Speaker Placement Decisions - Finally 5.1

[ScottO]

After a lonnnggg time coming, we're finally realizing our dream of 5.1 sound for our home theater. I started with a pair of CBM-170 Classics and then recently scored some additional Ascend Classics from a buddy moving to an in-wall speaker setup.

Here's what we have to work with (all Classics):


2 x CMT-340 mains
2 x CMT-340c center channels
2 x CBM-170
2 x HTM-200


The sub is a Hsu Research VTF3-Mk4, just ordered and on its way. :D

The room is challenging - 16.5' D x 30' L including the open kitchen where a right wall should be. :( The actual dimensions of the viewing / listening area are 16.5' x 16.5'. Viewing distance to the TV is 12.0' - 12.5'.

We have a couple of obvious choices:

1) CMT-340 L & R + CMT-340c Center + CBM-170 rear speakers
2) CMT-340 L & R + CBM-170 center + CMT-340c rear speakers

Are these the best combos, given the room and speakers we have to work with?

If we use the two CMT-340c as rear speakers we plan to place on stands. But if we use the CBM-170's or HTM-200's in the rear, should we place on stands, mount on the wall above or below the windows and angle towards the couch?

Many thanks,
--Scott

[ScottO]

Anyone?

[curtis]

Setup #1.

Place the speakers in accordance to Dolby standards.

[ScottO]

Setup #1.

Place the speakers in accordance to Dolby standards.

Curtis, thanks for weighing in on the speaker choices. As to Dolby standards for the rears - I believe that would be on stands angled towards the couch, yes? Given our challenging room would it be better to use speaker stands behind or OmniMounts on the wall above the windows?

[curtis]

This is a good reference:
http://www.dolby.com/us/en/consumer/setup/connection-guide/home-theater-speaker-guide/index.html

The surrounds should be above ear height when seated. Some like to point them towards the listening area...it is all about preference.

[ScottO]

This is a good reference:
http://www.dolby.com/us/en/consumer/setup/connection-guide/home-theater-speaker-guide/index.html

The surrounds should be above ear height when seated. Some like to point them towards the listening area...it is all about preference.

Many thanks - that is a great resource, one I hadn't seen. The rears were giving me trouble, especially from other sources I've read about wall-mounting.

This should give me a pretty good place to get started. :)