speaker placement

reno

Alright, THX likes speakers a certain way, computer geeks like em another, Dolby Digital and DTS basically want them another way...so which way do I go?

THX: Front speakers at slight angle toward home viewer, subwoofer on floor not in corner, 2 rear speakers reflecting off back wall to viewer .

Dolby Digital/DTS: Front speakers at slight angle to viewer, sub on floor not in corner, 2 rear speakers placed at side of viewer directly in ear. (no rear channel, except with Dolby Digital EX or DTS ES)

Comp geeks: Front speakers and sub same as other two, 2 rear speakers same distance from viewer as front speakers, at same angle.


Should I just move my speakers as I switch from movie viewing to gaming? Deus Ex with no true rear sound isn't as fun as with rear speakers, but surround effects (there is no rear effects channel or channels in Dolby Digital/DTS except in EX and ES versions anyway) don't sound right in the equidistant gamers speaker position.


Anyone have any suggestions?

DallasStar

It all depends on what kind of system you have. If your sub is not crappy, don't put it next to a wall, just put it on the floor because the wall will mess it up. If your sub is crappy, you can make it more "room shaking" by putting it next to a wall.

The front speakers should be just like they all said they should be.

The THX method for rear speakers should be better thant he Dolby/DTS method in large rooms that have good echos etc (example: movie theater)

The Dolby/DTS method would be better in a smaller room without echos. I've also seen a setup in which the rear speakers are kept slightly behind the listener and angled towards his ears. That may deserve a try.

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Necrosis

My answer to this is if it sounds good to you leave the speakers in the same location. Every room has its own special needs when it comes to acoustics; you’re never going to be able to it perfectly at spec. My setup is in what used to be a very large walk-in closet. Space is limited, yet it provides me with a very distinct platform that places me in the “sweet spot” of my speakers. I recommend you setup the speakers to your own taste; you can then use test subjects and ask them for their opinions.