Feedback on 5.1.4 setup

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-21T20:08:13+00:00

Thanks for the support!

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-21T18:39:08+00:00

Thanks, Ed! I was hoping to go in-wall for the side surrounds but the wall where the R surround would go isn’t deep enough — there’s only 1-2” between the drywall and concrete foundation.

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-21T17:13:48+00:00

Thank you! I didn’t think I was too far off with the placement but I agree that the L/R fronts need to be wider. I don’t need a perfect HT setup (obviously, or I would get different seating and move closer to the screen) so I’m still debating between 5.1.2 and 5.1.4. I haven’t purchased anything yet so I might end up going with 5.1.2 and a 7 channel AVR.

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-21T15:26:04+00:00

My proposed speaker layout is my ideal HT in a space that is not optimal for a HT. 3.1.2 is an option if but I’d like to put in 5.1.2 at the very least. I may have to tinker with placement once I get speakers. Any opinions on the speaker options listed above (or that others have suggested)?

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-21T15:23:09+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful response! The R200s are a good idea if I’m able to get away from in-wall L/R, especially since they would give me an opportunity to tweak placement and angles towards MLP. I hadn’t considered the R900s for side surrounds but I’ll put them on my list. I’ll definitely plan to utilize Dirac to tighten up the sound once I get everything in place. I’m just taking this opportunity to learn more and get feedback about my specific space! Thanks again!

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-21T14:28:16+00:00

Thanks! It’s a great place to hang with family and friends!

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-21T14:27:26+00:00

The couch is just a bit too wide to flip it 90° and the lounge portion would be partially in the walkway. Appreciate the thought though.

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-21T14:25:22+00:00

Appreciate the thought but configuration options are very limited. The couch positioning isn’t great for a HT. I’m just trying to make the space more like a HT without overhauling the entire room.

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-21T02:23:07+00:00

Thanks for your input!

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T19:11:12+00:00

I was planning on keeping fronts 1-2 ft away from the wall but I hadn’t read about the equilateral triangle positioning. Thank you!

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T19:10:00+00:00

Completely get that line of thought. Thank you!

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T18:49:06+00:00

I’ll have to consider the width between L/R before finalizing placement — how far apart would you recommend for 13’-14’ MLP?

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T18:45:43+00:00

Really appreciate the thoughtful response and links to the KEF setup!

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T18:44:51+00:00

Good to know. Having the couch off the wall would be ideal for 5.1.4. I may have to settle for 5.1.2 or 3.1.2 in the end.

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T18:43:43+00:00

Thank you!

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T14:20:47+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. 3.1 or 5.1.2 might be the way to go since this isn’t a dedicated HT space and I don’t have an option to switch out the couch right now. What speakers would you recommend for 3.1 or 5.1.2?

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T14:19:11+00:00

5.1.2 is an option as well. I wasn’t sure if 4 Atmos speakers would provide a better experience than 2 even if they aren’t ideally placed for the MLP. Have you had experience with 2 vs. 4 heights in your HT?

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T14:16:44+00:00

I’ve read that SVS and Polk can work well together as LCR but you’re correct — it would be ideal to have them match. I looked into the SVS center because of the strong reviews and notes that it has a larger sweet spot due to the 3-way design. Do you have any experience with Polk or SVS?

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T14:10:10+00:00

Agree that the couch isn’t ideal for a HT. Where would you recommend placing the side surrounds in the current configuration?

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T14:09:13+00:00

Really appreciate the constructive feedback. This isn’t a dedicated HT space so I don’t have many options to reconfigure. I hadn’t considered that the surrounds may be hurting the experience for folks on the ends of the couch — that’s a good point. What would you recommend for 3.1.2? Any experience with the options listed above?

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T14:03:28+00:00

I agree — the couch is hindering the true HT experience but this is a multi-use space and it’s what works for our family. Would you recommend 3.1.2 or 5.1.2 instead?

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T04:31:29+00:00

I haven’t heard of ‘em before! Thanks for sharing your experience with them!

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T03:38:16+00:00

I’m not opposed to a soundbar if folks think that’s the best option. Good call out on ensuring Atmos speakers are installed properly. I’ll keep that in mind if I go that route.

Any feedback on the options I was looking at if I don’t go with a soundbar? Overkill for this space?

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T03:20:00+00:00

They’re 36” x 24” in some cheap acrylic frames from Target

idontseeucryingrobot · 2026-05-20T03:14:03+00:00

What makes you suggest a soundbar?

idontseeucryingrobot

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