Jon, I have a down-firing sub, too. Although - since my kids are now in/near college - I might be due for an upgrade.

I still think you should put the surrounds behind the seating area. My system was set up in a ~11x14 room with the seating on the wall opposite the display on the LONG sides. I had the QS8's behind/above, and thought it was just great.

bibere usque ad hilaritatem