I've searched the subject but seem more confused now.

5.1 polk rm 6000 setup. side speakers can either go 4 ft in front or 4 ft behind couch. If placed in front they can be either ear level or at 6-6 1/2 ft. angle would be approx 120 degrees.

If placed behind they would have to be at 6 ft.

what would be the best placement in your opinion?

I've searched the subject but seem more confused now.

5.1 polk rm 6000 setup. side speakers can either go 4 ft in front or 4 ft behind couch. If placed in front they can be either ear level or at 6-6 1/2 ft. angle would be approx 120 degrees.

If placed behind they would have to be at 6 ft.

what would be the best placement in your opinion?The surrounds in a 5.1 setup should not be in front of you. Directly to the side or somewhat rearward (90° to 120° arc) is the recommended placement. If you must place them further rearward, that is OK. Compromises often have to be made.

http://www.dolby.com/consumer/home_entertainment/roomlayout2.html

thnx,

dolby's screen setup helped more than the thx website. from the thx site I thought they were showing that you could angle the sides in front of the viewer. didn't make sense since sound is supposed to encompass the room.

thanks again

what would be the best placement in your opinion?I'll echo sivadselim's advice. Placing the surround speakers forward of the listeners will give the impression of a really wide front soundstage (which can sound nice with music), but won't give the impression of being surrounded. To get that effect, you need to have the surround speakers in the rear hemisphere of the listening area.

The placement you mentioned, 4 feet back and 6 feet up, sounds fine. It will strike a nice balance between side and rear coverage. You may want to point the speakers (roughly) towards the sweet spot, for better imaging in the surround field.

Sanjay

What's the confusion with the THX website?

http://www.thx.com/home/setup/speakers/51.html