Speaker Placement and boundary problems

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by tommyboy81

does the surrounds at 2ft above ear level still a thing with 5.1.4 system? Still reading it is. but also read I forgot where the surrounds at ear level. And if they're behind you do they need to be pointed at ear level?

Yes, your surround channels should be at ear level, and directed towards the sitting area. If your surround speakers are placed too high, they would appear and sound like height channels instead of surrounds.

[tommyboy81]

Originally Posted by slimdude

Yes, your surround channels should be at ear level, and directed towards the sitting area. If your surround speakers are placed too high, they would be appear and sound like height channels instead of surrounds.

sweet, I don't have to move them! lol

[browndk26]

I’ve got my bookshelf speakers about 20 inches from the wall to the sides of a wall mounted TV. I’m wondering if they should be closer or further from the wall? Or does it matter?

[Scarriere]

It can, depending on wether the port is on the back of it. Too near and you may hear chuffing.
I don’t know if your speakers have rear ports, but 20” should be more than enough away from the wall.

[browndk26]

Thanks.

They do have rear ports. I’ll leave them where they are.

[R3P0]

just get a laser aligner and align them properly im sure someone sells them

[Bn43]

Originally Posted by slimdude

Yes, your surround channels should be at ear level, and directed towards the sitting area. If your surround speakers are placed too high, they would appear and sound like height channels instead of surrounds.

I remember Dolby somewhere recommending that the surrounds are placed above ear level. This still matters in a 5.1.4 system because non-Atmos/DTS:X tracks won't use the height speakers, ideally.

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by Bn43

I remember Dolby somewhere recommending that the surrounds are placed above ear level. This still matters in a 5.1.4 system because non-Atmos/DTS:X tracks won't use the height speakers, ideally.

The capabilities of the various upmixers (DSU, Neural X, and Auro) with legacy 5.1 or 7.1 content are effective to the point where you still want separation between overheads and surrounds. Ear level would be my recommendation.

[Bn43]

Originally Posted by gotmule

The capabilities of the various upmixers (DSU, Neural X, and Auro) with legacy 5.1 or 7.1 content are effective to the point where you still want separation between overheads and surrounds. Ear level would be my recommendation.

I never upmix surround sound tracks to my maximum 5.1.2. I dislike the idea.

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by Bn43

I never upmix surround sound tracks to my maximum 5.1.2. I dislike the idea.

It took me a bit to land on one I liked, but it really does come down to personal preference. Some people swear by one of them, but then others may go a different direction as systems and speaker layouts differ greatly. Others don't utilize them at all, which is also perfectly acceptable. Upmixers' effectiveness also depends greatly on the movie / tv show being viewed. I have had some 5.1 movies or shows sound better upmixed than some Atmos / DTS X discs.

[Scarriere]

I’m the odd man out. I love DSU!
It was very effective when I had 7.2.4 and now with 5.1.2, it’s still pretty good, but not as much.
Like mule said, it does depend on the content.

I don’t agree with surround and rear surrounds being at ear level. I have mine slightly above that. Maybe 20” or so.