Directioning surround sound speakers..

[nivasa]

HT newbie here.. I just recently purchased my first 5.1 surround sound setup (Yamaha HTR-6240 receiver w/ Polk RM6750 surround sound speakers/subwoofer) for our condo.

I'm mounting the surround sound speakers using brackets on a rear wall approx. a foot behind our couch (the central listening area) and am following the recommended placement instructions (two feet above ear level at the listening position, 90-110 degrees from center).

Since the brackets swivel left/right/up/down, is there a suggested direction to point the surround speakers ? Should they just remain parallel to the wall on which they are mounted and not be angled downward ? Should they be angled slightly down so they point at the central listening position ?

[]--T V--[]


ooo
[]----------[]

Thanks..

 

[just-some-guy]

i had/have mine in the upper corners, aimed above my head (i sit dead center). i like em that way. but for you, and perhaps me, i think having them straight/high to the sides, aimed above your head, would be best.

 

[nivasa]

Thanks for the quick reply, just-some-guy. If I'm following you correctly, you suggest pointing the speakers straight at each other w/o angling them downward toward the listener ? Visually, the surround speakers would be parallel to each other and squarely face each other. Is this correct ?

I've read that it is not recomended to have the surround speakers aimed at the listener's ears since directing the field of sound at the ears in such a manner would drain out sound coming from the front/center speakers. Your suggestion would take that into account as you recommend not angling them down at the listener at all.

 

[just-some-guy]

yes. but do angle them down some. aim the left speaker at the seat on your right. and the right speaker at the seat on your left. this will have them intersect above your head.

if you have all your speaker levels set correctly, no speaker will "drain out sound" from any other speaker. no matter where they are aimed.

but you know what ? you can be pretty flexible on where you mount them. it REALLY depends on what sounds good to YOU = never forget that.

i recommend = getting a few 2x4's . jam 2 of them between the floor and ceiling and clamp em together. then mount your speakers to them. you can now move them around to see what you like.

 

[nivasa]

Excellent suggestions.. I will try them and see what is best.. thanks again !