Set up input: 5.2, 4.2 or 2.2?

[b_hansen]

All,

Lurker for the past few months, have finally signed up and looking for some input on something I thought I already had figured out

Just moved into a new larger house last weekend and I've been designing my new system around a living room that presents some challenges, along with some other limitations which I will get into.

The living room is 19' x 17' x 12' (need to double check the height, that's a guesstimate, pretty tall celings though). Attached is a sketch of the living room layout.

The room has hardwood floors, and large windows and double doors to a patio to the left. I am not big on surround sound, having run my previous 6.1 system as a 2.1 with dual towers and a sub (Pioneer VSX-D811). I just don't care for all the mucky muck of running speakers and wire all over the place and I primarily like to listen to music, and just having 'good sound' is fine for me for movies.

I know its verboten to run a 5.X or 7.X system with all the speakers in the front. I also understand that I am not going to have proper spacing on the front towers.My questions are, considering the room limitations and my listening/viewing habits:

1) Should I run as a 5.2 (add a center channel), as drawn as 4.2 system, or just run it 2.2?

2) I don't have a center channel speaker. I have room for one on the center stand and I do like high SPL's, so more speakers when I have the ability are always welcome. What happens with the center channel when you run as a 2.X system?

Since most everything is still in boxes (either new or still packed from the move) I haven't had much chance to play with the layout yet, but thought I would ask the fine folks on this forum for their input and cut down on my mistakes and trial and error time.

Equipment:

Pioneer Elite VSX-90 receiver
2 - Klipsch F2
2 - Klipsch KF-26
2 - Pioneer 8" subs (the newish ones designed by Andrew Jones)

Haven't picked out a TV yet, kind of waiting to see if there are any blowouts this 4th of July weekend, but if not Costco (and everybody else) has a decent looking Samsung 4K 55" that's a pretty good deal.

 

[markw]

Don't have all the answers but I will volunteer this:

Without a center speaker, a 5.x (or 3.x or 7.x) system is out of the question.

When running as a 2.x system, the center channel information is divided between the two front speakers. This is called a "phantom" center channel and will trick one into thinking there is a center channel but, this effect is only viable in a very small "sweet spot", generally centrally located midway between the two main speakers. People outside of that sweet spot will not really benefit much.

 

[elwaylite]

I run a 3.2 and love it. Tried it without a meaty center in 2.2 and did not care for it so much.

 

[agarwalro]

Your surrounds are not meant to sit with the front LR towers. This is most likely why your previous experience with surround sounds was less than satisfying.

Here is the recommended layout for 5.1, (ignore the sub, the two you show are located fine).

For best results, when listening to music or watching movies, keep the two doors on either side closed.


I am running 2.2 (no center) and am very happy. But, this is a setup optimized for exactly one seat (mine ). If you have people siting immediately in front or outside the plane of the L-R towers, a center speaker will be needed to anchor the centered sounds to the L-R mid plane (center of TV stand).

 

[markw]

Your surrounds are not meant to sit with the front LR towers. This is most likely why your previous experience with surround sounds was less than satisfying.

You are exactly correct. I didn't even look at that picture.
I agree with everything you said.

 

[b_hansen]

Gents,

Thanks for the input. Previous experience with 6.1 was probably because the receiver I ran had plenty of power but the satellite speakers were small.

I understand about the surrounds not being next to the main towers, but again I'm not really concerned about surround, on my previous setup I would run two sets of towers and just run it in a Stereo or Ext. Stereo mode and I liked that much better.

Point taken on the center channel speaker, shopping around for one right now but its not a major priority. Moving two households into one has been crazy expensive. Considering my likes and space limitations the 3.2 setup could be the way to go as well. Thanks again.