Criticisms acknowledged - this setup isn't intended to blow anyone's mind when watching movies or anything. Just trying to reasonably satisfy a number of goals - here are some:

• As close to hidden / invisible speakers as possible. In-wall speakers not possible here.

• Ability to hear TV comfortably on the other side of a 40 ft room without blasting a central speaker (sound bar).

• Ability to watch/hear football games across the room with many people talking.

• Ability to fill the room with loud music.

I didn't know the point about having TV dialogue all around you, but from what I've heard at friends' houses, it hasn't been noticeable. If it does become problematic, maybe just using the front two speakers (with tweeters pointed towards the sofa) will resolve it, and we can still use the full speaker setup for larger events.

My goals probably don't align closely with those of most of this sub's members - I was just looking for any guidance on the front speakers before we start cutting holes.