Speaker Placement with TV in Corner

[nedeveritt]

I just purchased an Onkyo 605 and the Performance 2 speaker package.

Attached is a sketch of my 19' x 11' family room lay-out and proposed locations for the speakers. We're pretty much locked in to the TV placement (due to built-in entertainment center) and furniture placement. I haven't run the speaker wire yet, so I'm open to feedback on the placement of them.

Center Channel - On a shelf below the TV, angled slightly up. I realize this is under the recommended 24" off the floor, but I'd rather not have to build a stand in order to place it above the TV.

Front Right - On a bookshelf at about ear height.

Front Left - Omni-mounted at about ear height. However, I might need to put it above the height of the TV if placement blocks view from the chair.

Rear Right - Omni-mounted higher on the wall.

Rear Left - Omni-mounted higher on the wall.

Sub - Next to sofa against the wall.

Rear Center - I'm not planning to use it.

Any suggestions on how to improve this awkward set-up?

Thanks,
Ned

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi Ned,

I would probably start by placing the subwoofer in the top left hand portion of your picture (front right corner).

As for speaker placement, would it possible for you to place the speakers on stands? That way, you could have the front speakers flanking the TV.

Thanks!

Sincerely,

[nedeveritt]

Thanks for the feedback Pete.

I can mount the front right speaker to the side of the shelving unit which is behind the TV. That will put them in the flanking position you recommend.

As for the sub, I'd prefer to leave it where it's shown because that is currently "dead space" behind an end table. But I will try it at the other end of the sofa to see if I can tell much of a difference. I'm certainly no audiophile.

Attached is the updated sketch.

Two more questions.

1. Does it matter which way the sub faces?

2. Now that the front speakers are closer together (about 48 inches apart), how will this sound for listening to music? Are they too close?

Thanks,
Ned

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi Ned,

It shouldn't matter too much which direction the subwoofer faces. It would be fine to use it as an end table next to your couch. Just make sure the woofer has at least 1-2" of spacing between any object it fires into, and the ports need about 3-4" of spacing between any object they fire into.

The front speaker placement/distance is acceptable too!

Sincerely,