I am replacing my current speakers with some Polk in-walls, and have a dilemma on where to put the surround speakers. I will eventually spring for the rear surrounds to finish the 7.1 setup, but for now, I am just doing the 5. Below is a crude (but to scale) diagram of the room. The room is approx 12' wide and 22 feet from the front wall to the corner of the left wall (next to Surround position 2). 8' ceilings. This room opens in the back for the kitchen.

http://spilledwhine.com/pics/speakersetup.jpg

As you can see, there is a giant hole in the right side of the room due the french doors. So I basically have two options on where to place the surround speakers, position 1 and position 2. If I do position 1, the speakers would be slightly offset and forward of the listener, due to some pictures on the left wall. I might be able to move the left up a bit if I move the pictures. but if I do option 2, the speakers will be slightly further behind. What you recommend in this situation?

Thanks,
Tom

What you recommend in this situation?

I was in a similar situation, in that the only decent location for one of my side surrounds is slightly forward of the seating position. If you plan to stay 5.1, I would recommend the more rearward position, as it will likely be more 'enveloping'; with only 5.1 you won't have much rear presence with position 1; I noticed this when I was 5.1. However, since you plan to go 7.1, I would recommend the more forward postion, assuming your AVR can process 5.1 to 7.1 via DPLIIx, Logic7... Once I added two rear surrounds, all was good. I listen to nearly all (video) sources this way with a similar set-up and it works great. Once you go 7.1, I think you would find that position 2 leaves you with too large a sonic hole at your sides.

The problem I see with position 1 is that you can't get them even with the seating position and keep them symmetric left to right. They'd also be WAY far forward for the rear row now and in 7.1.

I'd go with position 2 as the best compromise now and later.

Bryan

I came across this post from a while back. I was considering the same speakers and was stuck with a very similar side/rear speaker problem. I decided (I think) to sneak the sofa forward 18 inches to have room for the side wall speakers (there is a sink/fridge complex that would otherwise push them way back). I thought the layout of the prior post had some frightening similarities. How did it work out?

I am coming close to the point of commitment on my plan. Please take a look at the attachment. I was giong to do the Polk in wall speakers for the front, SWs, and sides, and use rotatable in ceilings for the far back speakers to turn them to the excercise area as needed. Any feedback much appreciated.

112511

Thanks

I ended up going with position 1. After putting them in, They are really close to being side by side with the couch. I am still waiting to purchase the rear surrounds. So far I like what I hear. The in-walls I don't think sound as good as my previous speakers, but the in-wall look is great!

PS: That is a nice diagram

Tom

I finally purchased my rear two surround speakers. Polk TC60i speakers for the ceiling. These speakers have a 15 degree offset. I have been mapping everything out and found that I can mount my rear speakers at about 4.5' or 8' behind the listener. What would be the better option? Below are two pictures if the room. Still waiting for our new TV...

http://spilledwhine.com/pics/Img_2238.jpg

http://spilledwhine.com/pics/Img_2239.jpg