Speaker setup for a 5.1 surround sound system.

[viking12344]

I am getting a cheap pair of altec lansing's 251 series surround speakers for my pc. I have never had true surround sound for gaming and was a little confused on optimum speaker placement and any mounting advice. If I will need more speaker wire, and if so what kind, ect ect. Could anyone provide a link that may educate me?

Thank you.

[pinipig523]

well first of all - maybe you want to look at the altec lansings over at OVERSTOCK.com.

they have the top of the line - 5.1 altec lansing THX certified speakers for only 129.99. i believe retail for the 251 is 99.99 - so it would make sense to pay the additional 30 bucks and get a much better sounding system (it is a 2-way speaker not a 1-way speaker like the 251 has).

anyway, back to your positioning question.

you want all your speakers to be at ear level - there is nothing worse than not having it at ear level - might as well not have a speaker system if thats the case.

also, the center should be directly infront of your listening postion.

the two fronts must be positioned infront of you but to your left and right - make sure they are equally spaced - so you get the full soundstage effect.

the two rears must be positioned behind you (to your rear left and rear right) - this will serve as your effects speaker, very useful in games and movies.

but remember, ear level.

[patyoda]

Actually all the sites I've seen recommend putting the rear speakers at least a couple feet above ear level to provide the proper surround sound feel, but putting the front speakers at ear level. Here's a great site that has way too much information on speaker placement

http://www.polkaudio.com/home/faqad/...icle=placement

[pinipig523]

well that may be true to some extent - but mostly the "over-ear-level" thing only works if you are in a large room and if your couch is atleast 5 feet from the back wall (where u put ur surround speaks).

also, keep in mind that the speakers in question in this thread are multimedia speakers - and are designed for close-range listening - and because of this - u NEED to have the speakers at ear level to fully take advantage of all the audio output.

lets go back to your above the ear speaker idea - it would actually require u to point the speaker down - towards the listener, if it is a bookshelf speaker. if the speaker is a dipole or a true (trapezoidal) surround effects speaker - only then is it advisable to leave it above ear level - for the ambient sound effects witnessed only in movies.