Surround Sound Setup

**AirWalke** · 01-02-2011, 05:48 PM

Trying to install speakers in the living room, but I'm having difficulties concealing the wire for the rear speakers. Conventional wisdom would be to tuck the wires under the base molding and the carpet... but on the right side of the TV the carpet ends where the kitchen/dining area tile begins. On the left side is a little easier, except for a gas fireplace feature that won't allow me to sneak any wire underneath.

My next thought would be to just run it under the carpet instead of going the long roundabout way, but I have no idea how to go about that except for tearing the carpet up. (Which would not be feasible to do at all at this point in time.)

Any suggestions?

**cyclonedave25** · 01-02-2011, 05:51 PM

Have you already bought the speakers? If not, go wireless.

**dmclone** · 01-02-2011, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by cyclonedave25

Have you already bought the speakers? If not, go wireless.

Please no

**ISUAlum2002** · 01-02-2011, 05:54 PM

What's the problem with going wireless? I like my wireless setup.

**cyclonedave25** · 01-02-2011, 05:54 PM

Originally Posted by dmclone

Please no

What's wrong with wireless?

**bos** · 01-02-2011, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by ISUAlum2002

What's the problem with going wireless? I like my wireless setup.

Nothing. Its great for those who have the need.

**brianhos** · 01-02-2011, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by cyclonedave25

What's wrong with wireless?

Quality

**cyclonedave25** · 01-02-2011, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by brianhos

Quality

Yeah, I could see quality or possible interference being a problem.
But, more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

However, to the average person who doesn't need surround sound every single night, is it that big of a difference? I wouldn't know since I have neither.

**terryk** · 01-02-2011, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by AirWalke

Trying to install speakers in the living room, but I'm having difficulties concealing the wire for the rear speakers. Conventional wisdom would be to tuck the wires under the base molding and the carpet... but on the right side of the TV the carpet ends where the kitchen/dining area tile begins. On the left side is a little easier, except for a gas fireplace feature that won't allow me to sneak any wire underneath.

My next thought would be to just run it under the carpet instead of going the long roundabout way, but I have no idea how to go about that except for tearing the carpet up. (Which would not be feasible to do at all at this point in time.)

Any suggestions?

Pull the carpet back and pay an installer a few bucks to stretch it back in place.

**cychhosis** · 01-02-2011, 06:40 PM

Or... drill through the floor, run wire through the basement joist and drill from above where you want the speakers.

**dmclone** · 01-02-2011, 06:46 PM

Would something like this work for your application?

Wiremold Low Voltage Surface Raceways for Home and Office

**dmclone** · 01-02-2011, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by cychhosis

Or... drill through the floor, run wire through the basement joist and drill from above where you want the speakers.

I've done something similar but I went through the wall, down to the basement, and up through the wall. Not easy but it works.

**Tre4ISU** · 01-02-2011, 06:58 PM

I have a question. Are these soundbars I have seen very good? I was thinking about going that route but I wondered about quality.

**ruxCYtable** · 01-02-2011, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by AirWalke

Trying to install speakers in the living room, but I'm having difficulties concealing the wire for the rear speakers. Conventional wisdom would be to tuck the wires under the base molding and the carpet... but on the right side of the TV the carpet ends where the kitchen/dining area tile begins. On the left side is a little easier, except for a gas fireplace feature that won't allow me to sneak any wire underneath.

My next thought would be to just run it under the carpet instead of going the long roundabout way, but I have no idea how to go about that except for tearing the carpet up. (Which would not be feasible to do at all at this point in time.)

Any suggestions?

I'm probably going to get killed by audiophiles for saying this, but I've done a 180 on surround sound the last couple years. I don't think it adds anything to the viewing experience for me. Just that first five minutes of Saving Private Ryan you show to your friends to demo your system. On my most recent home theater install I didn't even bother to setup the center and surrounds. I have everything downmixed to 2-channel stereo with a sub and it sounds great.

**ISU_phoria** · 01-02-2011, 07:00 PM

Some cable manufacturers make a very thin/flat cable specifically for being run under carpet...Monster is one option. You can go to home depot or menards, etc and buy a cable fishing tool to help pull it under the carpet. They're only about $10, I think. You can use this combo without having to pull back the carpet, just make sure you go under the pad too & don't let the cable twist.

Klein Tools Depthfinder 25 ft. Steel Fish Tape - 56005 at The Home Depot

Amazon.com: Acoustic Research PR361 Speaker Cable, Flat 16 AWG, (50 ft spool): Electronics