Center Speaker Mounting Options

[tannewt]

Hi all,
I'm eagerly awaiting my new 5.1 system from Ascend and am thinking about how I will place my center speaker. I'm unable to mount it on the wall above my TV. The two other options I'm considering are:
1) Getting a center speaker stand to put in front of my TV stand.
2) Getting a TV stand that will fit the center speaker underneath the TV.

It seems to me that the first option would be better acoustically because it will not "bottle up" the sound so to speak. The second option has the advantage of fitting the speaker flush with the TV and saving space.

What do you think of my options? Have I missed any alternatives?
Thanks.

[kinggimp82]

What is the reason you can't mount the center speaker over the TV? Is it because the TV is not centered on the stud in the wall and the center speaker would be off to one side instead of in the middle? Just curious.

[tannewt]

I live in an apartment and would rather not deal with mounting something big on the wall. It may be possible but it would be a hassle. Are there any other ways of having the center above the TV? Big home theater furniture? How ideal is that its over the TV?

[chas]

Can you post a picture of your setup?

[tannewt]

chas, I'd get a new TV stand to fit the center if that was what I decided.

[chas]

If you decide to get a new stand you might try something with a built-in mount for the tv if it will leave room below for a speaker.

[kinggimp82]

I don't think mounting it above the TV is better than having it below the TV. I'd just prefer my center mounted above my TV. The mount I use for my center speaker was actually designed for a 19 inch TV but it is perfect as a center mount for a cmt-340. I will include pictures below. Also the stand chas suggested will probably work well if you wanted the center below the TV instead.

[tannewt]

Thanks all. I read the other center speaker thread and there was some mention of the sound reflecting off of furniture such as a coffee table. I'm not super concerned about this. I'm thinking I'll get the StudioTech HF-33 and put the 9" posts on top. That way I'll have a 9" spot for my center below my TV. Thoughts?