Need a solution for a center channel problem

C

ChicagoLR3

Audioholic
I'm not sure if this is in the right section, but here i go. I just moved into a new apartment and am trying to put together a home theater. There is a fireplace that i have put my TV on (Samsung UN55B7100) the fireplace is approximately 3' deep, 60 inches wide, and about 4' high, resulting in an elevated viewing angle. The center channel i would like to use for this scenario (speaker is subject to change) is the Aperion 6C which stand approx. 8.5" tall. As a result, if i simply place it on the same level as the TV it will block the bottom 4" or so of screen.

first off i plan on using rubber feet to angle the center channel down to the sofa which will be about 8' away. My problem is that I'm having trouble finding anything that will allow me to elevate the TV enough to clear the speaker, without making it so high as to be uncomforable to view.

My idea was either finding a roughly 6" platform to put the TV on which should allow it to clear (i.e. the bottom bezel will be above the speaker). Or to find a stand that would go over the center channel allowing me to put the TV on top of it.

A third option might be to actually put the TV on top of the speaker, however, as the TV weighs 78 pounds, this might not be possible. The center channel's dimensions are 8.5" H x 25" W x 11" D.

Any ideas on other options?
 
J

jostenmeat

Audioholic Spartan
Remember, you can instead opt to have a cleaner looking setup, save some money by returning the center speaker to Aperion, and run a phantom setup instead. How many feet of vertical offset would there be if the center speaker was above TV? Tweeter to tweeter. Not that it's a deal breaker in of itself, but when you combine all of the compromises . . .

Phantom will work well if the main viewing area isn't too spread apart. Just tell the receiver the center channel isn't connected, and it will be rerouted to mains.

Anyways just an FYI in case you didn't know. Good luck.
 
C

ChicagoLR3

Audioholic
If i go from the mains to the center, the distance between tweeters would be about a foot with the speaker under the TV and approx 3 feet with center above.

I would like to retain a center channel. We watch a lot of movies, so i think having all three would be ideal.

I also talked to Aperion. Apparently the 6c can hold up to 90 pounds, so that is a possible solution.
 
Jack Hammer

Jack Hammer

Audioholic Field Marshall
I find it uncomfortable watching for any length of time when the TV is too high. If you are not going to be using the fireplace you could just put the TV on a stand in front of it and your problem is solved. If you are going to be using the fireplace then experiment with all your placement options and settle for which is most acceptable to you. I have to admit I really like the phantom center channel option for how you've described your current placement. You may consider trying it for a day or two to see if it's a viable solution for you.
 
C

ChicagoLR3

Audioholic
After thinking outside the box for a bit i believe i found a solution to my problem. I was thinking that i could get a center speaker stand to put the center on behind the TV. The only problem is that it would need to be approximately 36" tall and with an top that was angle adjustable so i could aim it at my couch. Well, as I'm sure some of you have discovered, there isnt a ready market for this. However, after perusing AVS i found a solution, which is to use a keyboard rack. namely, this one:

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/On-Stage-Stands-Deluxe-X-2Tier-Keyboard-Stand?sku=450339&CJAID=10451188&CJPID=3136390

I have ample room behind my TV, the stand is rated for 250 pounds, and the top is fully adjustable. However, is there any downside I'm missing with this that i havent thought of?
 
M

markw

Audioholic Overlord
I really don't think putting the center channel behind the TV is a good idea.

Above, yes, below, yes, behind, no.
 
sholling

sholling

Audioholic Ninja
My family room TV sits hangs from an flat panel mount on the back of an entertainment center. What I did was fabricate a shelf that bolts to that mount. Not ideal but at the time I didn't have room underneath. It was easy. I just used to L shelf brackets and some 5/8" fiberboard and a bit of black paint. It bolts to the stand.
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
I wish I could say something new here, but you got all the possible advices.
Like Mark says - behind tv - is a big No No.
Below tv - forces tv to be possibly too high.

So your best options are:
A) Make yourself or buys shelf/mounting kit to hang center above tv and aim it towards your ears level
B) Phantom center - its not that bad at all if you sit in hot spot
 
droht

droht

Full Audioholic
It would be good to post some pix, looking at TV and at seating area, to maybe get better suggestions. I would definitely recommend at least trying phantom center. You have nothing to lose. I find the flat screen above fireplace installs to almost always be severely compromised. I've found from my own compromised set ups that the money you spend on gear is hardly worth it if you can't set it up at least somewhat properly.
 
C

ChicagoLR3

Audioholic
I suppose i should clarify my idea. The center channel will not be behind the TV, but above it angled towards the seating position. The rack will be behind the TV, but the center channel will clear the top of it. The top tier of that stand should allow be to achieve the exact angle i need.

THe problem with a rear wall mount is that that wall is 3/4" drywall over a concrete wall, hence not the easiest to install a mount.

I have thought about doing the phantom center option. However, i would like to exhaust all options beforing going that route. we watch a lot of movies, and i just want the best i can do.
 
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