I just ordered the Intimus 5T-DB Hybrid HD system (5T towers, 5C center & 5DB dipole/bipole surrounds, Bravis 10D sub) after reading the review of this system by Steve Guttengerg and looking at the owner reviews of the individual components). I have an odd shapped sunken living room with many challenges. I'm trying to decide the best placement for the subwofer and the surrounds. This first picture shows my exesting old setup. I'm wondering if the subwoofer could go into the recessed area (46.5" wide X 28" deep) above the TV on the top shelf or if placing it in the corner on the brick where the log holder is situated would work? Also in the 2nd picture you can see my  challenges for placement of the 5DB surrounds (eithe wall mounted directly behind the couch or possibly having the right one mounted to the open staircase pointing to the side of the couch and the left one I would need a speakerstand for the 5DB and fasten the stand to the first step up towards the slidding window to have it point at the left side of couch. This might look odd but may sound better. Any suggestions on this challenging room? If my pictures do not display I will include the link to them as well. Odd picture #3 is displaying and not #1 & #2!    The links seem to work though!

Tom

Pic #1

http://i.pbase.com/o3/52/19152/1/104978642.frXkriIg.IMG_2171s.jpg

Link to pic #1   http://www.pbase.com/captain_long_tom/image/104978642

Pic # 2

 http://i.pbase.com/o3/52/19152/1/104978612.XmI6kiBA.IMG_2170s.jpg

Link to Pic #2 http://www.pbase.com/captain_long_tom/image/104978612

Pic # 3 looking down on room

Link to pic #3

http://www.pbase.com/captain_long_tom/image/104978697

Hello and welcome to the forum,

You can try the sub above the TV in that alcove, but it is likely to sound kind of boomy in a partially enclosed space like that, so you may be better off with another placement, although the log holder looks pretty close to the fireplace and heat + electronics is not the best combo.  I'm thinking to the side of the back couch underneath the stairs might be a good spot. 

As for the surrounds I think mounting to the back wall, in the position of your old surrounds is going to be your best option.  Their ideal height is 5-7 feet so placing it on a stand on the step probably won't get it high enough.  Not only that but with your couch pushed up against the back wall, when the DBs are directly to your sides there won't be much room between the speaker and the back wall, and ideally you want 3-4 feet between the back wall and the driver that is facing it.  Otherwise the sound bounces between the speaker and the wall which can also sound muddy.   If you do go with the back wall placement you may find that the speakers perform better in the bipole mode. 

 
I hope that helps out, but please let me know if you have any other questions, thanks!
 

Thanks for the suggestions Jason, I'll give them a try. The only problem with putting the sub under the stairs is hiding the wire (Tile & wood flooring). I my go with the sub near the fireplace as the fireplace is only used a couple times a year and in that event I could unplug the sub and move it elsewhere. I wish I had a bigger room and then I would have more options.... like 6T's!!!!!

Tom

Interesting setup. Another option would be....

For the front soundstage you could put the 5T's up front against the wall and possibly just put the 10D on the inside of the front right 5T by the steps, right below that panel or vent you have going on there.  The finish on the speakers is beautiful so don't be afraid to let em stand out....

 About the surrounds....I would have said forget the 5DBS and go with some 4B's for that situation. 

Get some stands to go on each side of the couch, Put em on your end tables or mount em on the back wall with some pivot mounts about 2 feet above the listening position and angle em in a bit.  Save you some money to.

Here's a pic of my 4 series surrounds on the back wall.  Sounds just fine:

I'm on my 30 day trial and am trying this setup for now. The sub actually works good in the corner by the fireplace, and the surrounds set to Bipole and mounted to wall aren't bad. Much better system than my old Bose setup! I am currious if the 6C would be worth the upgrade. The 5T's are working good in this small room. I may experiment further but I think I'll be keeping the system as is. I can always upgrade within the one year anyway. I want to see how they break in.

http://www.pbase.com/captain_long_tom/image/108689085

http://www.pbase.com/captain_long_tom/image/108689093

Tom