Advice for rear/surround speakers

Dan1024

Hi,

I currently have a 5.1 setup and planning to expand to a 7.2 setup. Here is my current config:

AVR: Denon AVR X-4000
Front: RTIa9
Center: CSIa6
Surround: FXIa4
Sub: SVS PB-2000

There is a second SVS PB-2000 that should arrive this week. Now the problem is with the surround/rear. Should I but RTIa1 or a3 for the rear? Another pair of FXIa4? Move the FXIa4 to the rear and get RTIa1 or a3 for surround?

Thanks!

rpf65

Start with saying the A3's are really big speakers. They have a hole mount in the back, but I just can't bring my self to trust. Either a shelf or stands for them. The A1's I currently have hanging on my back wall. Work really we'll for rears, and since it isn't a traffic area, not to worried about someone smacking their head on them.

For rears either the A1's or the FX. Since you already have a pair of the FX, why not try them back there for a while, and see how they sound. Give you some sort of idea, but personally I prefer front firing for rears.

mufsoman

Size and shape of the room will impact speaker choices and if 7.2 vs. 5.2 is even justified. Can you provide some room details?

Dan1024

Thanks for taking the time to answer...

Room is 14 x 18 with 8 ft ceilings so roughly 2000 sqft. I'm seating around 3-4 feets from back wall.

recoveryone

with the seating being that close to the rear makes it very crowded. if you could move the seating to 6-9 feet from back wall it would allow the side and rear speakers to create a better sound field/depth. if the seating cannot be changed I would stick with a 5.1 setup, you would not gain much if at all with a 7.1/7.2.

4xoddic

My room is similar in size, 11' X 19'. I have 4 a9s (F & R), side FXia6, CSia6. The Velodyne FSR-15 has been unplugged for several months now.

This achieves a great soundfield. Pioneer SC-07's MCACC says it's 4'9" to the rear (toed inward) a9s from the sweet spot on the futon, which is 3' from rear wall w/5' opening to hallway. My vote would be for the a3s.

I previously had Polk RT7s (7 1/2" woofer, 27 lbs @) in each corner, with the rears on 5'4" wood columns. The fronts on 24" stands. (This was pretty good until the wife added 2 upholstered swivel rockers to muffle the fronts.)

The rear a9s' tweeters are ~ ear level when seated. Likely they would sound better raised off the floor (per Dolby directions). We have 2 3-4 YO tollers who race around the house pulling up the carpeting. Pretty sure they would've tumbled those column RT7s. Have never disturbed the rear a9s.

Audition this blu-ray to appreciate your 7.2:

http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/Jeff-Beck-Live-at-Ronnie-Scott-s/70116779?strkid=789919565_0_0&strackid=551a9b7f051540e8_0_srl&trkid=222336

Dan1024

I guess I'll stick to 5.1 (5.2 soon) until I finish the basement and move to a dedicated room.

This brings one last question... Actually my FXIa4's are on stands on each side of the couch at ear level. Is it worth it to wall mount them and have them like 2 feets above ears?

recoveryone

That is all up to you and how you feel each position sounds. On stands at ear level gives the direct sound from each side. Placing them higher on a wall will give you a more disperse sound/spacious. Its mainly to each his own taste.

4xoddic

http://www.dolby.com/us/en/consumer/setup/connection-guide/home-theater-speaker-guide/index.html

2.1 Speaker Placement

A simple and concise sound solution, a 2.1-channel sound system has two discrete channels—Left and Right—plus a subwoofer that delivers low-frequency information only.

2.1 Speaker Placement >


5.1 Speaker Placement

The flagship of true cinema sound re-creation, a 5.1-channel surround system has five discrete, full-range channels of sound—Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, and Right Surround—plus a subwoofer that delivers low-frequency information only.

5.1 Speaker Placement >


7.1 Speaker Placement

The studio standard for the best in cinema sound, a 7.1-channel surround system has seven discrete, full-range channels of sound—Left, Right, Center, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Back, and Right Back—plus a subwoofer that delivers low-frequency information only.

7.1 Speaker Placement >

Dan1024

On the dolby website, they show the surround on stands about ear height. I see most ppl mount them on the wall like 2-3 feets above ears. That's why I was wondering if it was worth it...

recoveryone

Unlike the Dolby lab setup most ppl don't have soild 4 walls and only have furniture that is for sitting in the sweet spot. In my own setup I mirror the way theaters have its system in place with speakers mounted on walls in each position. I have 2 openings on oneside of the room so it works best and keeps the walking paths clear.