Surround placement, wire hiding.

[Shieze]

I have tried searching the forum but haven't found to much info really. I am moving into a new condo and I want to figure out the best means to run the speaker wire for the rear 2 channels. I have a 5.1 setup.

The room is hardwood floor, but I will be getting a section of carpet for the TV area. I was planning on running the speaker wire back under the carpet probably between a padding and the carpet. Is this a really bad idea?

My question now is how can I hide the wires up to the rear channels or do most people just leave them visible? I was thinking of running the wire through the drywall up, but to hide it properly I would probably want to run it from behind the sofa, but then I probably won't be able to easily run the wires up and out, I would probably need to go through a 2x4.

Also should I just get some floating shelves to hold my speakers? They are bookshelf speakers that I have so they aren't too heavy. The speakers are wall mountable but from what I have read they should be facing the sofa on a 90 to 110 angle so I can't wall mount them or they would be facing the TV. The sofa will be right against the wall almost.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Wiley]

Shieze,

I have the same setup as you in my current house. As you can see from my profile, I, too, am new to this forum, but I provide my opinion simply FYI.

Right now, I've got the speaker wires hugging the wall and floor and stapled to the baseboard with wide staples, obviously without actually stapling through the wires! And where the wires cross walking paths, I've got an area rug/runner covering that portion.

As for speaker placement, I went out and bought speaker stands for the rears and have them on either side of the sofa.

I'd advise against going through the drywall unless you're planning on living in that house for more than 5 years.

I'm an aspiring audiophile as well, so my info isn't quite what I'm sure you wanted, but hopefully it's somewhat helpful.

 

[JVC]

Some folks push the speaker wires up under the baseboard, so they're not seen. Some run the wires through the attic, and down to the speakers, so very little wire is seen. Some run the wires under the house, drill hole in floor just big enough for wires to go through, then to speakers. If wires are running up wall or across any ceiling, some folks will paint them same color as wall or ceiling, so they're not as noticable.
And then there's these: http://www.wiretracks.com/prod-rf.html

Good luck! Keep us posted?

 

[Shieze]

Well I am in a condo so under the floor or through the attic isn't really an option .

I am thinking that under the rug (I will be putting in) is probably my best option then I will need to figure out where the studs are and I can maybe run them into the wall behind the sofa, then up to the shelves I will need to put in for my rears.

Well I do plan on being there for 5 years probably and as it is a new condo I will be painting the walls so if I can easily enough run them through the walls I probably will.

 

[jcPanny]

Running wire

If the wall for the surrounds is not an exterior wall (i.e. no insulation), you can probably try this.

1. Drill a small hole near the speaker mounting location (between two studs). Keep in mind that you will probably need a stud for the speaker bracket of shelf.
2. Run speaker wire through hold and down the wall.
3. Remove baseboard.
4. Cutt or drill a hole that is no higher than the baseboard and as wide as necessary.
5. Fish the speaker wire out of the wall.
6. Pull wire through wall and round under carpet, rugs, etc. to the receiver.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for the other surround channel.

Also note, the surround speakers will go on the sides of the listening position and the rear surrounds (7.1) will go on the back wall. Check out the recommended Dolby layout before any construction.

 

[markw]

RatShack sells flat speakercable that goes great under carpets and padding.

As for running the wires inside the walls up to thje speaker, what the previous guy said will work if your place doesn't require fire blocks, which are studs connecting the beams half way up the walls.