Hello all, I'm a newbie but have been lurking around the site for a couple weeks gathering info. I've ordered my speakers and now have a question. In a 7.1 system, do my side and rear speakers need to be at the same height? I may be able to get them close....(within 6"), but would be more practical if they could vary in height by about a foot. Thanks for any and all input, and by the way, you guys are a RIOT!! Shawn

Shawn, regarding the placement of the speakers...I'll leave that up to the experts that will chime in here in just a bit. I just thought I'd say hello and welcome to the site! What are you using for surrounds?

I ordered the Epic 60/500 HT package and then anther 2 QS8's for the rear. Speaking of... I'm in Minneapolis, MN... my shipment leaves ON, goes to Memphis, TN... then to here???? What gives??? Shawn

Don't you worry Shawn..the Axiom folks are just light years ahead of anybody else whenever it comes to shipping and customer support. You'll have 'em in the specifies time. QS8s are very tolerant to varying locations, whenever you recieve them (in the specified time period! ) play around with them and see what works.

Welcome to Axiom Shawn,

A foot difference in the mounting height means nothing. I do however provide cushions for short people to sit on when they come and listen at my house.

Just try and get them at least a foot (2 preferred) above your head height when seated and no closer than a foot to the ceiling.

Welcome and enjoy the system (especially that ep500).

Hi Shawn.

Your speakers go to Memphis because that's where FedEx air shipments from Canada enter the country.

By the way, if you're going to track your shipment, don't be confused by it's stop in Mississauga, CA. In this case, the "CA" isn't California, it's Canada. Mississauga is suburb of Toronto, and your shipment's last stop before being flown to Memphis.

Also, for whatever reason, there often is a delay in the tracking, but not necessarily the shipping, when your shipment hits Mississauga. I've seen the tracking stay on Mississauga for a day and half, and the next thing you know, it's "Out For Delivery," with Memphis, and your local stop all posted at once. This may not happen in your case, but don't freak out if your shipment seems to spend a long time in Mississauga. Actually, it's still on the move.

As for your speaker placement, IMHO, while same height is the ideal, the difference in height of 6" to a foot shouldn't be noticeable when your system is properly calibrated. There are members here who have their QS series speakers at weirder height differences than that. As BrotherBob says, experiment a little to find out for yourself.

Impatience is a great teacher.

Well, my impatience paid off!!! The speakers showed up today! They are beautiful... now the work begins! Thanks for your input I appreciate it.