I have a Denon 3808CI A/V receiver, Sony Blu Ray DVD player, 60” Sony Bravia LCD projection television, my center channel speaker is Axiom VP 150 V2, the two floor speakers are Axiom M50 V2, the four surround speakers are Axiom QS4 V2, and the sub woofer is EP500 V2. The room that the surround system is located is a relatively large room (approx. 30’ x 35’ feet) I had hard wired the speaker locations with Monster Wire when I built the house. Originally when I set the surround sound system up I follow the directions that came with the Denon A/V receiver, using the microphone and placing it in each location where a person would be expected to sit. I was not really happy with the end result. I had a very difficult time hearing much sound coming out of the surround sound speakers. The voices from center channel speaker were not as clear as it should have been. My question for the forum members is if you were to start over how would you suggest setting up the speakers in the surround system. Thanks.

I think your problem may NOT be positioning, but Audyssey set up.

Here's a link to a pretty informative but typically grueling thread at AVS.

I think we'd probably need pictures to advise you about placement

Really, you'll probably be able to tweak things through the receiver to that you're happy. Do a forum search on Audyssey or Calibration and see what you find.

Pictures...pictures...always with the pictures....

Many of us bump up the center channel a few dB to improve intelligibility with dialog and the surrounds a few dB to scare the crap out of ourselves a little more with Saving Private Ryan.

And make sure you have the latest updates for the 3808, the latest update has made significant improvements to the sound I am receiving from Audyssey. Also ensure the mic is placed about ear level in each seat and try to do 4-6 locations, I have read from a few people that when they did less than 4 and more than 6 the results were not as good.

You know I was just reading something regarding that a couple of days ago, can't remember if it was one of Alan's articles or not, but anyway the article stated that a quite of number of folks will bump up the center a couple of db's for the reason you suggested Mark but the article said not to do this ... can't remember the reason. I'll have to go look for the article.

That was probably a ton of help, huh.

Edited to add...

I think maybe this is where I read something about center channel, the article doesn't get into too much detail so it's probably a no-biggie. Seamless Sound Stage

The need to bump up the center, usually stems from the fact most people listen at lower volumes than reference the reference 85db, which makes the dialogue hard to hear. I know when I have my system playing at reference volumes, I can run the center equal to the rest of the system, when I listen at lower volumes the dialgue is often too quiet so I bump the center up a few more db and this helps. A few db doesn't hurt the soundstage too much.

Thanks for that link Rick. I have been pondering my over dominant center. I actually have the center down about 2db from the mains, and it still seems to dominate.

I think that is the first time I have ever heard anyone say there center channel was overpowering the mains, usually it is the other way around even when calibrated.

That is why you want to use Dynamic Volume from Dolby, or Dynamic EQ from Audyssey to keep the reference levels in check at lower volumes.

You mean these...right? Never heard of them.

DynamicEQ

Dolby Volume

Yep, the Dolby volume will only be available in a few high end AVR's, however the Dynamic EQ is part of Audyssey MultEQ XT in the higher end Denons, Onkyo's, etc. Or if you took part in the upgrade dealeo...

There is a nice video on Youtube where audioholics interviewed Chris K from Audyssey on upcoming new features..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb_VDEneKcY

I have yet to do the upgrade, too many other thigs taking my money at the moment.

I've been experimenting a bit with raising the surrounds and the sub slightly after learning about Dynamic EQ. I found that when listing at -10 of reference, it sounds better with the surrounds bumped up 2 to 4 db and the sub 2 to 4 db. I have never bumped the center or the mains. I've been meaning to start a thread at AVS on this but I haven't had time to do more testing.

My guess is the 8 positions you used for Audyssey. The 8 positions should be grouped together withing a few feet of each other with the first one being at your primary seat. If you get outside the mains, weird things can happen. Also, it essential use a tripod.

I don't think its the center overpowering the mains, its an issue with not getting the right soundstage with the mains, so the image is pushed in to the center. One of the things Alan suggested is putting the mains forward of the center. I have them on the same plain.

It isn't really an issue for movies, but it sure is for music.