Using existing 5.1 + 2 layout for ATMOS

[Tailspin70]

My current HT layout has the FL, FR and C at the front and 4 in-ceiling overhead speakers, 2 near the front and 2 further back slightly behind the seating position. It is configured as 5.1 with the two front overheads wired as PL and PR and back overheads as SL and SR. When switching to ATMOS receiver I am thinking the 4 overheads would be used for atmos leaving me with a 3.1.4 setup so I would need to add SL/SR speakers to make it a 5.1.4. I have not yet determined if these surrounds would be in-wall, on-wall or a on floor-stands. Any advice appreciated on the need to add these speakers , what type and placement.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

My current HT layout has the FL, FR and C at the front and 4 in-ceiling overhead speakers, 2 near the front and 2 further back slightly behind the seating position. It is configured as 5.1 with the two front overheads wired as PL and PR and back overheads as SL and SR. When switching to ATMOS receiver I am thinking the 4 overheads would be used for atmos leaving me with a 3.1.4 setup so I would need to add SL/SR speakers to make it a 5.1.4. I have not yet determined if these surrounds would be in-wall, on-wall or a on floor-stands. Any advice appreciated on the need to add these speakers , what type and placement.

Sounds like a great idea. Use the four IC’s as top front/rear or front/rear height and add a pair of surrounds. Depending on the room width, IW’s might be the way to go, but I’d place them between 90° and 110° to the sides. BS speakers on stands might give more options considering toe in and the ability to move from 90 to 110 to find the best placement, and possibly better overall performance. But if they’re gonna be in the way, a nice set of IW’s can work too. I had a nice pair of on wall JBL monitor type surrounds for a long time. Long story short, I switched them for some JBL IW’s and while I do miss the excellent performance of the bigger monitors, I still have a very nice playback system. Point is, either one can be good. If I had NO compromises to make, I would choose on wall or stands, but life is isn’t like that sometimes.

 

[Tailspin70]

Here's a basic schematic of the room. There's fixed shelving, doorways and a window that are contraints but the rest has furniture that could be re-arranged if needed. The center front overhead is unused. I assume previous owner was using the three overheads as the FR, C and FL but having the center channel on the ceiling wasn't working for me.