Center Speaker placement vs. size?

[Mattr36]

Hi all,

Take a look at this pic of my home entertainment cabinets. I want to start with a simple 2.1 system and I'm trying to figure out a place for my center speaker (I'm getting rid of the Bose speakers you see in the pic). The small areas under the TV measure 5 3/4 in high x 18 in wide. I've not found any center channel speakers that are that small.

What about sitting on top of the TV? Its about 9 1/2 in high. Any problems with shielding, or vibrating off the TV? I would have to angle it down to point at the listeners ears though.

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/9105/homeentertainmentsetupqp7.png

Could I put it all the way on top of the cabinet? I suppose I could put it down below next to the receiver, but then I would have to open those doors anytime I wanted to use it (they do not slide back in like they do for the TV).

Thanks as always folks!
Matt

[billnchristy]

If you could move the bookshelves to the center shelf that would be closer to your ears.

I had used my center on top of tv for years, then when i got a bigger one I tried above on top of the entertainment center (too high) then i placed it on the floor aimed up, on a stand (best so far).

Dont worry about sheilding most if not all centers are shielded.

Angling up or down to aim at ears will give you a good presence, experiment when you get the center.

Dont get something with 4" or smaller woofers though, it will not please you.