Where to put my rear speakers?

[admin_exported]

Without a picture, or paragraphs, this may get tough! I'd like to sort this now, without experimenting, as I have to commit to cables under the carpet so it need to be right first time. I'll use notional compass points with NW etc. meaning the relevant CORNER of each side. My lounge is a through room, effectively an oblong made of two adjacent rooms opened up. My "listening area" is a square at one end. In the NE corner is my tv with the front 3 speakers spread over the 115cm cabinet. There is a large sofa along the W side of the square against the wall. I have 2 armchairs along the S side of the square where the wall was taken out between rooms. So, if I put my rears NW and SW I get perfect placement for the sofa only. If I do SW and SE I get perfect placement for my armchairs. Lastly, if I go NW and SE which is opposite corners, one speaker will always be in front of you (a line drawn between them would run along the middle of the area. OK....................................... can I do better, and which option would work best? I have no other places available due to furniture, windows, fires etc. I'm sensing a decision between one area or another! I'm using B&W stands for the rears. THANKS!

 

[Anonymous]

Would the THX sound optimiser not help you decide on where best to put the speakers?

 

[Anonymous]

maybe? how?

 

[Anonymous]

Bot sure, as I'm deaf I don't need it !But as I understand it, it can help you set up the sound-stage so might help with the speaker placment.

 

[professorhat]

Are you not able to put the speakers in the different positions and try them before putting the cable under the carpet?

 

[Anonymous]

I have about an hour to do this later, before guests descend. I guess I was looking for the theory of it, and a reply from those who understand soundstages, and have experience fitting out Home Cinema. I can have a play, but anyone who installs stuff like this, please shout up!

 

[Anonymous]

I'm no expert but I'd have thought the best option would be to place the rear speakers at the SE and SW corners of the room. I'd also suggest placing the left front speaker closer to the NW corner of the room. I think that even when sitting on your sofa this would give a decent soundstage for front and rear effects.

Just my 2p worth.