7.1.4 setup opinions needed (1 Viewer)

[Derilyct]

I am looking for some general thoughts/advice from people on how I should handle the setup of our home theater downstairs. I'm looking to do a 7.1.4 setup in our basement but the left side of the theater area has a large open space which goes into the other portion of the basement and we have storage areas to the right and behind the sound stage. I've included a diagram of how I'm planning on setting things up but I'm stressing over the location of the L and R surrounds. They are several feet too forward for what I would like but I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on how this will sound if I use di-pole/bi-pole surrounds. FYI, I'm a Polk guy so I'll be using FXI A6 unless I can find some reasoning to use something else. In the diagram I've labelled my desired locations for the full system and I realize not all the placements are ideal but the absence of walls and the rooms much wider dimension are making it all necessary. To the left there is a lally column which I could potentially build in a very small faux wall which I could place a speaker. The issue there is the right side would have to go on an angled wall so I don't know if that will mess with things directionally too much. Also, I'm concerned it might look odd having a random 20" wall in the middle of the room just to house a speaker. I'm also not very interested in in-ceiling surrounds although I know that might be a solution to the open wall problem. I'm at the wiring stage so I'm desperate for anyone's thoughts or recommendations. FYI, everything is still open stud so really anything is possible here.

 

[Sam Posten]

Welcome to HTF~ Ceiling mount the left speaker with a drop down pole!

I've got mine similarly mounted on a sidewall but the idea is the same.

Basement by Sam Posten III, on Flickr

 

[Brian Dobbs]

I have my L/R surrounds in front of the listening position, but aimed back at the listener. From your diagram, I'm worried they may be too wide though. Ceiling mounted might be a good idea, if you can do it.

 

[Derilyct]

Ceiling mounting is an option but I've already bought all my in-wall speakers. I've attached the new diagram for what I'm now planning to do. This is in my basement so it will never be a perfect or ideal setup but it should still be fun enough. Now my big decision is between these two. Any preferences?

https://www.amazon.com/Marantz-SR60...AV+Surround+Receiver+with+Bluetooth+and+Wi-Fi

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVRX42...TF8&qid=1485549869&sr=1-1&keywords=denon+4200