HDTV Forum

For a good 5.1 surround sound system, what is the preferable position for the center speaker position? Should it be above or below the center of my rear projection DLP TV? For either position chosen, why do you feel this way? Any suggestion would be very much appreciated.

I have found the best results with the speaker above or on top of the TV. Setting it below the screen, usually only gets it about 18 - 24 inches from the floor and the sound seems to get lost in carpet and furniture.

Mazda37 wrote:For a good 5.1 surround sound system, what is the preferable position for the center speaker position? Should it be above or below the center of my rear projection DLP TV? For either position chosen, why do you feel this way? Any suggestion would be very much appreciated.

After years of extensive and exhausting experimentation, I've found that the center channel sounds best when placed where your wife will complain the least.

Seriously though, as long as you aim it to the listening position and keep it in line with the front speakers you should be ok. Most important is what's behind or around your center because that can color the sound, which you really don't want for such a vital information relaying speaker. Unfortunately for me, I have mine underneath my DLP inside a custom built cabinet tilted up. It's a tight fit and despite searching around for a center with adjustable positioning sound (Revel) it still sounds a bit boxy and mushy even with the dial set to "flush."