Frenchlop,

I would definitely start with a 5.1 setup in this case. You will have only ~4 feet of horizontal distance from the rear surrounds, and I doubt that you get a good 7.1 effect in that kind of geometry. If it were me, I would fundamentally rearrange the room before adding the rear channels.


John,

I understand that placing the sub(s) behind/besides the listening couch is what Dr. Hsu often recommends to his customers. He says he likes the "near-field" bass effect you get this way.