Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Rear speaker placement question

While waiting for my M60s to arrive, I am re-doing my HT setup. The speakers that were in my living room for music are moving downstairs to act as front speakers in a 5.1 arrangement.

My rear surrounds are direct firing. I know where they should be mounted, but should they be aimed towards the listeners, or pointing straight ahead towards the wall the TV is on? In my family room, the TV is on one wall, and seating is on the other wall directly across the room. I have the speakers mounted right on the rear wall at the moment, pointing directly across the room. I have to move a few things around this weekend, and I could re-mount the rears if it would be beneficial.


Thanks for your time!

With direct firing surround speakers you should direct the speakers to the listening position. I've linked to an article showing placement for a 5.1 configuration.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/home_theater_layout.html

David, a few years ago I did a considerable amount of experimenting with the positions of direct radiating speakers used as side(not "rear")surrounds. There appears to be an advantage with most sound sources(both movies and 2-channel music surround ambience with DPLII)to make them less "direct". It was found that pointing them inward toward the listener was the least effective option. Having them pointing directly forward on the back wall, preferably at least 3' above ear level to somewhat reduce the directness, was better. Still better was on the side walls about 1-2' from the back wall(for seating almost against the back wall)and pointed toward the back wall, to increase the proportion of reflected surround and ambient sound.