System setup questions

[Teewinot]

Hello!

I'm hoping to get some speaker questions answered here. I'm attaching a couple of pdf's that show my basement. What you see is the current design concept for my basement build out.

I had wanted a more traditional "theater" area for a 7.1 setup, but my wife and I have finally come to an agreement with the design you see here. My wife thinks it is a much more "dynamic" layout for the basement. I agree with her from a purely aesthetic standpoint. As you can see, there will be no placement options at all for a 7.1 system. I'm planning 5.1 only.

My speakers would be HB1 MK2 for fronts, HC1 MK2 for center, a VTF-2 MK 3 sub, and finally, HIW-1 for surround left and right.

My question comes to the surrounds. You'll notice that left rear is far closer to the seating (couch area is what I'm concerned with) area than is the right rear. I know I'll be able to set distances when I do my receiver setup, but what kind of problems should I anticipate from having such a non-equal distance set? Will it be too much to overcome? Should I abandon this design because the movie experience will be so poor from the speaker layout? etc., etc., etc.

Also, how about sub placement? I have it currently between chair and couch. I know that I'll experiment a bit, but plan on all in wall wires, so I'd like to be as close to ideal setup before I even have a chance to experiment with actual sub.

Thanks for any input and thoughts that any of you may have!

Thanks!

Chris

[Pete_Hsu]

What a nice room you have designed, thanks for sharing Chris!

The proposed placement position for the surround sound in-wall speakers looks just fine! You will be able to adjust distance settings for each so that they are time aligned, and you will be able to adjust channel levels for each so that they are equally loud at the main listening position.

The subwoofer placement position looks good too. The other good placement position to try would be the back left corner of the room (as viewed from the main listening position, ie. on the other side of the chair).

The horn speakers with the VTF-2 MK3 is an excellent choice for this room!

Thanks

Sincerely,

[Teewinot]

Thanks for the input Pete! I feel Waaaaaaayyy better about the layout now that you've weighed in. I had considered placing the sub on the other side of the chair as you've suggested.

When I started the design process for my basement (much longer ago than I'd like to admit!), I had envisioned a true theater setup. But the width of space, along with furniture sizes and the way the family would need to use the space, made it impractical. The layout I've come up with should be very family friendly and allow a great space for friends to hang out. But quality of movie experience and the sound were vital. I'm glad to know I should be able to make it work now.

Thanks for the great forum and advice! I've lurked for several years and finally jumped in!

[scottfox]

Chris- I have a den where I am using the VTF2.3. Talked to Pete a few times & ended up moving the sub nearfield next to my couch. It made a huge difference in mid-bass slam. I initially had it up front by my speakers, and while it sounded good, I wasn't geting hit in the chest in explosive movie scenes. Now it is next to my couch being used as an end table. Look a couple of threads down... open vs sealed room & you can see my setup & a recent converstion I had with Pete. Good luck with the build!