Question with hooking up 7.1 Surround Sound.?

Question

I just purchased a new surround sound that had 7.1 surround sound. I have a somewhat small bedroom I am putting it in, so all the speakers have to be mounted on the walls. Is it okay to have them all at the ceiling level? I currently have it setup for 5.1 with the 4 speakers in the corners, with the center sitting under my TV. I am mainly wondering about the extra two speakers that are in the rear to the right and the left of the viewing/listing area. Should I put them near the ceiling and keep all the speakers at the same level, or should them two down a little further?

Answer 1

At Ear Level (ON AXIS) is the best situation.

Center channel speaker is to be above (best) or below the TV.

Sub-Woofer should be in front of the listener, but the placement is less critical than any of the other speakers.

>>>> Running only 4 speakers

> Front Left (1),Center(2),Front Right(3), and Sub(.1),

....your setting should be 3.1.>>>>3 speakers +.1 sub= 3.1.

>>>> If you run Rear Suround speakers along with the Fronts,

....your setting should be Left Rear(4),Right Rear(5),

3.1+2. = 5.1.  

> For a system with Left(6), and Right(7) Side Surrounds,

.... your setting will be 3.1+2.+2.= 7.1.

Any placement other than on-axis (at ear level while siting at the viewing area) will reduce the directness of the tweeter systems, and will dull or degrade the sound.

And off-axis placement will tend to make you over-drive the tweeter systems and run the risk of overload (distortion) and BLOWING THEM UP!

If you can place them correctly,

>>>It will give you the BEST EXPERIENCE,

as compared to a compromised experience!

Answer 2

The ideal way is to have speakers at ear level but it doesnt really matter. I had mine throw together when I first got it and it is now at ear level and there is NO difference in sound.  Also different companies have different philosophies on wear all the speakers should go. Anther thing is the 2 rear channels in 7.1 are almost never used so its no biggie if they aren't set perfectly.  

You can go crazy trying to get everything perfect but it WILL NOT sound audibly better than putting speakers where you have the space handy.  Have fun!!