September 5, 2014
THX recommends a 7.x system to be setup as follows:
Front Left & Right Speakers (L & R): Place the Front Left and Right speakers at ear height, producing a 45° angle as viewed from the main seat. This delivers a wide sound stage and precise localization of individual sounds.
Center Channel Speaker (C): Place the Center channel speaker either above or below the display. Then, aim the speaker either up or down to point directly at the listener. If you have a perforated projection screen, center this speaker both horizontally and vertically behind the screen.
Surround Left & Right Speakers (SL & SR): Place the SL & SR speakers between 90° to 110° to each side and 2 feet or higher above the listener. The SL & SR speakers recreate the enveloping sound and intense special effects that you experience in the cinema.
Surround Back Left & Right Speakers (SBL & SBR)*: The SBL & SBR speakers should be the direct firing type and placed together on the back wall. This allows the THX Advanced Speaker Array, or ASA technology to deliver its maximum effect.
Subwoofer (Sub): There are a few variations for subwoofer placement, depending on how many subwoofers you have in your room. If you have four subs, place one in the middle of each wall. If you have two, put them in the middle of opposing walls. If you have one, place it in the middle of the front wall.
While the guidelines for the L,C,R, subwoofers and side surrounds is the same as the 5.x setup. I need to factor in the two surround rear speakers. The problem I have with my layout is the distance between the seating and the rear of the room. I may have to get some rather powerful bookshelves to use as rears. Or I may have to use a ceiling mount to hold two small bookshelves.
Having said that, 7.x is not really in scope at this time. I’ll definitely pre-wire for a 7.x.4 atmos setup, but will implement it sometime in the future.
geekytalkies 