Does 7.1 make sense in this room?

[DJB]

I currently have a HTIB and have finally talked my wife into getting a better HT system.

I've decided on Axiom M22s, V150 & QS8s and probably an Onkyo SR805 receiver

I'm working on deciding between the EP500 & HSU VTF3-MK3 subs

Here's my room layout

Because of the window on the right, the side surrounds would actually end up slightly in front of the listeners sitting on the sofa directly facing the TV.

Also, if I stick with 5.1, should I put the surrounds in their current position or on the sides (which again will be just slightly forward of the listeners).

I've already posted a question on the center channel, but I'll ask it again just in case someone else has any good suggestions.

As shown in the diagram, the TV is over the fireplace. I've mounted the TV almost down to the mantel - it really needs to be this low. This will force the center channel to be mounted up high. I plan on putting the remaining speakers at a lower height. Anyone see a problem with the center at one height and the remaining speakers at another?

Moving the center down is just not an option, nor is moving the TV.

Thanks for your help,

David

 

[Alex2507]

The amount of room that you have from your couch to your back wall tells me that you have room for 7.1. There are related articles on speaker placement tips to be found that you might get some good ideas from in the form of stickies and in the A/V University section on the Home Page.

 

[Johnd]

Absolutely. Go for it...I'm sure you'll be impressed (with 7.1).

 

[DJB]

The amount of room that you have from your couch to your back wall tells me that you have room for 7.1. There are related articles on speaker placement tips to be found that you might get some good ideas from in the form of stickies and in the A/V University section on the Home Page.

I've actually read (at least some) about speaker placement in the A/V University section.

My thread title may have mislead you, to state my question (hopefully) a little more clearly:

The main left & right surrounds in a 5.1 system should be at an angle of 90* to 110* from the listening position, I can't do this due to the position of the window on the right wall (it's nearly floor to ceiling).

My choices are to put the surrounds in front of the window (this would be around 80* or 85*) or behind the window (near the corner).

If the main surrounds go in the corner, they'll be right on top of the rear surrounds of a 7.1 system - which would seem pointless.

So, I guess the essential question is, do you think I'll get fairly good results with the main surrounds forward of the recommended position?

Sorry for being unclear in the first place & long-winded now.

Thanks,

David

 

[Alex2507]

No need to apologize. I would put the surrounds in front of that window in a heart beat. You're only talking about a 10 degree difference from optimum placement. I have yet to hit optimum in any category. There are also different schools of thought on these matters. The only thing carved in stone is the rooms we live in. I had noticed the window on the right with the 3'4" opening and it never occurred to me that it being slightly forward might be an issue. Actually I thought that when 7.1 was used that that was exactly how you wanted it. I could be wrong about that.

I've only ever rented a couple of movies with 7.1. Lady In The Water was one of them I think. For regular DVD's I would use Dolby Digital EX but that's just the level that I am at. All that being said I am using 5.1 because my room isn't big enough to handle 7.1. I would kill for an extra 3' in each direction.

 

[DJB]

No need to apologize. I would put the surrounds in front of that window in a heart beat. You're only talking about a 10 degree difference from optimum placement. I have yet to hit optimum in any category. There are also different schools of thought on these matters. The only thing carved in stone is the rooms we live in. I had noticed the window on the right with the 3'4" opening and it never occurred to me that it being slightly forward might be an issue. Actually I thought that when 7.1 was used that that was exactly how you wanted it. I could be wrong about that.

I've only ever rented a couple of movies with 7.1. Lady In The Water was one of them I think. For regular DVD's I would use Dolby Digital EX but that's just the level that I am at. All that being said I am using 5.1 because my room isn't big enough to handle 7.1. I would kill for an extra 3' in each direction.

Thanks for your thoughts on this

 

[AVRat]

There are definitely placement issues with your room. I would stick with 5.1 and use another set of M22s for the surrounds instead.

 

[Alex2507]

http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/calibrate-your-system/home-theater-set-up-basics-101/image/image_view_fullscreen

Here's another diagram from this site. This mega-wide screen is killing me.