Center channel speaker above or below?

[Bozwth]

Should a center channel speaker be placed above or below the TV for optimal surround sound? And how high should the front speakers be?

[unc2701]

I've done both- it kinda depends on your tv height. Ideally you want the tweets on all the front speakers to be as close in height as possible, but obviously you don't want the center channel in front of the screen. Sometimes it works out that putting it under works better, sometimes over. Experiment. You can also prop up the center so it points more directly at the listening position- many people have found some improvement with that.

[Eric Wong]

As stated, it depends on your TV height. If you have multiple rows of seats, then I would suggest above the TV, for better projection for all the seats. But either way, try aiming the speaker vertically at the listening area using shims under the speaker no matter which configuration you choose.

[dorokusai]

Rubber doorstops work well as cheap "shims".

[wingnut4772]

Mine is over, angled at the sweet spot.

[bpadget]

...obviously you don't want the center channel in front of the screen.

If your receiver allows for setting a seperate distance for your fronts and center, you set the distance of the center shorter, which changes the timing of the center to bring it flush with the screen.

[unc2701]

If your receiver allows for setting a seperate distance for your fronts and center, you set the distance of the center shorter, which changes the timing of the center to bring it flush with the screen.

Actually that was in reference having the tweeters on the same plane vertically... ie you can't put the speaker in a position that blocks your view of the screen. But you do have a point- I've heard a setup where they brought the center in a lot closer, then tweaked the distance for synch. I wasn't a fan, but he said it helped clear up the dialog.

[bpadget]

It seems to help some of the dolby effects too.

[karpiel666]

one thing that I find is that i cant notice a difference in sound with a blind test, but while there are people talking on the screen i prefer having it below.
I think that seeing the speaker makes it more likely for you to feel that the sound is coming from it,if I cant see the speaker at all ( hidden behind false wall on tv console thing ) then my brain thinks the sound is coming from the mouths, not the massive speaker resting on the tv.

EDIT: I also think this is how bose works, you are amazed that there is any sound at all coming from those plastic cubes.