Covering a TV behind your speakers?

#1, I refuse to have my TV between the speakers. I just won’t do it. My TV is off to the side. But it seems most feel the need or impulse to dampen the area between the speakers, which may not be the best solution to maintain the full and detailed center image. I have diffusion panels between my speakers (over a fireplace opening). I tried both and the diffusion panels vs absorbtion really provided a much better soundstage, for me. Just a thought.


Edit: I see Eric brought up the same / similar comment.

@devilboy 

Isn't it better to use diffusion in front of your TV instead of absorption?
I have a TV between my speakers. I've been using a blanket over it when I listen however I'm questioning that method lately.

I suggested the same in an earlier post, and would tend to agree. But, it may also be up to your room and speakers. That said, it is wrong to assume absorption first, or only.

in my case, as I said, I will not put a TV  or any other equipment between my speakers, and for me, diffusion worked better than absorption for the overall soundstage improvement. 

@devilboy

I tried both between my speakers, so it was essentially picking the one which sounded best. To me.


Absorption was kinda like a magnet in between my speaker and seemed to flatten and kind of soften the imaging and soundstage. Diffusion did the opposite, providing for a wider and deeper stage. I have both absorption and diffusion behind each speaker as well (the rear and rear sides).


Best thing to do is experiment. If you can.

@devilboy 

As I was trying to figure out how much this (acoustic treatmernts) would work, I purchased some acoustic absorption panels, and for diffusion, finally chose some architectural 3D/sculpted polymer type 'tiles'. A box of them, approx 18"x18" cost me about $70 for ten (? cannot remember exactly). The are primarily for a 3D architectural surface 'decoration' on walls, etc., and can be painted, which I did for my fireplace opening between the speakers to blend-in the brick surround at the opening. The ones on the walls I just kept unpainted, or white. But, while studying my options, I saw others had used them for audio diffusion purposes as well, so took a shot.

They do work, as there is a difference with and without. As it is also my living room, they are also fairly non-offensive in looks. Are they as good as true purpose built audio diffusion panels? Probably not, no, but they do help and do work. I may consider replacing them with a true audio product in the future, but right now I'm pleased with the results.