hi rhys ,

mount at ear level as per front three speakers.if you listen to a star wars type movie sound then can travel around the room and not change levels.
wire for 4 rears (7.1)most amps including the excellant onkyo output this now and especially with master audio/true hd source.
two side and two behind 1/4 of room width in

i tried several cables when fitting out my cinema room.had heard good reports of using std grey twin and earth.the type run to sockets in wall.
compared this to std bandridge and monitor audio silver cable thru monitor silver speakers.

its definitly worth the extra for the monitor cables in my experience and i wanted to be proved wrong( i.e use the cheap stuff lol )

monitor silver is relitively cheap here,i can get for e3 a meter.still cost about e150 for cables tho.

cheers
rob v