Need to finalize on speaker placement and thought I would ask the experts here and see what everyone thought about speaker choice and placement. The front soundstage will consist of Ascend 340's as Left, Right, and Center channels behind a 120" sheerweave AT screen. The rear surrounds will be Axiom QS 8's mounted on the wall between first and second row a couple of feet above ear level. Should I mount these with brackets that allow them to be aimed down at the viewer or just flat against the wall firing over the viewers head? Finally, will I be ok with a 5.1 system or do I need to mount speakers on the back wall above the riser? The rear seating will only be 6" off the back wall, so will I even notice them behind me if I'm in the back row? Well, I guess thats it for now, so let me hear your suggestions.

Also, I'm not 100% set on my speaker selection, so If you have a better recomendation let me know. Thanks! Travis

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa82/tleerussell/layout.jpg

Somebody has to have a suggestion....

I just did some test lately, actually just last week. NOTE: This is just my own ear's experience. Are you able to add 2 more dipole speakers for the surround backs? I didn't have any surround backs before(just sides) but after adding my 2 monopoles but positioned like dipoles, I have to say that surround was more realistic. When the 2 monopole speakers was positioned directly to my back, it was just ok. Having said that, once I get extra money, I will buy 2 dipole speakers for the surround backs but I will keep my direct radiating surround L/R speakers.

Just my 2 cents. :)

It's entirely up to you if you want to go 5.1 or 7.1. The Axiom surrounds work great. They should be mounted flat against the wall; no need to angle them or anything.

If you decide to go 5.1, run wire for 7.1. That way you are future proofed a bit.

Thanks for all the responses. I have wired for 7.1, but I was just trying to save $500 by going with the 5.1 if it will work. What about the side surrounds? Do I have them placed in the best position for both front and rear rows to get some effect?

You have the sides mounted so that the "best" effect will be at your first row. When setting up surrounds you usually need to just commit to one location knowing that other row(s) will be compromised. Having your second row right up against the rear wall is not going to help matters.

Nice thing about the Axioms is that they allow for some pretty flexible placement.

I'd definitely go with 7.1. My rear row is also pretty much right against the back wall (also using Axioms) and there's a huge difference with 7.1 (even for the back row).

I would probably move the side speakers a little further forward, however. (just behind the first row - not in between the two rows - maybe where your riser starts).