Rear vent and free air for CSi5

[wwblevins]

Need expert opinion on optimum free-air at rear of CSi5 center. This excellent speaker has the two rear "power ports" as well as the front vent. I can't find an A/V credenza that will accommodate a center as big as the CSi5 and still have space for components below. I'm not a big fan of placing the center above the screen for both aesthetic and sonic reasons. I'm considering building a platform for the top of the credenza to place under the 61" SXRD, with a 25-inch wide 'tunnel' running through the center that would take the CSi5. This will jack the TV up about 10-inches and allow the center to fit just beneath the screen. This piece will have the same footprint and finish as the SXRD so will be almost 'invisible'. My concern is how much restriction will this 25"w X 8h 'tunnel' create. It will be open all the way through. Am I worrying about nothing? Thanks for any input.

[MillerLiteScott]

I am no expert.

I had an LSiC for @12 hours in my entertainment center and it prove to be boomy because it was like putting a speaker in a box.

I did not have the problem with a CSi3 because it did not have the rear power ports, but it did not have the sound I was looking for.

I am not a fan of the center channel above my TV but that is where I ended up putting a CSi5 and it sound pretty good.

My 2 cents.