I have a narrow living area in my condo, and I'd like to see if I can improve on my current 2 channel setup. I have a NAD C350 integrated amp which has served me quite well for almost 10 years, but I now need to switch to some kind of AVR to handle all of my various components including my new Pioneer KRP-500M Kuro monitor.

I currently have a couple decent bookshelf speakers and a small 8" sub connected to the amp, but I am wondering if I could correctly implement any kind of 5.1 or 7.1 setup? I have no room behind or to the side of the couch because of the narrow room dimensions. There is also a doorway right next to the couch on the left side.

I could install in-wall speakers behind the couch, but they'd be flush with the person's head while seated which is not ideal. Also, there are two large paintings above the couch, so the speakers would be behind the paintings (good for aesthetics, bad for sound/vibration). I could do in-ceiling speakers, but how good are these? I predict the installation on the in-ceiling speakers is more expensive.

Also, I don't even know where I'd put the center channel. The TV sits on a credenza right now, and there is no more room for any extra equipment. I suppose I could wall-mount the TV to open up some room on the credenza for a center channel, but that doesn't solve the rear/surround speaker issues I have.

If I stay 2 channel, should I change my TV/speaker arrangement? Right now I have everything angled to the right to give the best possible viewing angle and speaker coverage to the entire room. If I center the TV on the credenza and space out the speakers to fire straight out, then the people on the right side of the living room miss out. One alternative I considered for the 2 channel setup is to ditch the bookshelf speakers and go with a quality pair of freestanding tower speakers on either side of the credenza. This would give me better spacing and an AVR with Audessy should help balance out the left channel that gets stuck in the corner. Right?

I included some images that I made for my living area using Google SketchUp (I just downloaded it this morning.. its very easy to use). The renderings are to scale, and as the aerial image shows, the ideal seating position is 9' from TV panel to eyeballs on the couch. In case it isn't clear from the renderings, the black cube to the left of the TV is the sub, and the large blue square on the wall to the left of the TV is a window.

Quick version: Is it worth trying to cram 5.1 or 7.1 into my living room via in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, or should I stick with a quality 2.1 setup instead?

Thanks

I guess I'll be the first to ask, whats that to the left of the TV? Could it go there, I guess I'm trying to say rotate everything 90 degrees ccw. Yes to floorstanders, Yes to wall mount and center on credenza, yes to in wall/in ceiling speakers if you have the cash or knowhow to do it yourself.
good luck

I guess I'll be the first to ask, whats that to the left of the TV? Could it go there, I guess I'm trying to say rotate everything 90 degrees ccw. Yes to floorstanders, Yes to wall mount and center on credenza, yes to in wall/in ceiling speakers if you have the cash or knowhow to do it yourself.
good luck

That wall 90 degrees CCW from the TV is a large window. No chance of rotating onto that wall.

I personally like more speakers for that surround effect even in a perfect square room.

Once u have more speakers, they each will do the job of filling the room, so u don't need huge ones.

I personally like more speakers for that surround effect even in a perfect square room.

Once u have more speakers, they each will do the job of filling the room, so u don't need huge ones.

So are you recommending that I go to a 5.1 or 7.1 setup even if I have to use poor positioning and mediocre components? Your argument is that a compromised multi-channel setup is always better than a good 2 channel setup, correct?

Your argument is that a compromised multi-channel setup is always better than a good 2 channel setup
Oh hell, I would NEVER say that else the purists are gonna jump all over me. ;)

But in your case, I believe more drivers dispersed about the room will compensate for the odd room shape.

the "purists' havent tried to live in a tiny condo obviously. i feel your pain...i bought a condo a year ago and it took me 6 fricking months basically looking as a full time job to try to find something that had a layout that worked for my gear...

what is in those large open spaces past the "boundary" of the living room? can you put the TV on the wall close to where the couch is?

the "purists' havent tried to live in a tiny condo obviously. i feel your pain...i bought a condo a year ago and it took me 6 fricking months basically looking as a full time job to try to find something that had a layout that worked for my gear...

what is in those large open spaces past the "boundary" of the living room? can you put the TV on the wall close to where the couch is?

The large open spaces in my images are occupied with other furniture. That room configuration is permanent for multiple reasons, so I've got to do the best that I can with it.

Headphones and silent movies ;)

I was thinking about moving everything ccw one station (not just 90 degrees) - TV to couch, couch to loveseat, loveseat to TV. Helps open up the front stage, and probably imporves situation for one or two seating positions, company or family gets screwed. ;)

Seriously, you just have too many constraints and inflexibility to do much. You could try dipole or in-ceiling surrounds for 5.1, wouldn't even consider 7. Don't think you have enough separation to worry about a center. Bet you'd improve sub integration and lumpy response if you can get the sub out of the tight corner, maybe switch to the other side of the TV stand?

Headphones and silent movies ;)

I was thinking about moving everything ccw one station (not just 90 degrees) - TV to couch, couch to loveseat, loveseat to TV. Helps open up the front stage, and probably imporves situation for one or two seating positions, company or family gets screwed. ;)

Seriously, you just have too many constraints and inflexibility to do much. You could try dipole or in-ceiling surrounds for 5.1, wouldn't even consider 7. Don't think you have enough separation to worry about a center. Bet you'd improve sub integration and lumpy response if you can get the sub out of the tight corner, maybe switch to the other side of the TV stand?

Ok.. so 7.1 isn't worth it with my limitations. Unfortunately, changing the configuration of the furniture is not possible.

Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone.