Doing a 5.1 setup in a customer's living room where ceiling framing will not allow for an in-ceiling center speaker to be centered on TV. Customer has suggested using 2 center speakers equal distance off of center. Can anyone see an issue doing this?

In a perfect world, no, but in a less perfect world I have done the same thing.

We prefer two center speakers. Ideally one above and one below the screen. Second best it to have one close to the screen and one closer to the listener. Last would be what you describe.

Ideally we would have the ability to attenuate the volume of the two centers when they are in first two scenarios mentioned above. In your situation they would be at equal volume level.

Your only concern would be in the amplifier can drive two centers. Assume a standard AVR with 8ohm speakers... You shouldn't have any issues.

Sure, been there, done that.

Shelving too using box speakers when TV in the middle flanked by bookcase.
L books C TV C books R

This is something OP cannot do.

How are you seeing these arranged? If there can't be one in the center, then... you're saying you'd put two speakers in, which would have to be off center (equally off center?), with one closer to the listener(s) than the other? You don't mention height for this setup. What would the heights be? How close is closer to the listener?

This is actually first, since the other two can't be done in his scenario.

Don't disparage the best setup in the situation because the better setups can't be done -- the starting point is that the better setups can't be done, so it's no help to discuss them.


Hmmm. You already have the ability to attenuate the volume of the two centers. It's the Center level control in the surround setup. I think you mean you'd want to have the ability to attenuate the volume of the louder of the two speakers so that they seem as one. You'd determine by trial and error which speaker is louder than the other, and you'd add an attenuator to the signal going to that speaker.

Yes.

Yes.

Thumbs down button......

I’ve had todo it. Sounds fine.

It’s not a dedicated theater, it’s a living room. It’s going to be put in all channel anyway!

Soundbar or phantom center.
I really can’t believe some of the responses.
Personally i hate the front three in the ceiling and avoid it as much as possible.

Phantom center doesn’t work that well, soundbars have their place but I would take 4 ceiling speakers over a soundbar any day!

WOW. It has been taught in audio classes for decades - DO NOT PUT 2 CENTER CHANNELS IN!!!
This causes comb filtering. Which is bad! If you think you don't hear a difference, you haven't demoed it (A/B) to yourself to hear.

Brendon,
I know you use to have a good 2ch setup at your house. Do you have something setup you can play with this, to see for yourself. Especially listen how the sound changes dramatically from seat to seat with 2 centers installed vs. 1. If you have an RTA, look at the comb effect it is creating to the response.
I promise you, you will never mistreat a customer by doing that again.

And I have seen several dealers do it, just to sell an additional speaker. Knowing full well it was wrong to do.

This ^^

We used (1) center, and (1) blank matching grille on a similar install years ago.

Looked good.

Use three center channel speakers.... problem solved. Sell more speakers.

Why not do a center on one side and sub on the other? 👌🏻

Find or have a custom center built that gets attached to the TV.