Theater Surround Layout

[Jagshund]

I'm going to try to tackle a theater install around the same time as the bar (which I've already screwed up once) but haven't figured out the best use of space for the speakersntly have three JBL Northridge center speakers with built-in subwoofers and two other speakers of unknown make (see pics- and if you know what kind of speakers the white ones are please fill me in).





The receiver is a Kenwood Sovereign THX unit. All of the equipment was professionally installed in the display unit of an upscale Florida condo so I'm operating under the assumption that it's all fairly high quality. The room I'm using it all in is 18x12 with a 9' ceiling. We've decided to put a projecter in addition to actual theater seats in accordance with current standards- so it will have three tiers of three seats for nine total.

My first thought is to hook one center speaker to the front channel and install the two others about six feet off the front wall angled slightly towards the back of the room. The rears would be installed spaced at equal distance on the back wall a few feet above the third row.

Anyone have experience in these matters? Is the use of combined speakers a bad idea on the left and right channels:

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by 1968Cayman

Is the use of combined speakers a bad idea on the left and right channels:

Current thinking is that all three speakers in the front should be the same. However you can't really do that with speakers like electrostats and some horns.

Just give it a try and see if you can live with it.

I have a mismash of speakers and it sounds pretty fair to me.

[Jagshund]

I'm using the three JBLs as left, right and center. I'm not sure if the rears should be the same. No one knows what brand the white speakers are? Giant R on the mesh (as pictured) - no other markings.

[david914]

The "R" speaker is made by Russound.

[Jagshund]

THANK YOU!!!!!!! Russound? I've never heard of them. They must be either really good or really cheap.

[imcarthur]

I'll weigh in, with my usual opinionated response . . .

The concept behind 5.1 surround is to have 5 identical speakers + a sub. The surround mix is done with identical monitors in the studio. While one could argue that the rear speakers are far less critical, the front 3 are very important for realism & clarity in a theater. The center is dialogue + general front sound. The L & R are for music tracks + dialogue that pans to a side as the actors move + general front sound. With 3 identical speakers, there will be no tonal variation in front sound as the actors move around. Even a dedicated center channel speaker in its typical 3 driver configuration is flawed mildly in balance compared to the L & R.

Identical is best. L & R & center with the same tonal balance is second best. etc etc

Ian

[david914]

Originally Posted by 1968Cayman

... They must be either really good or really cheap.

As with most things, it's all relative. I used to work in "high end" audio, and Russound would be considered "low fi" by those standards, but if you're accustomed to more mass-market stuff, Russound may sound just fine.

[Jagshund]

Hey! I'm okay with using the worst of the best. Apparently this Kenwood Sovereign unit was the cheapest of the most expensive line they had at one time- and had only been used sparingly for six months. I'm just curious about 5.1 sound when the .1 is not actually going to exist- but there should be plenty of bass coming from the subs in the front three units.

[david914]

You can go into the settings on your receiver and set it for no subwoofer. This will blend the .1 channel into your left and right main speakers using their low frequency drivers for the .1 channel sound.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by david914

You can go into the settings on your receiver and set it for no subwoofer. This will blend the .1 channel into your left and right main speakers using their low frequency drivers for the .1 channel sound.

Yep, some systems call that the "full range mode" for R&L and center.