Having issues trying to layout my new 7.1 system. I basically have an open floor plan with essentially 3 walls.

My dilemma is to either place a QS8 in Position A on a speaker stand (more money ($143), could get knocked over, pain in the ass to run cable under the hardwood floor, but contractor can do anything).

However, there is a wall available at position B, which would be easier to run cable in the walls, no danger of it knocking over, but it is probably another 5-6 feet away from the center position.

What should I do here? Thanks!

It's obviously better to have everything positioned symmetrically about the listening position but I don't think it will be a huge deal breaker if you put it on the wall. Think of a movie theater, you're not always sitting directly in the middle of the room.

You can usually compensate for positioning by adjusting volume with an SPL meter, it will work even better if your receiver has Audyssey or a similar system which will adjust speaker EQ to make up for deficiencies of the room.

Think of a movie theater, you're not always sitting directly in the middle of the room.

There should be no problem with placement at position B for your side surrounds.

I have an Onkyo 705 I bought a year ago, so I should be good.

Yes, I think so.

I’m assuming you can’t ceiling mount it in position A or you would have mentioned that option. If possible check out Axioms Full Metal Ceiling Bracket. Otherwise I would go with the wall mount.

While ideal it’s much less important IMO to maintain symmetry with surround placement than it is with the mains. Even more so when using speakers as well designed as the QS8s. And since you are using 7.1 the back speakers are going to be giving you the sounds coming from behind that would otherwise have been in stereo from your L/R surrounds and might have been thrown off by asymmetrical placement.

Then add in what Escaron said about using your AVR to compensate for the timing, volume and even equalization. Also based on my listening I think you’ll actually get more “symmetrical” dispersion of the sound by having it mounted against the wall at or near the same height as the other surround/back speakers. So I would even consider the wall mount even if you could otherwise use a ceiling bracket.

Cheers,
Dean

It would be possible to ceiling mount all 4 of the surrounds. I'm just looking for the best option considering the weird layout of my living room.

If I ceiling mount them you figure they will be 7ft in the air and considering the couch might be up against the wall opposite positions A&B wouldn't the sound come from almost directly above you?

I was under the impression that slightly higher than ear level was the best option. Please enlighten me.

Oh btw, I currently have a 3.1 M60's, VP-150, and a HSU VTF2 MK3. We are refinishing our first floor basement and moving the living room down there so I have complete access to the walls/etc.

I guess the real question is would it be better to go with an asymmetrical setup as I listed above (Which would be the best for the least WAF) or mount them all on the ceiling angled down (Even though the side surrounds would be at an extreme angle almost above you).

KZ, welcome back and good to hear that the problem you had a couple years ago in getting speakers apparently was resolved. As has been said, the positioning on the wall at point B should be fine since calibration will adjust the level and time delay of that speaker so as to match the closer QS8. 1-2' above ear level would be fine and there doesn't appear to be any necessity for a ceiling mounting.

One point, if your diagram was roughly to scale, is that the back surrounds should be separated a bit more widely than shown. There should be both a left back and right back speaker effect for all listeners, so the back speakers should be separated at least as wide as the couch.

A couple of feet above ear level is recommended and probably a good choice if you have to make a decision on pre-wiring, but whenever possible I really recommend experimenting a little with placement if you have the time/ability.

Based on what you just said I would go with wall mounting all of them (I think they sound better when wall mounted) 2-3 feet above ear height. Especially if the side space on the right is tight then I would want to use the most of it by wall mounting.

Position B is similar to my setup, and I can't tell that the two QS8s are at different distances from me - and I am just using an old Denon 3300 without Audysee. Go for B, you won't be upset.

Hi kzx87,

I'd absolutely agree with JohnK in going with the wall mount for B, 2 to 3 feet above ear level. The QS surrounds are NOT critical in terms of height and asymmetrical placement. One of mine is about 18 inches higher than the other and more forward as well.

The delay and distance settings in your AV receiver set-up will nicely take care of differences in speaker distances and, as many on the forums are aware, I am not an enthusiast of Audyssey. Try your setup without Audyssey first and then with it and see which yields the most natural, pleasing sound quality. For wide-range neutral speakers like Axioms, auto-Equalization schemes often degrade sound quality.

Regards,
Alan