Use in-ceiling speakers for 7.1? Unique room situation?

[dennx]

Hi all

I moved into a newly built house with in-ceiling speakers (builders' choice).

My speaker system consists of Energy veritas 2.3i fronts, 2.0ci center, 2.0ri rears (I can switch from bi-pole, di-pole or center) and a Hsu vtf 3 sub. Can I set up the 2 rear ceiling speakers as my side speakers for a 7.1? The in-ceiling speakers are about 3-4 feet on a sloped ceiling in front of the rears (on stands).

What do you guys think?

 

[MDS]

I think you could use the in-ceiling pair as either the side or rear surrounds in a 7.1 setup.

My house is the same but rather than having actual in-ceiling speakers mounted, the builder mounted a j-box to the beam and the prior owners had tiny little polk speakers hanging from them. I'm not currently using them but may eventually mount speakers properly in the ceiling.

If the in-ceiling pair is slightly forward of the side surrounds on the walls (like my case) you may want to use the in-ceiling as the 'side' surrounds and use your current surrounds as the rears. The speakers are already there so it wouldn't hurt to try them out and see if it helps.

 

[dennx]

I have a diagram of the room at avsforums - audio area - speakers - same thread title... the 2 rear in-ceiling speakers are forward of the Energy rears... it won't hurt to try it. The builder set the in-ceiling speakers wider then the media niche, not ideal I would think.