Where do I put this 100lb boat anchor?

[1_sufferin_mind]

I’m contemplating setting up my system on the long wall for the best of stereo and video worlds. I want convincing 2-ch for dedicated stereo listening and immersive multi-ch for movies. The long wall allows sufficient physical separation between L/R mains while still accommodating a wide screen.

I’m in the process of mapping out the system on paper to decide, but have this gnawing distraction regarding the center channel. If speakers are out in the room, what do you typically recommend for the center? Plop it on the floor under the screen something akin to stuffing a sub in a corner? Does that provide a wow-factor system, or will I be relegated to living with a mediocre one?

My current arrangement has the center on an A/V stand with its top surface just under the TV’s bezel (3ft off the ground).
The center weighs in just north of 100lbs and measures 29”W x 12”T x 12”D.
Assuming my new screen will be a 100” diagonal (49” x 87”), the room’s 8ft ceiling would leave about 24” under the screen (center + stand).

What do you think of a false wall for the sole purpose of housing the center?
A fixed, acoustically transparent screen would hide the framework for a shelf to raise the center to the proper level relative to the mains.

Any other suggestions? Please remember this beast weighs 100lbs so needs some robust support.

 

[Tony V.]

I don't recommend turning your room lengthwise. Your not going to improve your sound by this option as that really puts you way to close to your speakers to get the imaging your wanting anyhow. Your way better off going with one row of seating and pushing the front seats back till your about 4' from the rear wall.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Just tossing this out there....

Have you considered a home theater only room? Perhaps 2 channel in another room?

OR... give GoldenEar's in-walls a whirl. I've heard them in action several times. They sound fantastic. Pair those with an AT screen and a good sub set up and your room would be pretty killer!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Oh... flipping the room... I think it would be a mistake to go length-wise. My primary concern would be the back wall being too close to your seating.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

...Have you considered a home theater only room? Perhaps 2 channel in another room?

Now there's a fresh concept! 2-channel may work in the adjacent 11x14 room. I'd just need to ante-up for a new L/C/R set (the Revels would go in the music room), more acoustic treatment, extra listening chair, etc, etc. Maybe someday, but it's a budget-buster right now.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

I don't recommend turning your room lengthwise. Your not going to improve your sound by this option as that really puts you way to close to your speakers to get the imaging your wanting anyhow. Your way better off going with one row of seating and pushing the front seats back till your about 4' from the rear wall.

Oh... flipping the room... I think it would be a mistake to go length-wise. My primary concern would be the back wall being too close to your seating.

Hah! I was waiting for consensus, lol. But my room layout sketches helped, too.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

I recently found the short wall can fit a 100" diag screen with reasonable sidewall clearance for the speakers. I began this thread talking about long-wall preference, but center channel location shouldn’t depend on that.

Is it customary to plop the center on the floor under the screen? How about the screen itself—should it be positioned so half is above seated line of sight?

 

[Todd Anderson]

Your room situation is similar to mine (although my room is wider and a tad longer). I have a 105" cinemascope screen... which is obviously more rectangular and elongated than the HD 16:9 screen size. So, my center channel is positioned fairly high (practically the same height as the tweeters on my mains).

Of course, with a 16:9 screen, your center is going to sit lower. If you go this route, you'll need to get it as high from the floor as possible and angle toward your head.

As for screen height. That's fairly subjective and variable. I'd place it where you like. I actually don't mid a bit of an upward angle.

How tall are your walls?

 

[Tony V.]

I agree with Todd ^^^

My 2:35:1 screen sits about 3.5ft off the floor as I wanted to fit my mains under it that way I could get a larger 120" screen in the space. My ceiling is at 8' so I have the height to get away with it. higher.