Room Shape

[Epetrone]

I am not sure if this is the best place to ask the question but here goes. I am having a house built in 6 months that has a dedicated theater room. It is 15 feet wide by 12 long. with the way i have the extra 15 amp power run, the couch would be parallel to the room along its wide part. I want to know if it wise to have a theater room that is "under square". I have the option of making the room longer, is it better to pay a few extra bucks and make it a perfect square or even a few feet longer then that? Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TLS Guy]

I am not sure if this is the best place to ask the question but here goes. I am having a house built in 6 months that has a dedicated theater room. It is 15 feet wide by 12 long. with the way i have the extra 15 amp power run, the couch would be parallel to the room along its wide part. I want to know if it wise to have a theater room that is "under square". I have the option of making the room longer, is it better to pay a few extra bucks and make it a perfect square or even a few feet longer then that? Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

A perfect square is the absolute worst dimensions possible. The dimensions for optimal sound should be 2:1 at least. The mains and center should be on a short axis, never the long one.

 

[AVRat]

Yep, square rooms are bad. And, if possible, you should be facing the short wall. Although mine is also oriented "sideway" and I'm quite happy with the results. TLS, I've always read that multiple room dimensions are not ideal either?

 

[fmw]

Pretty hard to beat the acoustics of a movie theater. What you want is long and narrow and you want to place your speakers so there is several feet space behind them and several feet of space behind the listening position. As mentioned above, square is bad. Wide and short is also bad. The difference between a square room and a long and narrow one has to be heard to be believed. Nothing in the electronics can hold a candle to the importance of the room acoustics.

 

[Epetrone]

Square room

I figured the square room would be bad, sort of like you don't want your speaker box to be a perfect cube. I guess i will have to make the room longer then. This also gives me more room to put the rear channels more to the sides of the listening area. Also, for 7.1 back speakers, should they be placed closer together on the rear or wider apart, I have heard conflicting stories on this. Thanks for the help so far, I knew I could count on the great members here to give me the best advice.

 

[jliedeka]

A wider room is workable but a longer room lends itself better for 7.1. I have a 12 x 16 room and I moved my speakers to the longer wall for better separation. I don't really have enough depth for 7.1 now. I could shoe-horn in some more speakers but I'm okay with my setup. I get decent 2-channel and decent HT.

Jim

 

[AVRat]

Also, for 7.1 back speakers, should they be placed closer together on the rear or wider apart, I have heard conflicting stories on this.

Based on a 12' width, I'd place them about 6' apart.

 

[Epetrone]

Changing sizes

I am going to have the room taken out from 12' to 18' feet. I think i should have enough room to place my speakers. I hope with a few treatments things should be ok.

 

[AVRat]

Room dimensions 15'W x 18'L x 8'H? Facing 15' wall? Rears ~ 7' apart.

 

[Epetrone]

room size

From what you guys are saying it is best to face the longest wall. If I am placing the rears that far apart. Should i also face the fronts at least that far or wider? I know i should move the speakers around for the best sound. Just wanted an opinion on the best starting point. I just hope i have time to have the builder move the 2 extra 15 amp lines to that side of the room.

Thanks everyone for your inputs. You have all been most helpfull.

 

[AVRat]

No, you face the short wall. Your listening position from the front plane of the speakers helps to determine their spacing. Which may be determined by the size of your display. Generally though, 8'+ spacing is a good starting point.