Does the center speaker have to be *exactly* "centered" on top/bottom of the TV?
06-03-04, 09:47 AM
#1
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Does the center speaker have to be *exactly* "centered" on top/bottom of the TV?
I realize that's probably the optimal placement, but I'll be moving soon, and found a entertainment center that I really like.
The problem is that it's shaped like a rectangle, divided into an even four spaces.
My center speaker would go into one of the top panels (fits really nicely in fact).
Now as you see, it will be off-centered. I *could* move the TV all the way to whichever side the speaker will be on, but I'd rather not do that.
Is this a bad idea? Will the off-centering be tremendously noticeable? If it would, I may just scrap the idea.
Thanks for the comments.
The problem is that it's shaped like a rectangle, divided into an even four spaces.
My center speaker would go into one of the top panels (fits really nicely in fact).
Now as you see, it will be off-centered. I *could* move the TV all the way to whichever side the speaker will be on, but I'd rather not do that.
Is this a bad idea? Will the off-centering be tremendously noticeable? If it would, I may just scrap the idea.
Thanks for the comments.
Last edited by DVD Josh; 06-03-04 at 09:56 AM.
06-03-04, 10:13 AM
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Originally posted by bralph
That seems pretty low for a center channel. Why couldn't it sit on top of the TV?
That seems pretty low for a center channel. Why couldn't it sit on top of the TV?
The top of the TV has about 2 inches of ridge (it's REALLY flat) and it's at a slope. Wouldn't work.
06-03-04, 10:20 AM
#4
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Try looking into something like this:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....3&type=product
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....3&type=product
06-03-04, 10:23 AM
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Thanks for the idea JD but I think it wouldn't work well with my TV because the top slopes alot. Plus, I'd rather not have speaker wire hanging down the back of my tv.
06-03-04, 10:48 AM
#6
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I don't think you'd notice much of a difference, really. As long as you're not in a tight space with the left/right speakers really close to the TV it would probably sound just fine. If the front speakers are immediately flanking the cabinet, then it might sound a little off having the center speaker so close to one of the fronts.
06-03-04, 11:15 AM
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If you are set on the TV stand then I wouldn't worry about it.
If it ends up being a little low I'd tilt it up slightly.
It is a compromise but most of us do have to make some compromises when setting up our HTs.
If it ends up being a little low I'd tilt it up slightly.
It is a compromise but most of us do have to make some compromises when setting up our HTs.
06-03-04, 11:21 AM
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The funny thing is JCJF10 is that if I had anything that would be cool to put next to the TV, I'd slide it over! Actually, I just did think of something, so I think I'll be ok.
06-08-04, 01:52 AM
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Another thing you could do is build a TV hutch. It'd be pretty easy to do - just take your measurements and bring it to home depot. Find some melamine and get them cut to your specs.
06-08-04, 08:44 AM
#11
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I don't think it has to be that closely centered. On mine (pic eher- http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=368167 the center channel is a few feet over and I can't tell.
06-08-04, 09:52 AM
#12
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Actually it is pretty easy to tell and it does make a difference. During a scene with dialog, close your eyes and picture where the people speaking are located. Just for kicks I tried this, sliding my center channel to the side of my WS set (from the direct center position). I played a couple of dialog scenes and the people "moved" left when I closed my eyes and listened.
The problem is, your brain will likely do some correction if you are watching and listening, to try and match the on-screen characters with the dialog you hear. Not sure of the effects of this, but it is definitely more natural and realistic with a centered channel.
Another possibility may be to adjust the balance on your receiver to help compensate for the off-center speaker, using the 'eyes closed' test. Not sure how well this handles surround sound, but it may help.
The problem is, your brain will likely do some correction if you are watching and listening, to try and match the on-screen characters with the dialog you hear. Not sure of the effects of this, but it is definitely more natural and realistic with a centered channel.
Another possibility may be to adjust the balance on your receiver to help compensate for the off-center speaker, using the 'eyes closed' test. Not sure how well this handles surround sound, but it may help.
