Center channel speaker

E

elcheapo

Enthusiast
I need some suggestions on a center channel speaker. I will have my tv mounted on the wall above my fireplace mantel. I already have front and rear speakers in the ceiling. Is there a center channel speaker that could be somewhat inconspicuous? I am looking for a clean look. When I got quotes for home theater installation from a couple of companies, no one mentioned a center channel. After talking to people at the local tech stores, it sounds like it is the most important speaker. What to do?
 
C

corey

Senior Audioholic
What front speakers to you have?

Also, how hot does that wall get when you have a fire going?
 
E

elcheapo

Enthusiast
I have yamaha in wall speakers. I think the mantel will protect it from most of the heat.
 
Smartass408

Smartass408

Audioholic Intern
What front speakers to you have?

Also, how hot does that wall get when you have a fire going?
I'd be more worried about your TV. Heat is not good for televisions.
 
TLS Guy

TLS Guy

Audioholic Jedi
I'd be more worried about your TV. Heat is not good for televisions.
You have that right. My younger daughter, did that against my advice and the TV went up in smoke literally the first winter. A TV should never be hung above a working fireplace, and if you do the fireplace should never be in use when the TV is on.

The other problem with a TV over the fireplace, is that the TV is far too high. It is very uncomfortable. viewing and literally a pain in the neck.

Ceiling speakers are a bad idea, except for surround when there is no other option. You will need a ceiling center, now you have done it, otherwise you will localize to the center the whole time, and it will be stranger than it is already with voices from on high.

For other reading this thread, the most important thing about any device is its performance. That always has to come first. Then you work on form and function. You can't start the design of anything with form. Function always has to come at the start of any design process. If not, you are inclined to end up with gear and systems that have poor function.
 
njedpx3

njedpx3

Audioholic General
Assuming you can overcome the fire problem, it is best to match the center speaker with the fronts to maintain timbre ( seamless front sound).
 
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