Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Need advice on surrounds

I'm the proud owners of a new Axiom HT front, consisting of two M22's and a VP150. I couldn't be happier with them. My Onkyo never sounded better, but I suppose it would with some new surrounds (and a sub too, but that's even further down the road).

Here is my dilemma. Not sure whether I should go with direct or quad. Side mounting is NOT an option due the fact one side is a bar between the HT and the kitchen. The back wall is about four feet behind the listening position. I've read a lot that the quads are best side mounted but some people also swear they are better than directs on the back wall too.

Please help.

Hi Reason 1,
In terms of producing a nice sense of envelopment, Quadpolar surrounds are usually less critical for placement than direct-radiating surrounds. If you must put them on the back walls, get them up higher (several feet higher than your head from a sitting position). It's my experience that quads are more accommodating to side or rear-wall placement, and less fussy overall to align than direct-radiating surrounds. Actually, mine are at different heights in an asymmetrical setup and they work very well.

Regards,