Does the height you mount your rear speakers matter?

I am looking to get a set of speakers with wall mounting dipoles for the rears. The problem is, the walls adjacent to the seating position cannot take speakers near ear level (since these areas are taken up by doors). The only place to mount them would be at a height above the doors.

My question is, does the height matter for the positioningof reas speakers? Also, should the speakers be directly to the side of the listening position, or can they be slightly behind aswell?

 

Dolby recommends placing the surrounds about three feet above ear level.

Look here for an explanation.

Dean

 

Yes, in particular if they are close to the listening position. If they are too high they 'shout' above you and you loose all surround effects, if they are too low (ear level) they are too localized and annoying as I found out.

Directly to the side would be preferred in case of dipoles, but if it isn't possible you need to compromise.