Seating agaist back wall. LXi's or In-walls

[Herdfan]

I just moved into a new house and am setting up my Media room. I really can't call it a HT because its not. :eek: And I won't have one until my daughter outgrows her new playroom.

I had full 7.1 in my old house, but will only have 5.1 in the new one. My couch will be against the back wall and I have the following options:

1. FXi5's on the back wall (Easiest),
2. FXi5's on the side wall even with the couch (Hardest)
3. In-walls (as easy as the back wall, but I will have to go buy them)

I was originally just planning to go with the FXi5's on the back wall, but I want to get the best soundfield possible. My fronts consist of RTi10's and a CSi5 all driven by a Denon 3806. The sub is an SVS PB12-ISD. The room is approximately 20 feet wide by 14' deep. with an angled corner by the LF.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[McLoki]

Given what you have to work with I would say option 1 is your best choice.

Just to make sure though, you could position the FXi5's on step ladders and try them in the side positions for a few movies and see if you like that position or on the back wall the best. Once you get the position down, mount them to the wall.

I would try that on a weekend when the kids are out of the house though. Don't want them pulling any wires and have a speaker come crashing down (especially on them).

Michael

Edit - need to learn to read (or type) :rolleyes: Thanks willow :)

[Willow]

option 5 ? he gave 3 of them ;)

[wingnut4772]

I like the side option in dipole setting myself the best as I think you will get a more accurate represenation of the sound but I agree with McLoki..get out the ladders.

[Schris22]

maybe cieling?

I'm not sure just giving another alternative.

Chris

[aaharvel]

in a 5.1 setup- speakers to the sides if at all possible: even if you have to go in walls. Speakers on the back wall with the couch on that said wall is not the way to go. The only reason I have 7.1 is because my "Corner/L" room layout allows it.

Welcome to the forums.

[Herdfan]

maybe cieling?
Not possible because on one side of the room is the HVAC system and there is not enough clearance for the speakers.

[Herdfan]

in a 5.1 setup- speakers to the sides if at all possible: even if you have to go in walls.
Putting the speakers on the side will require more drywall work, but it is do able.

Additional question. Where do you all bring in the speaker wires when you are doing surrounds? It would seem to be neater to put the plate with banana posts up by where the speakers are, but it will be easier to put them on the back wall in the corner and run speaker wire up the wall, but that won't look as finished.

If I put the FXi5's on the side walls, which way should the main cones point? Into the room, or bouncing off the back wall. Or perhaps try it both ways and see which sounds best.

I understand doing the stepladder thing, but everything is leaving the room when I finish they drywall, soI really want to have everything's place known before then so I don't have to go back in to change something. The wife wants they drywall done last week but I am still running wires, so I am shooting for next week.

Thanks for the help.

[aaharvel]

Herdfan the fxi speakers are labeled "Left" and "Right". Just follow that guideline when placing them on the side walls. As far as speaker wire- I bought flat white wire that's 16g- a 100ft. spool from the Ratshack for $35. Not the best, I know- but it's more than good enough. I staplegunned it to the rightangles of the intersecting walls. Not noticeable unless you look for it. =) But considering i'm a bachelor- I doubt the wife will accept this. You might just have to go through the wall to TOTALLY hide the wire.

btw- Even though I prefer bipole over dipole- it's just because i have 4 of 'em in a 7.1 setup. For sidewall placement in a 5.1 only setup- you'll probably like the dipole mode better. Hope this helps.

[Tritonman]

I believe Lowes or HD sells those plastic wire covers that you see in offices to hide the wire so people dont trip over them..They come to a triangular peak and you can cut them to size...you could buy a set of those and cut them to your needs then paint them the same color as the wall. They would be practically invisible.

Kind of like these below..just more shallow

http://cableorganizer.com/surface-raceways/wire-guards.htm

[Airplay355]

1... i was in the same situation and opion 1 sounded best by far.

Yes the fx speakers are labeled left and right, but many people switch them up based on personal preference. I liked mine with the woofer (main cone) pointing out, but many people feel there is more detail in the surround field if they are facing the listener. Try both, it only requires swapping speakers.

[Herdfan]

Thanks for the input.

Do most of you all use banana plugs beside your surrounds or do you use a coax plate an remove the barrel and run the wires through the hole?

Thanks.

[Airplay355]

I just ran wire straight up from the hole in the floor :) If you mount them close to the ceiling, you can put plates in the celing and then run wire from the plates to speakers. You could burry the wire in ur wall and have it go right to the speaker. I'm not sure if you could put a plate behind the speaker, maybe.

[WilliamM2]

I just drill a small hole right behind the speaker, that way the wire is completely hidden.

It's also very easy to repair the small hole should you ever decide to move the speakers.