Graeme, it's a good idea when the speaker setup is 5.1(without back surround speakers for a 7.1 setup)that the side surround speakers be placed a little(say 2')farther back rather than directly to the side of the listening position. This lends a little bit of a "phantom" back surround image in the absence of actual back surround speakers. They should be separated as widely as possible on the back wall and about 2-3' above ear level.
Our chairs are about 2 1/2 feet from the back wall and about the same from the side wall. I maybe able to move them another foot but any more than that and the little woman will have a hissy fit
I might try them in the corner first as grunt suggested. they will be about 3 feet higher than the listening position.
I am also considering using one of my Yamaha bookshelf speakers a a center rear? Would this make much of a difference?
