Living Room Surround Speaker Set-Up

[MatthewBenham]

Hello!

I"ve been racking my brains trying to figure out the best in-ceiling/in-wall possibilities for my living room television audio setup. The main problem is, when considering main LR and Center channels, the ceiling is angled towards the television (see photo) and the area that I can mount speakers on the wall (top right and left - drywall) is not very ideal because it's quite high. The shiplap covering the fireplace is directly over stone/brick, so it is not an option to mount speakers there. Rear surrounds should be easy because the ceiling is angled towards the viewer from behind. I do have a sub in the cabinet to the bottom left of the hearth. Any advice regarding combination of in-ceiling, in-wall, angled speakers, etc would be very helpful. Thank you!!!

 

[TLS Guy]

Hello!

I"ve been racking my brains trying to figure out the best in-ceiling/in-wall possibilities for my living room television audio setup. The main problem is, when considering main LR and Center channels, the ceiling is angled towards the television (see photo) and the area that I can mount speakers on the wall (top right and left - drywall) is not very ideal because it's quite high. The shiplap covering the fireplace is directly over stone/brick, so it is not an option to mount speakers there. Rear surrounds should be easy because the ceiling is angled towards the viewer from behind. I do have a sub in the cabinet to the bottom left of the hearth. Any advice regarding combination of in-ceiling, in-wall, angled speakers, etc would be very helpful. Thank you!!!View attachment 24717

That is not a suitable AV space. The TV above the fireplace perched on the mantlepice is a very poor TV location and looks grotesque.

Find another place for your AV. Another room would be best, otherwise may be the wall to the right. That room is totally unsuitable for a surround system as a lot of rooms if not most are. LCR is the best you can hope for in that room and even that will be difficult.

 

[MatthewBenham]

This is our our living room, not our main theater room. I was just asking for advice considering the best audio setup, not to be ridiculed on TV placement, or how bad of a space it is. Thank you for your response.

 

[DigitalDawn]

I'm pretty sure I can help come up with a plan for your room. It's will just be for casual movie watching and not perfect, but your family will be happy.

Going to need a budget for the 5 speakers.

 

[TheWarrior]

Hi!

If you already have a theater room, you may just want to consider going the stereo route in here. A pair of JBL 7-series monitors would provide every seat with top quality sound, and would not require a preamp or receiver, you could just plug them right in to the TV. Anchoring a shelf through to the masonry would not be a problem, and then you can always remove the shelf and repaint!

If your heart is set on surround sound, then definitely talk with Dawn, above! I have a set of Triad Bronze Inwalls from her and they provide good sound with a clean installation.

 

[MatthewBenham]

Thank you for your replies! I actually just ordered a pair of Jamos S 805 floor speakers as my LR mains because I realized they fit perfectly into the left and right openings on the bottom of the hearth - that will at least keep them at ear-level. I have a Denon AVR-X1400H receiver and a polk psw-110 sub already as part of the system. Would you recommend a ceiling mounted, angled center channel or just the two fronts, sans center channel? I could also add the four (5 with center channel) in-ceiling speakers for a Dolby Atmos setup. I think I would be ok with about $150/speaker for what's left. Thanks again!

 

[MR.MAGOO]

This living room may not be "surround sound" friendly, have you considered a soundbar, moving the TV to the wall on the right? Of course you'd have to re-arrange the couch, chairs, etc. Just an idea!

 

[TheWarrior]

Thank you for your replies! I actually just ordered a pair of Jamos S 805 floor speakers as my LR mains because I realized they fit perfectly into the left and right openings on the bottom of the hearth - that will at least keep them at ear-level. I have a Denon AVR-X1400H receiver and a polk psw-110 sub already as part of the system. Would you recommend a ceiling mounted, angled center channel or just the two fronts, sans center channel? I could also add the four (5 with center channel) in-ceiling speakers for a Dolby Atmos setup. I think I would be ok with about $150/speaker for what's left. Thanks again!

The Front L/C/R are ideally kept with their tweeters in line - centers can be tilted up or down as needed, but I think the shape of your room is going to cause any ceiling mounted speaker to seem out of place with the 'voice from above' effect dominating the performance. I really would not be going past 3 channels in this room unless you're willing to pay for professional installation - especially if you already have a dedicated theater!