[quote=casey01]
From my own experience with three different AVR's I always found, in general, the surround speakers measured through the test tones from the AVR were always about one to one and a half db quieter than they should be compared to the tones coming from an external disc.
[quote]
I’ve found the same thing. Add to it that the microphone and likely SPL meter are measuring the 360 degree sound the same if you are pointing them straight up but our hearing from behind isn’t as sensitive at toward the front so you lose some there too.
As for the distance of 4-6 feet IMO that’s about perfect for developing a side/rear sound field. Other than the above issue of sound level speaker placement is something you should play around with if you have the space.
I would also experiment with seating placement. I’ve found that often plays a bigger roll in how the sound field envelops you than just speaker placement.
