Speaker Layout Help
2So I'm finally getting around to connecting my external speakers to my TV, and I'm a little unsure of what the best placement is. Mostly, the room is a little odd shaped (what rooms aren't?) so it's not as clear cut as any online diagrams.
We mostly sit on the couch (the long rectangle at the bottom). Because of windows and doors, there's not really another place for the TV (and it fits that angled wall pretty well), but I can't quite figure out the best placement for the front-left and front-right speakers.
What letters would you put front-left & front-right at?
I haven't done it yet, but I'm planning on rear-left and rear-right to go in D & C. (Also, feel free to mock up other letters/layouts if you want to.)
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Some idiot built both of our homes. I have this exact same set up. Front left and right at A and B. You're going to be looking at the television and it would be strange to look one way and hear another. Are you going directly to your TV or do you have a receiver? If you have a receiver, does it have a little microphone that runs a test?
@marklog I've got a receiver. Not sure about a microphone...it does a static test thing but I think just for me to hear.
@marklog Also, my home was built about 70 years before TV was common, so I forgive them for not taking viewing angles into account.
I've always thought that this was the best configuration for home audio:
If viewing and sound quality are critical to you and it is feasible, slide the sofa to the left and angle it parallel to the TV.
The front speakers can stay where you have them. And you can place a table in the corner behind the sofa to house a lamp/whatever.
@RedOak This is what I had done in a previous place I lived. It also allows for two flanking chairs to maximize the seating and viewing angle comfort.
@RedOak I don't think the wife will go for it, but maybe if I move it one inch per day she won't notice.
@dave 'don't know your decor, but angled furniture can work if you give it a chance.
Keep pointing out that the picture kinda sucks vs straight on. (Shoulda bought a Plasma.) If you exaggerate the angle, that demo really makes the point. Especially if there's lots of natural light in the room.
I'm all about watching a TV straight on. The audio should be that way too. The fact that you watch TV at an angle is making my OCD (in regards to speaker placement) hurt.
If it were me, that long couch would be parallel to the TV. Yeah, you're wasting space, but man... C'mon.
@BillLehecka I agree with this. Surround sound is only gonna sound right looking straight on.
My receiver came with a handy little microphone deal that lets it auto-configure the surround sound based on the distance to the speakers. You place the mic on the couch and then it plays some test tones and automatically adjusts the level of each channel. You'll definitely need to do something like this to get it to sound correct from your favorite spot on the couch. (since it's not straight on with the TV/speakers)