Whether your center speaker should be above or below your TV is a matter of personal preference and the setup of your room. There are pros and cons to both placements, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Center speaker above TV
Pros:
- Can help to create a more immersive soundstage, as the sound will appear to be coming from the center of the screen.
- Can free up space below the TV for other components, such as a soundbar or center channel speaker stand.
- Can be easier to place at the correct height for your ears, especially if you have a wall-mounted TV.
Cons:
- Can be more difficult to access and adjust the speaker.
- May not sound as good as a center speaker placed below the TV, especially if the speaker is not angled towards the listener.
- Can be more visible, which may not be aesthetically pleasing to some people.
Center speaker below TV
Pros:
- Can provide better sound quality, as the speaker is closer to the listener and the sound waves have less distance to travel.
- Is easier to access and adjust the speaker.
- Is less visible, which may be more aesthetically pleasing to some people.
Cons:
- Can take up space below the TV, which may not be ideal if you have limited space.
- Can be more difficult to place at the correct height for your ears, especially if you have a low-mounted TV.
Which placement is right for you?
If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, it is generally recommended to place your center speaker below the TV. However, if you have limited space or you prefer a more discreet setup, placing your center speaker above the TV can be a good option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide where to place your center speaker is to experiment and see what sounds best to you. Try both placements and see which one you prefer.
Here are some additional tips for placing your center speaker:
- Avoid placing the center speaker too close to walls or corners. This can create reflections and muddy the sound.
- If you have a subwoofer, place it in front of your listening position. This will help to create a more balanced soundstage.
- Experiment with different toe-in angles to find the one that sounds best to you. Toe-in angle is the angle at which the speaker is pointed towards the listening position. A good starting point is to toe-in your center speaker about 15 degrees.
No matter where you choose to place your center speaker, it is important to experiment with different placements until you find the one that sounds best to you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as the best center speaker placement will vary depending on your room acoustics and personal preferences.