Should be arriving tomorrow, already have a DVD player so I got a new receiver, sub woofer, center, front and rear channels. Questions for people who have gone through this before... Can I "hide" the subwoofer behind a door in my entertainment cabinet? My TV is about 10 feet away from the couch, where abouts should I place my front & rear speakers? Are there any good websites with advice for this stuff (besides the experts here on BS)? Thanks!!
Well there should be a booklet with your EC (entertainment center), but aside from that, if you can place the rear speakers directly to either side (using stands or mounted on the walls). The front speakers should be to either side of the TV, try having the speakers about head height (I have a pair of shelves that work well). You can hide the sub if you want, but the problem could be vibrations with the sub being in the cabinet. Try hiding it behind the TV.....or simply to the side. Any other questions....just ask. I have been through three systems, and this is what I have found to be the best (soundwise). P.S. Try to have all the speakers "pointed" at your head. That will give you the enveloping sound that you desire.
The front three speakers should be in a straight even line facing your seating arrangement. The tweeters of all 5 speakers excluding your sub should be at ear level height when you're sitting. Try to use a digital cable (either coaxial or optical) for sound and S-video or component video for your video. I wouldnt leave your sub in a entertainment center. It needs the sound to project out. Run the sub settings at crossover at midpoint, phase at zero and volume at 10' O clock position. Use the reciever volume for your sub after that for best adjustment. Check out www.hometheaterforum.com these guys are buffs. You can get real smart fast here.