Rear Center ?

[dkg999]

If I have to place the rear center channel directly behind the couch on a shelf, should I reduce the SPL so it doesn't overwhelm the listener or should I keep the same SPL and angle it upward to disperse the sound?

[gatemplin]

You should calibrate it by sitting in the listening position and adjusting the levels of the channels with an SPL meter and test tone.

[scottvamp]

Yep - match the spl with your other speakers. EASY;)

[walk]

You should definitely calibrate it, but you can also angle it upwards. Dolby does actually provide this as an alternate installation for the surround speakers.

http://www.dolby.com/ht/Guide.HomeTheater.0110.html#s3.3