the RMC8 center speaker have enough umph?

It's small size would allow it to be placed in front of the TV with no problems.

Specs are dual 2-1/2" woofs with 3/4" tweeter; 20 to 125 watts, 89db.....

thanks.

McLoki

What are you running for front speakers again - I really think phantom center may work best in your room based on what you are describing. (certainly better than a mis-matched and undersized center)

cwhyte

McLoki wrote: »

What are you running for front speakers again - I really think phantom center may work best in your room based on what you are describing. (certainly better than a mis-matched and undersized center)

+1, do without the center if you can't find an ideal mounting situation

Face

McLoki wrote: »

What are you running for front speakers again - I really think phantom center may work best in your room based on what you are describing. (certainly better than a mis-matched and undersized center)

Good suggestion. Some of us prefer running in phantom mode opposed to physically having a center channel.

Erik Tracy

Does the Panny have built it speakers?

Just stirring the pot for ideas, but what if you fed the center output from the avr to the plasma built it speakers?

Something to consider.....?

Eric W

Erik Tracy wrote: »

Does the Panny have built it speakers?

Just stirring the pot for ideas, but what if you fed the center output from the avr to the plasma built it speakers?

Something to consider.....?

I'd rather have NO center channel then use the TV speakers as the center channel. The TV speakers are vastly inferior to almost any outboard audio system's speakers and it'll make the system sound horrible. All too often, users will "force" the system into being something that it really can't accommodate properly due to space or other constraints. The center channel and rear speakers of 7.1 come to mind quickly. Sometimes it's better not to do it at all, then to do it the wrong way. But in the end, it's your ears and your system

reeltrouble1

how about an in-ceiling install, lots of nice Polk Products available.

RT1

Chameleon2

12 foot high ceiling...

reeltrouble1

may still work just fine, you just have to balance the speaker pressure level to the listening position, you can aim the tweeter, I would contact Polk and let them know the situation, afterall, they are the speaker specialists..........

RT1

Chameleon2

purchased a Sony VCS10 center speaker - just to try it, if nothing else.

size: 21-1/2 wide x 3-1/4 high x 6 inches deep.

4 2-1/2 mid-range speakers rated at 100watts.

will hook it up this weekend (weather permitting).....

Chameleon2

oops, make that a Bose VCS-10 center speaker.

(why can't I edit my own posts :mad:)

PTong88

Head to Home Depot and buy some L-brackets. Attach one end to the bottom of the edge of the mantle of the fireplace if you can and use machine screws to attach the center channel to the brackets. You may have to drill the holes on the L-bracket to make the diameter larger.

NotaSuv

Did you try it with no center channel?
I think no center would be better than the VCS
cousin bought one and ended up using it for 3 hours before bringing it back........