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QS8/4s - to aim, or not to aim, that be the ?
#406786 08/26/14 03:06 PM
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Greetings,

I have a large-ish multi-purpose home theater/family room in my basement. I am running what amounts to a 7.1 channel "Epic 60", with four QS8s for surround and rear channels.

I currently have all of my QS8s mounted on Full Metal Brackets, with the backs of the speakers perpendicular to the wall (not aimed or angled r/l, u/d). Is this the preferred orientation, or is it preferred to have them angled toward toward the listening area? I had considered this at one point, however this would angle the bottom drivers toward the walls and I fear for added reflection of the sound. Would that even matter?

I am seeking thoughts and opinions regarding if orienting them toward the listening area (they are mounted at about 6' up on the walls, with the sides being about 12' to either side, and the rears about 18' back of the listening area) and looking at ways that I can ensure that my system has the best configuration for my environment.


Epic 60 - 350 7.1
75" Samsung JU7100
Marantz SR7009
Panasonic DMP-UB900
Dish ViP722K
Re: QS8/4s - to aim, or not to aim, that be the ?
SpenceJT2003 #406787 08/26/14 03:16 PM
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I have had the option to angle QS8s in all my installations but have always left them parallel to the walls. I did a bit of testing back when I had a rectangular-ish room and decided I liked the parallel placement a bit more than angled, but IIRC the difference was pretty small.

From your description it sounds as if the side surrounds are pretty much "beside" the listening position rather than "beside and slightly behind", is that correct ? My understanding (which could be out of date) that even in a 7.1 system you want the "side" surrounds to be a bit behind the listener if possible.

Last edited by bridgman; 08/26/14 03:18 PM.

M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39
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Re: QS8/4s - to aim, or not to aim, that be the ?
bridgman #406789 08/26/14 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted By: bridgman
From your description it sounds as if the side surrounds are pretty much "beside" the listening position rather than "beside and slightly behind", is that correct ? My understanding (which could be out of date) that even in a 7.1 system you want the "side" surrounds to be a bit behind the listener if possible.


My side QS8s are about two feet behind the primary seating area, about twelve feet to either side, and at about six feet off of the floor (I have an eight foot ceiling height). My rear QS8s are on the back wall about fifteen feet behind the seating area, each spaced about six feet from center (about twelve feet apart).

I love how the QS8s are able to disperse the the sounds. I had considered a pair of direct radiating speakers for the rear channel, but it was a toss-up given the space/distance. My area is about 800sq feet, slightly "L" shaped with the extended area along the back wall covering a fitness area, and kitchenette/hallway with bathroom access.


Epic 60 - 350 7.1
75" Samsung JU7100
Marantz SR7009
Panasonic DMP-UB900
Dish ViP722K
Re: QS8/4s - to aim, or not to aim, that be the ?
SpenceJT2003 #406792 08/26/14 06:25 PM
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Perfect (or at least that's how I would do it, which is not necessarily the same thing laugh )

Last edited by bridgman; 08/26/14 06:26 PM.

M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39
M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1
LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
Re: QS8/4s - to aim, or not to aim, that be the ?
bridgman #406797 08/26/14 07:39 PM
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Originally Posted By: bridgman
Perfect (or at least that's how I would do it, which is not necessarily the same thing laugh )


Thanks for that bit of validation. I am trying to keep my mind off of the Marantz SR7009 that I have on order... that I am now "waiting" for, and looking at any potential ways (without spending even more money) or optimizing my configuration.

I'll be temporarily re-purposing my old M22s as a "height" (possibly Dolby Atmos) channel until I can work a deal on a third pair of QS8s!


Epic 60 - 350 7.1
75" Samsung JU7100
Marantz SR7009
Panasonic DMP-UB900
Dish ViP722K
Re: QS8/4s - to aim, or not to aim, that be the ?
SpenceJT2003 #406810 08/27/14 01:29 AM
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Spence, it be the answer in my view that since the vast majority of the material reproduced by the side and back surrounds is rather ambient in nature, a more dispersed rather than sharply focused presentation is advantageous. The surrounds therefore shouldn't be aimed directly at the listener.

As to their placement in the room, your arrangement sounds good, but to comment on a point John B. mentioned, with actual back surround speakers present, no help from the side surrounds in forming a rear sound field is needed. The sides don't need to be slightly farther back as is suggested for a 5.1 setup. They should be directly to the side if possible, or even slightly forward if it isn't. Of course very small variations in this aren't critical.


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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.


Re: QS8/4s - to aim, or not to aim, that be the ?
JohnK #406832 08/27/14 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted By: JohnK
Spence, it be the answer in my view that since the vast majority of the material reproduced by the side and back surrounds is rather ambient in nature, a more dispersed rather than sharply focused presentation is advantageous. The surrounds therefore shouldn't be aimed directly at the listener.

As to their placement in the room, your arrangement sounds good, but to comment on a point John B. mentioned, with actual back surround speakers present, no help from the side surrounds in forming a rear sound field is needed. The sides don't need to be slightly farther back as is suggested for a 5.1 setup. They should be directly to the side if possible, or even slightly forward if it isn't. Of course very small variations in this aren't critical.


Thanks for the replies!

In checking last evening, both of my side surrounds are in fact slightly (10-15" or so) ahead of "my" listening area. I say "my" because the seating consists of sectional sofa with a 90 degree bend oriented in the shape of a left-leaning "L". My area is on the extreme right (with access to lighting controls and phone ...because if I sit down to watch a movie, my brother will almost always call me). The elbow of the sectional is about the same 10-15" rear of the sides, and the left end is about 24-30" ahead of the "surround" speakers mounted on the side walls. The sofa ranges between 9-12 feet from my modest 75" screen.

As previously stated "multi-use" (Home Theater/Family/Game etc.). With the sofa, carpeting & acoustically absorbent suspended ceiling panes, the room is reasonably "dead". Nothing that my soon-to-be-delivered Marantz SR7007's Audyssey XT32 can't correct! :-) Can't freakin' wait!


Epic 60 - 350 7.1
75" Samsung JU7100
Marantz SR7009
Panasonic DMP-UB900
Dish ViP722K

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