5.1 Speaker Placement
 

Hi. We're building a new place and getting speaker wires pre-installed. I'm not yet up with all the home audio/speaker talk, but hope to get more into it..

This is a scan of the layout and where the TV cable is installed. We also have the option to mount a flat screen on top of the fireplace as they've installed a cable there also..

Can some suggest were would be the best place to place the wires? They have the option to put them in the ceiling.. The bottom left corner is tight due to the bay windows and ducts that runs along the wall..

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...olaris/AVS.jpg

Thanks

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

That looks all kinds of awkward!

What does "seat" mean? Are those built in benches?

What is on the wall opposite the fireplace? I'd say put the TV over there instead, but I don't think that would work out either.

Your other option would be down the left wall and right wall since surrounds are supposed to be above ear level (ideal).

Were you suggesting that the speakers go in-ceiling, or that you were going to have the wire just routed through there? Do you already have speakers or are you looking at something to buy? In which case I assume you're thinking about in-ceiling speakers?

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

Not sure if they're commonly called bay windows, but yeah, you can sit on them or place items on it..

It's a flat wall.. Yeah, I talked to a friend who suggested putting the TV there.. But right now, we don't have a flat screen and still using our tube TV.. But I asked them to split the TV cable to the other corner in case we wanted to put the TV on that wall..

But if we mounted a flat screen on top of the fireplace, would that work?

I have the option to put wires on the ceiling because there's no room in the bottom right corner due to ducts and the window.. If I got them to put wires on the ceiling to and put in speakers later, were would be a good place if any?
Thanks

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

Over a fireplace is the worst place to put a tv. Especially a working fireplace. People saw some designer do it on HGTV, and now everybody wants to do it. It has a "cool" factor to it. The ideal spot for a tv is where the center of the screen is eye level, when sitting down. That's why tv stands are made the height they are.

Here is a tv shootout between LCD and plasma tvs: http://www.displaymate.com/LCD_Plasma_ShootOut.htm Notice near the end, this was said: "so don’t even think about mounting your LCD HDTV above the fireplace! Make sure that the center of the TV is close to your normal viewing eye level." Plasmas work up high better than LCDs, but ideally, they should be down lower too.

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

It's funny, even people at AVS are giving me crap about wanting to rip out my fireplace and turn it into a dedicated home theater. Half of the people want me to place an LCD/Plasma there instead. -ohbfrank-

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

I too would discourage mounting the TV above the fireplace. Even angling it down I feel that it would become terribly uncomfortable after a couple hours. I would work with the flat wall opposite the fireplace. If that doesn't work, throw a basic TV in the corner for evening TV then finish the basement for a Home Theater.

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

I think over the fireplace is a great place for a TV. Course, I'm a chiropracter. Business is good! Some of this post may be a complete fabrication. Or all.

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

Try to hook it up where the wire is supposed to go or to something that lets it only be on when the stereo is on.
https://mythereveiw.com/sslwebsite/index.php

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

For 7.1 placement, do the 2 speakers go to the outside or inside of the existing surrounds?

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

I'm not a pro, but "high tech device that costs 500-5000" and "place that holds really hot fire" don't really go together for me.
The 2 additionals should go sort 'outside' of the existing surrounds, I think (so going clockwise, Center, Right, RSurround, RRearSurround, LRearSurround, LSurround, Left). That's the way mine are set up. Obviously more 'behind' the viewer than the regular surrounds.

Re: 5.1 Speaker Placement
 

Wanted to bump this thread because I just got back from my niece's housewarming party and her and her boyfriend put the TV over the fireplace. I tried to discourage it but he really liked the "wow" factor. Granted it also is a tough room for placement. When I was standing, eye level was at the bottom 1/3 of the TV. I didn't try sitting on the couch but I'm guessing it will be like the first row of a movie theater, looking straight up. I'm taking bets to see how long it will be before the bloom is off the rose on that setup.