5.1 vs 7.1 should I wire for it? (1 Viewer)

[Brad Russell]

I originally posted this in the design forum but maybe it is better suited here.

We are begining the remodel of the theater room and I'm not sure if I should wire for 7.1 or 5.1. Currently I'm using a Yamaha A-1 (5.1) but at some point I'll move that to the living room and it seems everything these days is 7.1. Right now my effects are bi/di-poles on the side but I'm thinking of switching to monopoles. The room is 13'2" wide will be either 28'6" or 27' deep (depending on if I construct a false wall in the front to house an IB sub) and 7' high. Down the right side of the room runs an air duct making the ceiling about 6'6" for about 18" into the room. There is a door on the back wall to the left of the air duct, so maybe I should consider just doing 6.1 becase the right speaker would have to be about center. The seating position is going to range from about 10'-18' back. So with all that rambling background the question is; should I wire for the rear channel even though it would be between 10 and 20' behind the seating position? Would the rear channel be lost that far back? Is it even worth it and should I just stick the 5.1?

Thanks for all the advice!

Brad

 

[Geoff Gunnell]

Brad, I'd run a pair of wires in the ceiling if you can -- to points about 6 feet apart and 3 feet behind your seat backs. Then I'd ceiling mount a pair of Axiom QS8s: http://www.axiomaudio.com/qs8_main.html
using these brackets: http://www.axiomaudio.com/fullmetalceilingbracket.html.

The QS8's will spread the rear channel sound seamlessly.

 

[JeremyErwin]

hmm.

Is there any reason that you couldn't mount the rear speakers on stands (or pedestals), running the wires under the floorboards?

ALthough I have bookshelf speakers, the manufacturer disdains the term, recommending instead that the "monitor speakers" be placed on stands, away from rear walls.

If you ever want to upgrade to 7.1 the lack of wiring will limit your choices. Best to come up with a viable solution now.

The ceiling bracket sounds like a nice idea, too, though it may limit your choice of speaker.

 

[Geoff Gunnell]

Jeremy, stands will forever be getting in his way. The ceiling mounts will allow him to use that space.

And the Axiom QS8s are generally considered to be the best surrounds you can get anywhere near the price -- folks use them with all kinds of other brands speakers and get great results.

 

[Brad Russell]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm afraid with the 7' ceilings the speakers would need to be mounted in the ceiling or on the back wall. I guess the qustion for now is 7.1 viable when the rear channels are 10-20' back from the listening position? Or if I went with a ceiling mount; where, idealy what kind and would it be worth it? (never thought in-walls sounded that great)

Thanks again!

Brad