Surround Sound Speaker Locations

[AmeliaK]

I was wondering if any one could point me in the right direction in respect to speaker high and in particular the rear speaker.

Thanks
Amelia

[smithy]

Surround sound is tricky. It depends greatly on you room layout and the obsticles for the sound as it bounces around the room. If you can explain the layout of the room in quetion I might be able to help (For what its worth).

Smithy

[AmeliaK]

OK, I probably should have first mentioned my problem.

I want to mount my rear speakers from the roof. The problem I will have is if I want the rear speakers suspended a foot or so above ear level when seated, then they are going to suspended from a fairly long post.

I guess I would like to know just how high I can have them. The are going to be about 3 feet behind the seating area max.

Thanks Again
Amelia

[smithy]

(I hope this makes sense and is of some use.) In principle the height is not important. For instance I have seen them wall mounted just below the ceiling. If you can angle the speakers down towards your heads (this does not need to be accurate, your best guess will do) then the sound will be able to reach your ears. Keeping the speakers straight will point the sound towards the opposite wall and the quality will be less. Try to keep them equally spaced out from where you sit (although this usually impossible as most rooms are uneven). You are suppose (but again not practical) leave a gap between the wall the speakers are on and where you sit. There are some sites I can recommend if you want to get right into this.

Smithy

[AmeliaK]

Hi Smithy,

Thanks heaps for you help. Its really a bummer, if its not one thing it seem to be another. I thought putting a Surround Sound System in would be simple, didn't speaker placement would be such a pain.

As far as recommending some sites, yes I would Love that

In any case you have pointed me in the right direction.

Best Regards
Amelia

[smithy]

I wish you luck. Tell me how you get on when there set up.
Have a look at these. Some useful (Not all of it)

Site 1.

Diagrams and lots of tech.
http://www.securityaudio.com/spkrplacement.htm

Site 2
Text only.
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/

Site 3.
Sound Theory.
http://www.cybercollege.com/

Site 4.
Surround sound formats.
http://timefordvd.com/tutorial/SurroundSound.shtml

More if you want them.
Smithy

[AmeliaK]

Thanks Smithy,

I am checking them out now

Best Regards
Amelia

[vcd4me]

AmeliaK,
Just to let you know rear speakers should be on the side walls not rear walls, and should be about 2-3 feet above listening level when seated.

I can help but you never stated what type of rear speakers you have, are they regular speakers or di-pole?

Hope this helps
VCD4ME

[AmeliaK]

Hi VCD4ME,

So are you saying they shouldn't be behind me and in fact to the side facing where we sit?

The rear speakers are Satellite Speakers, kind of a small to medium size (the front are the same too).

When you say are they regular speakers or di-pole? what do you mean and how can I tell?

Best Regards
Amelia

[vcd4me]

So are you saying they shouldn't be behind me and in fact to the side facing where we sit?
Yes

When you say are they regular speakers or di-pole? what do you mean and how can I tell?
Sounds to me from this statement that they are just regular speakers. If they were dipole you would know,you would have purchased them seprately at a good amount of money. My pair cost $450.

Just out of curiosity what is your sound system and speakers?

[AmeliaK]

I guess when you say $450 you are talking US dollars. Mine cost about $150US and they are Jamo. Does this help?

[vcd4me]

yes I'm talkig US dollars

Are these speaker a 5 piece set or did you buy the rear speakers seprately.
I have never owned JAMO before but I know in the 80's they were supposed to be a real good brand.

If they were bought separetly then look in the manual to see i they are di-pole or just regular speakers.

Take a look at this link these are the spakers I have
http://www.hifi.com/store/category.cgi?category=spk_surround&item=c1srd5xex.
Wow what a great sale. I bought my pair a few years ago for $450 and now you can buy during this anniversary sale for half price!

If you can return your speakers and buy di-poles then I would highly recommend it, no matter what brand of di-pole you buy I'm sure you'll be happy.

Talk to you soon
VCD4ME