Surround loudspeakers close to listeners become distractingly localizable.

Evidence

In stereo, one aims the loudspeakers at a listener and the job is done. In home theaters it is more difficult, depending on the room layout. Figure 8.7 shows a difficult situation, a crowded room. Ideally, one would not want any listeners close to walls, and close to surround loudspeakers that can be distractingly localized when the sounds they radiate are intended merely to add ambience, audience sounds, etc. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 799