7.2 configuration

[rejean]

Hi Guys, im new here and a little green on the proper setup for a 7.2 system. im currently wanting to install a 7.2 system in a newly constructed home which is completely unfinished, question is to use in inwall or in inceiling speakers and if so in which locations would be best suited in an open concept room? i realize its hard without seeing it but i figured i'd ask.

Thanks
Rejean

 

[TheWarrior]

Your front L,R and Center should be pretty self explanatory, but the surrounds will depend on what wall space you have available. In-walls are the preferred choice, but again, those surrounds will depend on what you have to work with.

However for dual subs, I do not recommend in-wall solutions. Compact form factor is found with sealed subwoofers, which is great for and arguably superior for music, but for movies with those computer generated explosions, you'll want ported subs.

 

[rejean]

Thanks for the quick response, if i could get away with in wall everywhere what would the recommended height be for optimum sound?? i've looked around to see various setups but still unsure as there are some different opinions out there.

Thanks
Rejean

 

[TheWarrior]

Lol, good morning, this is my coffee/wake up routine!

There are variables there based on what your room looks like, but at least for the front 3 you should aim to have the tweeter at ear level at the seating position. Rears sometimes benefit from additional height, especially if the rear walls are even further away from your ears. Side surrounds (for 7 channel) really depend on the room, many people simply do not have a room large enough to benefit from 7 channel.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Front tweeter at ear level, surrounds a foot above ears height
Stand alone > inwall >in ceiling

 

[herbu]

In-walls are the preferred choice

Understand, this means preferred over in-ceiling... not stand-alone. Keep in mind, every audiophile I know has upgraded their speakers... usually many times. Consider what that would mean w/ in-wall mounts.

I would have the wires run in-wall, to the approximate location of each speaker, and a terminal mounted on the wall. If you're set on in-wall installation, give extra attention to the in-wall wires themselves. Use extra heavy duty shielded wires. And install a terminal in the wall next to each speaker, so it's easy to disconnect from the in-wall speakers and bring your wires out for stand-alone speakers.

 

[Darren Buckner]

What sort of setup are you looking to go for as a room that is empty can sound different to a room with furnishings in it.

I agree with getting the wiring done first and in-wall is a nice touch but i would select carefully the setup you decide to choose.

Take into account the size of your room and what you are going to include in it(furnishings) before you select your speakers etc

Regards

 

[agarwalro]

Stand alone > inwall >in ceiling

+1.

The basics: http://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/speaker-placement-setup-tips-for-upgraded-home-theater-systems

Subwoofer placement: http://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/crawling-for-bass-subwoofer-placement

Optimization: http://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/optimizing-front-lcr-speaker-placement

http://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/how-to-set-up-5.1-speaker-home-theater-system

 

[TheWarrior]

Yes to all of the above, but OP obviously has some constraints that had them asking about specifics for
in-wall/ceiling.

http://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/truth-about-in-wall-speakers

Lets not forget Paul just posted this article clearly detailing the advantages!