Bookshelfs as rears

[admin_exported]

I'm going to be using wall-mount bookshelfs as rear surrounds in a 5.1 system. After reading on some sites i was thinking of putting them on the side walls pointing directly across at each other, level with the back of the sofa and about 3ft above ear level. Would this be the best option?
or should they be pointed at the listener and therefore toed in and down?

THX seem to be recommending bi-pole/di-pole but they only do bookshelfs as rears for my speaker package. Would using a different make for the rears still work ok?

Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd use the same speaker manufacture for all speakers. Before i purchased a dipole speaker package(7.1) i used bookshelfs for rear surrounds. I placed them in line with the front speakers and "toeded" them in slightly ie. the right surround was pointing to the left front etc. Place the speakers 6ft from floor level. I also used same centre speaker for surround back speaker placed at same level as rear surrounds for 6.1 set up.

 

[radovantz]

To me, surround speakers look great when faced across each others, and toed down a little just like public cinema setup. I think the surround sound will be less enveloped if those speakers are toed in toward the front.

I think the bi-pole and di-pole speakers are designed for Dolby Pro-Logic surround system, in which rear sound is generated from 2.0 channel stereo source, not pure 5.1 channel. They do not deliver full range of audio frequency and not so important. In other case, bookshelf type is designed for full range stereo image, should be the best speaker used in 5.1 channel stereo (Dolby Digital and DTS) either.

 

[Sliced Bread]

I've had an interesting experience with this. I used to have mine above my head at 90degrees from my listening position, pointing directly at each other. However after running the THX set up I noticed that the speakers were sounding out-of-phase, but after I pointed them down and toed them in by just a fraction the phase issue resolved itself. Very odd. Although I cannot tell you if this is always the case, or simply my speakers in my living room. But worth noting none the less as it ruined the sound stage from the rear of the room.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your thoughts guys. Below is the layout of my room where would you suggest i place the rears?:

 

[radovantz]

It is difficult to put your rear speakers right inside that layout. You'll have to choose one listening position and put your speakers face forward each other. Other sitting positions are however will be abandoned

 

[Anonymous]

if i choose the 3-seater on the right as my main viewing sofa, where would you recommend placing the bookshelfs?

 

[Anonymous]

I'd move the system and plasma to be in front of the window, use heavy dark curtains to block out the sun light. Then use the 3 seater couch as the main seating position and place bookshelfs behind you above the radiator, 6ft of the ground. U would also beable to place sub in better postion than where it is now.

 

[Sliced Bread]

See if these links help.
http://www.dolby.com/consumer/home_entertainment/roomlayout.html
http://www.dolby.com/dolbycast/transcripts/home-theater-speaker-placement.html
http://www.dolby.com/consumer/home_entertainment/roomlayout2.html
http://www.dts.com/DTS_In_Consumer_Products/HD_Home_Theater/Speaker_Options.aspx
http://www.thx.com/home/setup/speakers/51.html
These probably don't answer your question, due to your layout, but worth a look.

 

[Anonymous]

Good suggestions guys but most of them are not for my layout. Can't change the layout at the moment due to other half.

I was thinking of placing them on the side walls in line with the back of the sofa, pointing directly at each other and slightly tilted down and about 3ft high. What do you think?

 

[John Duncan]

Don't point them at each other.............

I'd put one in the centre of each of those back walls, six feet up, pointing at the screen.

 

[professorhat]

jfh:THX seem to be recommending bi-pole/di-pole but they only do bookshelfs as rears for my speaker package. Would using a different make for the rears still work ok?
Think I offered some advice on this in another thread - it's possible to get another brand's speakers to work as rears, it just takes a little bit more work (I know, I've done it in the past). Is there no dealer near you who can advise you and offer some different types (bi / dipoles) on loan?

 

[Anonymous]

johnduncan - can't really place them on the rear wall, they'll have to go on the side walls, any recommendations for that area? also, whats the reason they shouldn't be pointing at each other?

professorhat - i'll try and get a demo but just a bit busy at the moment.

 

[John Duncan]

jfh:
johnduncan - can't really place them on the rear wall, they'll have to go on the side walls, any recommendations for that area? also, whats the reason they shouldn't be pointing at each other?

professorhat - i'll try and get a demo but just a bit busy at the moment.

I'll try editing and putting a cross where I mean. And pointing at each other is asking for phase trouble, wolf notes, blah blah - cancelling each other out basically.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks JohnDuncan. BTW, when facing each other, will the phase problem still apply when they are 15ft apart?

ps. 3 seater on right is my main viewing sofa.

 

[Sliced Bread]

Mine were about 15 ft apart. But that doesn't mean it won't work for you.

 

[Anonymous]

You know you could always buy from a speaker manufacturer that DOES make dedicated surround speakers. M&K have the best sound for movies.