Surround Sound System Speaker Placement Guide

TrevorStanilan

Hi, I have a poor mans Surround sound at home which sounds Awesome.....It's based on the "Hafler Hookup" which uses four speakers in all, see diagram at: selfbuildnewhomes home hi fi

If one uses Larger quality speakers for the rear, high end sounds and sound effects (in films) jump out of the rear speakers giving the illusion of Quadraphonic, even stereo music has more ambience when speakers are positioned as shown in this thread.

I recommend give it a try! I would welcome any comments.

Trev

TrevorStanilan

I would simply like to say that position of subwoofers should not make a difference in a room as frequencies below 120HZ are non directional!...simply meaning you cant' tell where the bass is coming from!

Trev

ImRizzo

Disagree, when a Sub is placed in a corner the bass becomes ver boomy and artifical, it may not be a directional type of speaker but, it's results are certainly varied.

birdiethree

Hi, I'd like to get some opinions on surround speaker placement from the pro's here. Looking at a 5.1 arrangement, planning on using in-ceiling speakers for the rears (wires already pulled in-ceiling). What do you guys think would be best for the fronts? I could keep them in the ceiling, or set something on the shelf beneath the tv? see pic...

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basementPIC.jpg (51.1 KB, 11 views)

ImRizzo

Ideal place for frts would be wall mounted/aim able on brick walls for proper separation the center would go under TV on shelf be sure to get directional rear speakers w/ the ability to aim them. your sub would be reasonably placed at the far end of that L/S brick wall

birdiethree

Thanks, will definately look for the directional rear speakers. I would probably prefer to not mount on the stone - and i know my wife would not prefer it So while not ideal, what other option would you recommend? I take it you think the shelf would be better than ceiling for the fronts. Should I set right, center, and left speakers on the shelf? or maybe a soundbar?

jkkyler

You are both right. Frequencies below 80hz (not 120) are non-localized and unable to be directionally discernible in open air or optimum positions but when enclosed in a room reflections and standing waves can certainly influence the sound making sub placement important - more important in some rooms than others.

BIslander

Sub placement is very important. While it is true that frequencies lower than 80Hz are not localizable, poorly positioned subs can produce outputs that are either boomy or thin, depending on how the low frequency waves react to the room. One reason to use bass management is that subs can be placed for optimal bass performance while full range speakers must be positioned for imaging.

jkkyler

exactly - 100% agree

rdscuba

Ok, I need some advise on speaker placement. Our family room/theater is set up, due to its size, where the main seating is along the back wall of the room. Right now i have 5.1 and the surround speakers are in the back corners of the room, facing the seating. They might be about 12" behind the listeners head and are at a about 7' above the floor. I have 2 more speakers and would like to step up to 7.1 now. With the seating along the back wall where should I put the LB and RB speakers? Should i move the SR and SL speakers forward a little? Otherwise the surround and back speakers will be on the same plane... They will, due to wall decorations, also need to be at about 7" above the floor.

Thanks much.

jkkyler

you really won't get much benefit if any from going to 7.1

In 5.1 the surrounds are to the sides of the listeners and in 7.1 the additional 2 speakers are behind the listener

rdscuba

Adding 2 back speakers would not do anything? I presumed even though they would be close, they would still allow for added dimension and create a 7.1 environment.

rdscuba

I was wondering if something like this, but moving the SR and SL a little farther from the back wall toward the center of the room?

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jkkyler

That would be the best option (FWIW mine is set-up between ideal and what you show). The surround r + L should be the wide ones and the rear/back should be the inside ones.

Good luck JK

rdscuba

Thanks, I plan to give it a try.