[cmryan21]

Hey guys. I'm in the process of looking for some new surround speakers but first I need to determine the best setup for my living room before I can buy anything. The problem I have is I can't follow the dolby spec with wall mounted surrounds because of some built-in cabinets installed by the previous owner of my home. The way I see it I have three options. I could wall mount surrounds on the wall behind the listening position and slightly to the left and right. If I wanted to position them according to the dolby spec I'd need to use either bookshelves(but they'd need to be less than 1' deep) or use in-ceiling speakers(but I've never read about any decent ones). Any suggestions would be appreciated. If more info is needed please just say so.

[golfugh]

I'm currently using in-ceiling speakers for surrounds very successfully.  It all depends on what you want and your room.  I couldn't use floor standing or on wall due to placement in room and the wife, but I'm extremely happy with my in-ceiling surrounds; perfect no - but it works very well.

Since I used in-ceiling I was able to position them according to how I wanted, Dolby, etc.

Front are KEF Ref 205/2's with a 202/2c.  Side surrounds below in link.  Running a 5.1 setup.

http://www.kef.com/US/custom/ceiling/Ci200.3QR

[ted_b]

Going 7.1 would help in that you could "fill in" the ITU setup gaps with the sides being ceiling mounted, then have your wall-mounted behind you as rear surrounds.

[satfrat]

I've used both wall mounted bookselves and now I have rear floorstanders. I much preferred close to the ceiling wall mounted speakers for surround sound movies, sports, general tv viewing. But I absolutely love the floorstanders I now have better for general surround music listening as it's a better sound stage meld. My music takes precedence over my system's other surround sound duties. 
 
I'm also not married so I only have me to please. 
 
Cheers,
Robin 

[cmryan21]

I really appreciate all the help guys.

Since almost all my music is 2 channel I'd say the surrounds will be used for either movie soundtracks or sports and that's pretty much it.

I had not considered 7.1 but now I see how it could help "fill in" so I'll keep that option open.

One other question that just occurred to me. Would it be beneficial to have in-ceilings that are aimed towards the listening spot or does that not really make a difference?

Thanks again.

[mcgsxr]

One of my brothers has in ceiling speakers in his main floor HT - larger ones with 8 inch woofers, and "aimable" tweeters.  For surround fill in a system for use with regular folks (as opposed to wingnuts like us!) it does very well from what I have heard.