Well, typically all the speakers are level-matched. However, you may find that near-field surrounds audibly blend better with the fronts, and are less “obvious,” if you reduce their level.
Also, it’s basic audio physics that the high frequencies attenuate over distance, which is why a speaker’s high end will sound exaggerated if you’re too close to it. So, when I’ve been stuck with near-field surround speakers, EQing the treble down helped them to “disappear.”
Hopefully between these two tips you can end up with something you can live with. I think I’d try the treble reduction first, then the volume adjustment. This is going to be a trial-and-error process.
However, with the arrangement you’re proposing, it will only sound optimal (or at least as optimal as possible) to someone sitting directly between the two speakers. The people on the end seats are mainly going to hear the speaker closest to them – not the most enjoyable surround sound experience.
It might be a good idea to get some small bookshelf speakers (get them at a place with a generous return policy) that you could experiment with, locating them at my proposed locations and yours. It would be a shame to cut holes in the wall only to find you hate where they’re at.
That could also help you determine the best locations on the rear wall, if you ultimately decide to go that route. For instance, your pictures show the proposed rear locations to be symmetrical with the front speakers, but the sofa is off-centered from the TV. IMO the back speakers should be located symmetrical to the sofa.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
