The Center Situation.

**StoneD** · 07-03-2011, 03:21 AM

Ok. The big Digm 390 center channel speaker is a done deal. Should be here by the end of next week. It's of course a mammoth 39"x14"x8.5"H. Now the preliminary setup will place it on a 45"Lx17"Wx30"H sofa table. The center speaker on top of the table should only be a 1/2" too tall. Not a problem, I'll elevate the TV(SamDLP) with 1/2" piece of plywood or something. The center speaker will stick out the 14" from the screen, therefore creating the situation.

I would prefer a uniform stage for the L-C-R and TV. I'm thinking of trying to build a simple table with a couple of shelves underneath. TV on the table top. Center on the top shelf. Receiver, Sat box, etc. on the bottom shelf. The shelves would be fairly open. Kinda like this; (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...s/DSC01295.jpg), but on a slightly grander scale to accommodate the size difference. Note the open back and smaller openings on the sides.

What are some thoughts about the idea? Would that type of opened style design help keep the sound as natural as possible? Perhaps you have a better idea. Or maybe just ways to minimize the I'll effects of closing a speaker in some?

**ckone180** · 07-03-2011, 10:21 AM

That will work just fine! Just remember its better when aimed at ear level, so if you have multiple rows of seating, straight on works better. If you do not have but one row, angle it towards ear level if its not high enough when installed! Enjoy!

**StoneD** · 07-03-2011, 12:28 PM

Yeah I would make it so the 390 on the bottom shelf was at ear level. And I've got a couple options.

I read that some type of rubber pad under the speaker helps to calm some vibrations. The 390 is also coming with stands included. Not sure on the brand of the stands, but they look similar to the Pdm J18c stands only they're 12"H and wooden.

Would it make sense to make the bottom shelf larger to float the 390 on the stands inside the shelf?

**ckone180** · 07-03-2011, 03:13 PM

I've not had a problem with center channels vibrating since they typically come with rubber feet. I think you will be golden.

**StoneD** · 07-03-2011, 03:53 PM

Hmm, well I didn't see any feet on the 390. I plan to hang the lip of the speaker off the front of the shelf some to reduce reflections up front.

I'm curious about how much breathing room to create around the speaker. Keeping in mind that its open backed. The whole table would be about 10" out from the wall. I was thinking about a 2ft wide table ..So with the speaker hanging maybe an inch off the front, that leaves probably 1ft in the back from speaker to table. 22" speaker to wall. Will that work?

Given the back space is ok. What are some thoughts on creating enough space for the sides and top of the speaker? Are those spaces less important since there aren't any ports or drivers to contend with?

**ckone180** · 07-03-2011, 05:22 PM

Well first off, I don't really see any benefit from hanging the 390 off the front of the cabinet. Very directional waves here, so that kind of angle isn't necessary, unless you like the look. Not having experienced the 390 first-hand, I'd still wager it has feet or pads to keep it off the surface. I will try to find a picture.

22" is a good deal from the wall, you should be just fine. I would even venture to say 18" wouldn't have a negative affect. The sides
And top are fine with reduced spacing. Paradigm should have a recommendation in these aspects though, so use that reference as well.

**StoneD** · 07-03-2011, 08:06 PM

Oh I was just worried about blocking something out front. And I can't seem to find any pics or mention of feet on the 390. I guess I should send an email to them to see if they have some recommendations.