Surround system speaker placement

[Dan the Man]

I have been looking at on-line resouces regarding proper 5.1 surround sound speaker placement and from what I have seen, most suggest that the secondary speakers in this set-up be installed to the sides of the listening position. I used to think that they were to be placed at the rear of the listening position in the corners.

I have a 5.1 set-up with the secondary speakers in the rear corners. I am now considering adding some side speakers and going to a 7.1 set-up.

I am wondering how much better the 7.1 arrangement is over a 5.1 and if it is worth the cost to add to my speaker system. Also, how big a deal is it to have the 5.1 speakers near the rear rather then off to the sides? :confused:

I realize these are very subjective questions but any opinions/feedback would be appreciated.

[gparris]

I have three home theatre setups with 7.1 surround for client/customer examples.
In all three, the back surround effects could be missed without a back surround speaker or two when there is Dolby EX or DTS 6.1 audio on the DVDs.
Especially with the newer high-def discs, it's almost a requirement, as several of them offer 7.1 PCM or 7.1 DTS-HD surround.

Note that Dolby has a excellent surround matrix that works very well with 7.1 systems, even with DD5.1 audio, as found in most HDTV-source programming.
Dolby's "Pro-Logic IIx" surround matrixing has worked very well with my setups and configurations, too.
The result of back surrounds is that with the audio, there are no "gaps" in the surround effects, the surround is seamless.

Please note the speaker layouts in the following link:
http://www.dolby.com/consumer/home_entertainment/roomlayout2.html
Some place the side surrounds in the back corners, while others facing the sides of their heads, aiming at their ears for the 5.1 setup.
Then, the other two back surrounds aim at the back of the seating position and it can be easy to place them, if given only a foot or less  behind the listening area and not even placed too far apart, for 7.1 surround.

I notice you have Def.Tech. speakers:
These should work very well if you want to stay with Def. Tech., as it is the preferred method to use the same manufacturer for all speakers, if possible.
See: http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/surround/surround.html

As an alternative, I have had great success with these Boston Bravo II's because they can be placed/installed almost anywhere:
http://www.bostonacoustics.com/home_product.aspx?product_id=202

If you have any other questions, please PM me.

[Talos4]

Well, I have a 5.1 system.

I played around with different locations of the rears as well, placing them on the ceiling and down firing at the main seating position. Mounted them directly to the sides of the seating position on the wall.

I was not happy at all.

I ended up with the Def Tech 1.2x speakers, The bipolar speakers are much more forgiving on set up.  The design allows for relatively uneven placement while still creating a good field of sound.

I currently have them at ear level on each side of the seating position on stands.

And so far I'm happy with what I'm hearing.

[gparris]

Dan the Man:
I would get a pair of speakers for the back surrounds that you can set up properly and give it a try and see what happens to your audio, given the AVR supports it for 7.1 and tweak it.
Note that it is dependent upon design of the actual room (for reflected sound) and what you have for programme material, as well as personal preferences.

Since I have a Blu-ray player, I'm glad I got the 7.1 setup when I play HD movies for example, like "Crank", among others, but that's me.

[Dan the Man]

I think I will put on my list of things I want to get (but really shouldn't spend the money on) another pair of speakers to mount at the sides of my "theater" area and upgrade to a 7.1 arrangement. I don't have an HD/BR DVD player yet, but that too is on the list.

I just need to decide on the brand/size of speaker. If I match my Def Tech rears the sides will be too big and look dorky in the living room. I need something small like those tiny little Bose speakers but something with a good sound.

[gparris]

Your welcome, but if you want to or are able to, try mounting the two back surrounds from the ceiling, as this works well, too.
FYI, in-ceiling speakers also have internal adjustments that allow the sound to be pointed to the listening position - or - try those Boston Bravos (I linked a site to) that rate very well, too.
If you weren't that far away, I'd show you and let you listen to the 7.1 setups to give you some ideas, like I do with my family's clients.
Good luck with your setup and keep us informed as to your final selection-thanks in advance!:wave:

[jkane]

Placement is less important than setting each speaker's Db level correctly.  You can adjust for position by setting the amplifier up to drive them with the right amount of sound at the sweet spot.

Which is why it doesn't matter!  Only one person is gonna get that sweet spot.  Everyone else is missing the effects you hear sitting in just the right place.

[gparris]

jkane is right.
Many times I will rework their AVR (- +db) for each individual speaker, depending on the location of each and the "normal" seating position(s).
There are also height and location that are configurable solutions within the AVR's menus with all setups, too, so don't miss out on the best surround sound and configurations.