Help for a Newbie! 5.1 or 5.1.2?

[Tinax]

Hello everyone from Italy!

I recently discovered this forum and am looking for some help because I feel like I’m drowning in this vast world. Despite spending hours reading articles online and watching countless videos, I still can't figure out the best way to arrange the speakers in my room.

The room is about 26 square meters, with a distance of about 2 meters between the front lateral speakers and a listening distance of about 2.4 meters. The TV is positioned 90 cm from the floor (on a 70 cm stand), which results in an eye level at about one-quarter of the screen's height. There is about 20 cm of space between the top of the stand and the base of the TV, where I plan to place the center speaker.

I'm not looking for advice on which speakers or AV receiver to buy. Instead, I would like guidance on the best configuration for my setup. In the photos, I’ve marked in red the three front speakers, which are essential. I’ve then added two rear surround speakers in green and two Dolby Atmos speakers in blue.

Hypothetically:

• The two surround speakers will be placed on stands, with cables running from the TV stand, making them visible and possibly in the way.
• The two Dolby Atmos speakers will be mounted on the upper part of the cabinet, angled so that the sound reaches the listening position directly.
• The three front speakers will be placed on top of the stand at an optimal height.

This is the best I can do given the room and its mixed-use purpose. My main question is which configuration would be best. Specifically, I’d like to know if a 5.1.2 setup, arranged as described, makes sense. This decision will also determine which AV receiver I purchase.

I’m unsure how a 5.1.2 system would sound with this speaker placement. Do you think the 3D effect would be good enough to justify the higher cost compared to a standard 5.1 setup? One of my concerns is that the front stage might overpower the rear, creating an imbalance.

Do you have any insights on this?

Apologies for the long message, and I appreciate any advice you can provide

 

[j_garcia]

With a setup like this, you are better off with 5.1 vs. 5.1.2.

 

[TLS Guy]

With a setup like this, you are better off with 5.1 vs. 5.1.2.

I agree. That 0.2 is a total waste of time and money.

 

[Trebdp83]

That room is troublesome with a close MLP and I'd go so far as to say a 2.1 setup will probably give the best results.

 

[Tinax]

Thank you so much for your answers

In the future, there might be a slight chance of installing a false ceiling, both to improve the room's acoustics and to integrate some ceiling speakers.

Taking inspiration from your advice, I think I'll stick with a 5.1 setup for now

 

[Tinax]

That room is troublesome with a close MLP and I'd go so far as to say a 2.1 setup will probably give the best results.

I will definitely need to make some acoustic improvements in the room, and I might also move the listening position further back. I'll start with a 2.1 setup and then decide whether to eventually go for a 5.1. I'll experiment with an entry-level system to get familiar with this world until I find the right balance.

Thanks for your response

 

[TLS Guy]

I will definitely need to make some acoustic improvements in the room, and I might also move the listening position further back. I'll start with a 2.1 setup and then decide whether to eventually go for a 5.1. I'll experiment with an entry-level system to get familiar with this world until I find the right balance.

Thanks for your response

I think 2.1 will be best, no matter what you do to the room. Actually most rooms are probably best served with 2.1 or 3.1.

 

[Teetertotter?]

Go with a 7 Channel AVR. I prefer a Denon AVR over the years. Good luck with what you do.

 

[Tinax]

Go with a 7 Channel AVR. I prefer a Denon AVR over the years. Good luck with what you do.

Thanks for your response and for the good luck! I ended up getting a Denon X1800H.
Can't wait to try it out!

 

[Wardog555]

I think 2.1 will be best, no matter what you do to the room. Actually most rooms are probably best served with 2.1 or 3.1.

Wow. You really do seemly hate having surround sound in almost every room.

I tend to focus on doing whatever it takes to achieve it. Instead you are discouraging people by not even bothering to try first. At least I make the attempt of trying first. If that fails then we can discourage people but only if they refuse to do it properly or come close to it.

If the op is prepared to have the atmos speakers vertically above whether it's on the ceiling or another method. Choose 5.1.2.
If they go too far out of spec. Then choose 5.1

 

[Tinax]

If the op is prepared to have the atmos speakers vertically above whether it's on the ceiling or another method. Choose 5.1.2.
If they go too far out of spec. Then choose 5.1

Thank you, I really appreciated your response.
Have a great day!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would do 5.1.2 ONLY if the ATMOS speakers are directly ABOVE the sitting area.

If the ATMOS speakers are on the front wall, I say just do 5.1.

 

[Tinax]

I would do 5.1.2 ONLY if the ATMOS speakers are directly ABOVE the sitting area.

If the ATMOS speakers are on the front wall, I say just do 5.1.

Thanks for the brief and concise response
After reading all the answers, I think I'll go with a 5.1 setup and eventually add Atmos speakers for a 5.1.2 only if I go for a ceiling installation, as you suggested.