Fred, as David pointed out, if possible the side surrounds should be no farther forward than even with the listening position. In a 5.1 setup without actual back surrounds to help the total surround effect it's helpful to position the side surrounds a little(maybe 2')farther back than even, to lend a little more effect with a "phantom" back center image.

Calibration of the levels and delays can compensate for the position of the surrounds.

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.