Front speaker placement, which option is better?

[TableLeg]

With a Tv straight in front on a wall mount.

Option 1:
Have the Left, Centre and Right speakers on the same line underneath the Tv, have the centre speaker centrally below the Tv and the left and right speakers further out to the sides of the Tv (but on the same line as the central speaker)

or
Option 2:

Have the centre speaker mounted centrally below the Tv, and have the Left and Right speakers mounted next to the Tv so they are mid way between the Tv screen. Therefore making a sort of V shape.

Any comments greafully received.

 

[tweakyboy]

I would say option 2, ideally you want to keep your left and right fronts at ear height which normally when seated is around 1m.

With your center either above or below the TV. Which will create that V effect you are talking about.

 

[John]

How high your TV is mounted should dictate top or bottom mounting of the C speaker

 

[Bonesy]

I would say option 1, ideally having the speakers at the same height. although this height depends on how far you sit from the telly.

if you have a v, whenever a car or helicopter flies across the scene, you'll hear it moving down the soundfield and then back up.

 

[TableLeg]

How high your TV is mounted should dictate top or bottom mounting of the C speaker

The issue is not with the height of the centre speaker, this can only go below the Tv.

Its a question of whether I put the speakers on the same line as the centre below the Tv or the left and right speakers higher up next to the Tv.

 

[TableLeg]

I would say option 1, ideally having the speakers at the same height. although this height depends on how far you sit from the telly.

if you have a v, whenever a car or helicopter flies across the scene, you'll hear it moving down the soundfield and then back up.

I see what you mean about the sound moving down and then up.

I sit approx. 10 feet from the Tv, and the centreline of the TV is about 125cm from the ground.

 

[clear and blue]

Personally I would put the fronts so the tweeter is at ear level when seated. I would rather compromise on the centre; I know it is the most used in films. . . I like music so want the fronts in the right place. I don't like a crick in my neck so I want the TV at head height when seated. After that the centre is likely to go below. Below or on top, whichever gets you closer to the height of the fronts.

EDIT: Just to add, you don't have too much difficulty with surround consistency with the fronts within 1-2ft of the height of the centre. 10ft away you would never notice.

 

[TableLeg]

Just to clarify these are the 2x options I am considering.

 

[TableLeg]

Personally I would put the fronts so the tweeter is at ear level when seated. I would rather compromise on the centre; I know it is the most used in films. . . I like music so want the fronts in the right place. I don't like a crick in my neck so I want the TV at head height when seated. After that the centre is likely to go below. Below or on top, whichever gets you closer to the height of the fronts.

EDIT: Just to add, you don't have too much difficulty with surround consistency with the fronts within 1-2ft of the height of the centre. 10ft away you would never notice.

Thanks for the reply.

I am in that situation whereby the Tv is at a height that permits confortable viewing when standing (playing on a games console) and also whilst sitting. Its a trade off but ultimately I would like to optimize the front and centre speaker for seated viewing so as to benefit mainly for Tv,film and sitting games played on the games console.

With this in mind I think I will opt for the 2nd of my layouts.

Many thanks again to all those who replied.

 

[DrH]

I have my 3 front speakers below my screen all at the same height. The screen fills the wall so no other choice. I have no issue with the soundstage even though the screen is higher up.

Your second option would be my preference.

DrH

 

[Bonesy]

it sounds as though with option 2, the tweeters of the speakers would still be 1m off the ground? fine for 10 feet away.

best answer is to try both and see which you prefer,but as clear says, if you like music, go for the second and compromise the movies, if you prefer movies, go for option 1.

I'm sure either will be great.