Rear Atmos Placement

[Beansy]

Discussion starter·#1·3h ago (Edited)

Just upgraded from a Denon X1700h to an X3800h so I can complete my 5.1.4 system. I have my two front atmos speakers as heights on the front wall about 10.5 ft high (ceilings are 11ft).

I have 2 svs prime elevation speakers coming tomorrow. Question is, considering the front placement (not going to move these), what is the best spot for the rears? Room is about 11x13x11 but open on one side to kitchen/dining. Couch is 30 inches off back wall. Will use the standard mounts svs provides. Speakers are angled but wont be using any kind of articulating mount. Pics of the room for reference. Pic of full room is older but shows room size.

1. The back wall kind of as reverse heights mirroring the front wall.

2. On the celing slightly behind the couch but facing forward.

3. On the ceiling slightly behind couch and maybe a little to the sides but turned 90 degrees pointing more directly to the couch/listening position.

Thanks

 

[Power Pop 23]

It is my recollection of suggested placement of Atmos speakers by Dolby, that they would recommend the ceiling and option # 2.

EDIT - https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/5.1.4-overhead-speaker-setup-guide/

 

[Tom C]

Looks like the front heights are roughly aligned with front L&R. That’s good. They should be aimed toward the main listening position.
You say the rears are angled. They should be in line with the front heights, which will also put them in line with the front left and right, and then aimed toward the main listening position. All speakers should be mounted so that they fire toward the listeners, and are in line with the front height and front floor speakers.

 

[Beansy]

Looks like the front heights are roughly aligned with front L&R. That’s good. They should be aimed toward the main listening position.
You say the rears are angled. They should be in line with the front heights, which will also put them in line with the front left and right, and then aimed toward the main listening position. All speakers should be mounted so that they fire toward the listeners, and are in line with the front height and front floor speakers.

Ok thats what I was leaning toward with option number 3.

 

[Beansy]

It is my recollection of suggested placement of Atmos speakers by Dolby, that they would recommend the ceiling and option # 2.

EDIT - https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/5.1.4-overhead-speaker-setup-guide/

My only worry was if I point them forward they are more aimed pointing towards the tv because the back wall is closer to me than the front wall

 

[-Matt-]

You might find you can get closer to Dolby's recommended angles if you move the couch a bit closer to the TV (even just a foot would help). Although I understand you may not want to do that, as it would leave quite a bit of wasted space behind the couch. (Ceiling speakers are definitely preferred for Atmos, but the main thing is trying to get as close as possible to the recommended angles).

 

[Beansy]

You might find you can get closer to Dolby's recommended angles if you move the couch a bit closer to the TV (even just a foot would help). Although I understand you may not want to do that, as it would leave quite a bit of wasted space behind the couch. (Ceiling speakers are definitely preferred for Atmos, but the main thing is trying to get as close as possible to the recommended angles).

Yeah I can maybe do a few more inches. I got about 30 inches behind the couch now. Unfortunately if I go much closer theres not a ton of space to walk around the coffee table or use the recliners in the couch.

 

[Oddball]

Atmos speakers are supposed to be directional and aiming at MLP at certain angles. I can't tell exactly from the photos, but seems like the front ones are firing above MLP. If so, there are mounting brackets that could angle the speaker further downwards to better aim at MLP.

For the "rears" you don't really have the space to call them proper on wall rears. Not sure what is going on on the other side of the room but as far as I can see on the visible side of the room, mounting the speaker high on the wall in line with the surround and pointing it steeply down to MLP (again, will need some brackets with vertical adjustment) might be a way to go. Never dealt with this kind of setup, so recommend to try to designate the 2nd Atmos pair as top middle and then see how that works vs top rear.

 

[Beansy]

Atmos speakers are supposed to be directional and aiming at MLP at certain angles. I can't tell exactly from the photos, but seems like the front ones are firing above MLP. If so, there are mounting brackets that could angle the speaker further downwards to better aim at MLP.

For the "rears" you don't really have the space to call them proper on wall rears. Not sure what is going on on the other side of the room but as far as I can see on the visible side of the room, mounting the speaker high on the wall in line with the surround and pointing it steeply down to MLP (again, will need some brackets with vertical adjustment) might be a way to go. Never dealt with this kind of setup, so recommend to try to designate the 2nd Atmos pair as top middle and then see how that works vs top rear.

Yeah I may be able to get front heights a little further down. I can get the rears about 2 ft behind me. Was thinking option 3 would get them more aimed toward the seats. But trying as top middle is a good idea. I can always test both settings. Thanks.

 

[Beansy]

This might show a better view of how far off the wall the couch is. Excuse the wiring im still doing.

 

[Beansy]

Ended up going with option 2. Gave the closet angles to aim at the listwning position. Thanks all for the help.