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speaker layout questions (1 Viewer)

CapnSharpe

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I have a 53" RPTV in a corner sandwiched by a fireplace and an audio rack. Neither the audio rack or rptv can go anywhere because the 6 foot component cables are already stretched out. I managed to place half of the seating so that that dipole speakers are on the sidewalls. However, there is no rear wall. Will the dipoles work properly without a rear wall? What about the front monopoles and the way one side is so close to a dipole? The entire sound field looks awkward. I'm going to try and hook up the rear dipoles tonight, but this layout does not look promising.

Is this feasible or should I start over again from scratch? Any creative suggestions? FYI - the tv is there because that is where the cable jack is.
To a sketch of the layout: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/tdoyon/vw...c=ph%26.view=t
 

scott>sau

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Hi Theresa,
Follow this link to Dolby
http://www.dolby.com/ht/Guide.HomeTheater.0110.html
and click on 3.1 and 3.3 for more detailed info that may work with your design.
I would not limit your design and speaker, or video placement by cable length. Be it component-video, or coaxial. You can have the cable company re-locate an additional outlet. The only charge may be a wall fish. You may be able to do a carpet run with the RG-6. PM me for more details, I was a cable guy for a good amount of time before going into HT. You could either extend the component-video cable, or get a longer one. As far as the dipoles, you could aim them away from the alcove to receive more direct, less reflected sound.
 

Wayne A. Pflughaupt

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Theresa,

Dipoles work best in rectangular rooms where there is a wall behind them. The sound bouncing off the walls is how they get their diffusive properties.

The entire sound field looks awkward. I'm going to try and hook up the rear dipoles tonight, but this layout does not look promising.
You are correct; corner TV placement is not really conducive to the home theater experience. Inevitably you end up with the front speakers too close together, and the rears in a totally unworkable arrangement, as you have in your situation.

Notice the rear speaker arrangement: Considering that the TV should be “front of house,” you have one rear speaker to the left of the seating area, and one behind the seating area. Definitely an abysmal arrangement. Frankly, I’ve never seen a corner set-up that worked well.

If a proper home theater experience is important to you, then you will have to set up your room with that primarily in mind. As you can see from the pictures in the link that Scott provided, the primary seat should face the screen, and the rear speakers should be at the sides or behind the main seat.

Judging from your drawing, the best locations for your TV are either on the wall where the rack is now, or on the wall behind where the couch is now. Hopefully one or the other will permit you to set up a workable speaker arrangement.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
 

Bob McElfresh

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May 22, 1999
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5,182
I agree with Wayne that the TV should go where the rack is now.

The 6-ft component cable : buy a longer one from one of the custom sites, or swap the Rack and TV position in your sketch. This thread should help. A long, white CATV coax is $7 for 25 ft from Radio Shack. Dont let the cables dictate your layout - that's just silly.
 

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