Where does the center channel go in a 5.1 in-ceiling setup?

Question

my friend is getting an addition on his house and is installing a 5.1 speaker system.

Right now he has the speaker wiring for EVERY speaker in the ceiling.

I was under the impression that the center channel ALWAYS goes above the tv regardless of the other speakers.

Is a center channel that's in the ceiling alright?

or should he move the wiring to above the tv?

Answer 1

Either above the tv or just below it is the best position for the center speaker.  You want to hear the dialogue coming from the middle where the screen is.  This is the most important speaker in surround sound.

Answer 2

I agree with the first guy. Speaker placement whether above or below the tv is ok. But may I add to that, correct the speaker distance in the menu setting of your receiver. Most A/V receiver have this option. If you don't have this type, your ears is the best judge.

I also agree with him that the best is to place the speaker at ear level. Speaker placement is critical if your ear is sensitive to sound level of each speaker. I would suggest that you place the center speaker below the tv but above ground.

Answer 3

In surround sound, regardless of number of channels.  The Front Stage (Lt, Ctr, Rt) should always go on the wall facing the audience.  Never, Never in the ceiling.  Only the Surround Channels (Rear, Back, Rear Ctr) may go in the ceiling.

Walls are always better for all the channels.  The ceiling should almost never be used.

Answer 4

Yep you are right your friend seems to be way off. Unless that is merely the termination point and he has something else in mind.

Ideally the speakers should be at ear level and the appropriate distance away from the listener even the center channel which in the real theater experience is behind the screen, but our LCDs and CRTs and plasmas don't allow for that.

I recommend you friend some reading material.