Front and center speaker placement for 7.1 surround

tommasini
tommasini Posts: 7
edited March 2011 in Speakers
My system consist of a 64" Samsung Plasma, Onkyo TX-SR608, Sony PS3, Polk Audio Monitor 50's, CS10, and 2 sets of the RC85i in-wall speakers for side and rear surround. I've purchased 2 Klipsch SW-308's but haven't decided if I will use them both. This set up will be installed in our family pool house that will be used for parties, guest house and football/movie viewing. The room is 22' x 23". The TV will be mounted on the 22" wall facing a large sectional sofa. My wife purchased a cabinet for the system that is 36" tall.


My question is about the optimal mounting height of the TV and where my front speakers (M50's and CS10) should be placed. I know that the center channel should be as close to the TV as possible, and I have a few ideas as to how I can do that and make it look nice. If I'm forced to raise the center channel to get it closer to the TV will I have to raise the towers? In other words, do the front sides need to be positioned strategically to the center channel for proper imaging. The M50's are 36" tall so that automatically places the center channel above the towers regardless.


Please don't be shy, any advice will be welcomed.


Thanks in advance,

Tommy
Post edited by tommasini on
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Comments

  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited March 2011
    Alignment of the tweeters is optimal, but getting them at approximately the same height is usually acceptable. So, I would think setting the center on the cabinet would be fine.

    Welcome to Club Polk!
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  • tommasini
    tommasini Posts: 7
    edited March 2011
    Thanks, 2 questions...... At what height should I place the TV for viewing purposes? Should the TV be at a certain height or set the TV so that the CS10 is positioned correctly with the R/L towers? How far from the TV should the R/L speakers be placed, 2 feet?

    Thanks in advance
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  • Cmiller
    Cmiller Posts: 108
    edited March 2011
    Hang the TV at Eye Level while sitting down on the sofas,and place the front speakers about 2ft away from the sides of the TV
    Samsung PN50B550 Plasma
    Pioneer Elite SC-25
    Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD
    Adcom 7500 Amp-Panamax 4300 Conditioner
    Polk RTi10's Fronts
    Polk Csi A6 Center-Polk M60s rear Surrounds
    Klipsch Synergy Sub-10 X2
    Klipsch Synergy S-10 Premium back surround
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  • supertec
    supertec Posts: 12
    edited March 2011
    htsetup lsi 15s integra dtr 7.3 velodyne 15 psw. sounds ok but seems like something is missing as far as depth and dynmics. shoul i add an amp or up grade to new reciever. please help anybody. im a novice to this field of audio systems. thanx
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  • pdxfj
    pdxfj Posts: 376
    edited March 2011
    The 2 foot rule is only a guideline to start with. You need to move the speakers around and locate where they want to live and be happy in your room. It takes time and patience. Move them left and right, forward and back little amounts at a time. Only do one adjustment at at time. You'll know when you're getting close because change in the sound stage will be noticeable.

    If you can, hang the TV a little lower than eye level. It's natural for people to relax their neck a little when seated. You'll be more comfortable not having to hold your head up for the entire length of a movie.
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