placement of centre channel

My EC35 is above my HDTV, under would be the second option. John

I have it both ways. On my big screen RP set, it is on top. For my plasma set, it is in a cabinet below the set. I really can not hear much (if any) difference. The perfect position would be right in front of the center of the screen. Whatever you decide, measure the distance to the listening area for all speakers and set the delays correctly.

.....it is nice to have the center channel speaker no more that 12'' higher or lower than the left and right speaker. However, this refers mainly to when all three speakers are exactly on the level and projecting at a 90 degrees to the floor. This is really not practical in most set-ups.

So either on top of the TV or below on the rack is fine. Be sure the center speaker is centered horizontally on the screen if possible. More important is to make sure the center channel speaker's tweeter is pointing directly at your ears in your main seating position. You therefore might have to tilt the center speaker up or down slightly, depending on its placement using rubber spacers or other shims.

Also very important is to have the leading edge of the center speaker equal to or slighlty forward of the leading edge of the top of the TV or the shelf on your rack. Do not place the speaker back from that front edge of the surface it is placed on. There should be no reflecting surface just below the front edge of the speaker. That applies to all speakers.

If the two choices are a toss up in your opinion then use the location that is closest in height from the floor to the left and right speakers.

Generally speaking that is.

RR6