Hello, I Need some advice on adding a pair of rear surronds to my 5.1 system, to go to 7.1. I've attached some images to show my approx room layout, and I'm wondering if I'd be better off installing the surround backs in the wall behind me, as per the THX site, or installing them in the ceiling ahead of the listening position? Or is either one just as good, only different? I know my room is not the best layout, as everything is very off center, but its what I have, and that can't change, so that's my biggest constraint.

Thanks!
Brian Speerly

Current living Room Setup (http://picshome.com/v2/download.php?id=0F7FA18A1 )
Proposed 7.1 System (http://picshome.com/v2/download.php?id=6C52DAB31 )
Proposed THX system (http://picshome.com/v2/download.php?id=AF0AEF431 )

Try to do something with your open floor plan and windows. You can mimic the Dolby's suggestion for side and rear surround setup, as found on their site. They offer diagrams with preferred and alternate surround speaker placement suggestions. You place the sides as an imaginary line drawn between the listeners heads. Place all surrounds 3' above listeners heads. In-ceiling speaker placement is horrible sonically. They are OK in elevators and businesses, but not in critical listening and home theater.

Thanks for the suggestion, but there isn't much I can do about he room, as its the main living space in the house. It is what it is. I've looked at the Dolby layouts, and the THX layouts. I can do either one, my question was more about which one would give me better sound, given the room setup that I have.

Thanks for the suggestion, but there isn't much I can do about he room, as its the main living space in the house. It is what it is. I've looked at the Dolby layouts, and the THX layouts. I can do either one, my question was more about which one would give me better sound, given the room setup that I have.

Dont use the THX plan unless you have a avr with THX Ultra/Select 2 certification and always listen to your sources with THX processing engaged. THX says to place the back surrounds together because of the processing that THX Ultra/Select 2 uses with the THX surround modes.

Take care,
Brian

Thanks, Yes i do ahve an Ultra2 certified AVR, the Onkyo 805. That's what actually prompted me to start asking all these questions. In your opinion, since I can to THX, would the backs close together give the best sound?