2 bookshelves instead of 1 center?

[RequiemX]

So I'm THIS close to replacing my stereo with an actual system and have been planning-out how to implement it.

My biggest challenge has been the center channel. I don't want to go without, but I honestly have nowhere to put it. There's no room under the TV and since the TV is so high already, I don't want to raise it. And I'm in an apartment, so I don't want to mount a center on the wall.

Instead, I was considering taking 2 bookshelf speakers, connecting them together, and placing them on either side of my 32" screen.

For example, I've been looking at the Infinity P362s for front mains. I could then wire-together 2 P152s or P162s instead of a PC350.

I know of course that this isn't ideal, but is it really that much worse than an MTM center speaker?

Can I get away with it?

Edit: Magnepan suggests a similar setup: http://www.magnepan.com/_mmgc.php

 

[markw]

Yes, you can "get away with it"...

... but it won't have the effect that a single center over/under would in anchoring the voices in the exact center of the screen for any viewer in the room. Your side-by-side idea might work if you sit exactly in the center of the screen.

 

[krzywica]

See sig......

Works great for me.

 

[Highbar]

How high is the TV already? Why is it so high? I agree that it would be best for one speaker over or under the display.

 

[RequiemX]

How high is the TV already? Why is it so high? I agree that it would be best for one speaker over or under the display.

The TV sits on top of a cabinet 3 feet high. It's kind of buffet-entertainment cross:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=912&f=22313

We prefer higher TVs as opposed to lower TVs. It's nice to look up a bit at them.

As you can see in the picture, there's no place for a center below.

I've been following various threads around the net about stands for mounting a center above a TV, and none really seem appropriate.

 

[CraigV]

KEF’s are known for being generous in having a wide “sweet spot”

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFIQ1WLN/KEF/iQ1-2-Way-5.25-Bookshelf-Speakers-in-Walnut-Pair-NEW/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFIQ3WLN/KEF/iQ3-2-Way-6.5-Bookshelf-Speakers-in-Walnut-Pair-NEW/1.html

If you have room for some floor standers, these aren’t too big, and would offer better bass

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFIQ5DA/KEF/iQ5-3-Way-5.25-Tower-Speaker-in-Dark-Apple-Pair-/1.html

 

[Exit]

I don't know if it would work for you, but my mains sit next to the 61" TV about six feet apart. I never could get the center to sound good (recessed vocals) despite it being timber matched to the mains. I found running the mains without the center sounded better. If your mains are not to far apart, you may not need the center. Just a thought.

 

[lsiberian]

So I'm THIS close to replacing my stereo with an actual system and have been planning-out how to implement it.

My biggest challenge has been the center channel. I don't want to go without, but I honestly have nowhere to put it. There's no room under the TV and since the TV is so high already, I don't want to raise it. And I'm in an apartment, so I don't want to mount a center on the wall.

Instead, I was considering taking 2 bookshelf speakers, connecting them together, and placing them on either side of my 32" screen.

For example, I've been looking at the Infinity P362s for front mains. I could then wire-together 2 P152s or P162s instead of a PC350.

I know of course that this isn't ideal, but is it really that much worse than an MTM center speaker?

Can I get away with it?

Edit: Magnepan suggests a similar setup: http://www.magnepan.com/_mmgc.php

Could you mount a PC350 above the TV? It's a well designed center.

You could also mount a single P152 above the TV. Use a 152 for better midrange and female vocals

You could also just forgo a center.