Surround placement advice for a newb

[PimpOmatic]

I just recently upgraded from a P.O.S. Technics receiver and stereo setup, and I'm in the process of building my HT.

I bought an HK AVR 230, Cerwin Vega LS-6C center matched to LS-12 mains, and I'm trying to figure out where to setup my Wharfedale WH-2 bi-pole surrounds in my very limited space, for a decent 5 point surround system. See the attached, very rough diagram...

My initial thought was to attach the WH-2's to the wall about a foot above the listener's ear level on either side of the couch (the green position). But that puts them either inline with my head or maybe a few inches behind depending upon how lazily I'm sitting on the couch.

I was also considering mounting them to the 8' ceilings, about 3" or 4" below it, angled downward toward the listening area (the blue position).

I don't expect to get an ideal setup, by any means. The room is just not adequate for that and considering what I'm coming from, it's all going to sound amazing to me. But any help in making it better is VERY much appreciated.

-Jason

 

[Engine Joe]

It seems currently in vogue to put surrounds slightly in front of the listening position when they are multi-firing (bi- or even quad- pole). I have quads (Axioms) an they are probably 10" in front of my listening position and about a similar height to yours and it works great.

Frankly, I suspect either set-up will work for you pretty well. But back wall placement (except in 6.1 or 7.1 setups) hasn't been getting a lot of love lately. This is also in part because Dolby guidelines (which you can take or leave, frankly) also suggest side walls as opposed to rears.


I'm sure you'll hear a diversity of opinions on this, though - while the fronts and center definitely have "ideal placement," surrounds to some extent are personal preference (and even more often, room pragmatism).

 

[PimpOmatic]

I took your advice and mounted them to the ceiling. This ended up being a much better layout than on the back wall, especially for people not in the sweet spot and I'm very happy with the results. Thanks for making my decision much easier!

Now I have to decide if I'm going to go with the back surround speakers.