Surround sound speaker systems have revolutionized the in-home movie experience. Digital audio formats like 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound place the listener in the middle of an all-encompassing sound experience that makes a movie really come to life for the viewer. A 7.1 speaker system consists of the following elements -- a center channel speaker, two front speakers, two surround speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer. This differs from the older 5.1 speaker systems which do not have the two rear speakers. Because of the extra rear speakers, a 7.1 surround sound system provides more audio realism than a 5.1 speaker system. To get the most out of a 7.1 surround sound speaker system, it's necessary to place the speakers in the correct locations.
Instructions
1. Place your center channel speaker either directly above or directly below your television or projection screen. The center channel speaker handles much of the dialogue and sound information that's in the center of the picture. If the speaker is well below or above the screen, angle it slightly up or down so that the speaker is pointed directly at the listening position.
2. Position the two front speakers, one on either side of the screen or television. If you are using small speakers, place them on stands or wall mounts so that they are at the level of the listener. The front speakers provide much of the left-to-right stereo information, so they should be spaced right to left to form a roughly equilateral triangle with the listener at one apex and the speakers at the other corners.
3. Place the two surround speakers on the sides of the listening position, facing the listeners. Place the speakers on stands or mounts so that they are in line with the ears of the listeners. If it's necessary to mount the speakers higher up the wall or near the ceiling, angle the speakers downward at the ears of the listeners.
4. Place the two rear speakers behind the listeners at roughly the same width as the front speakers. Ideally, place them on stands or mounts at the same height as the ears of the listeners. If they must be mounted higher or on the ceiling, angle them downward so that the speakers are aimed at the listeners.
5. Put the subwoofer off to either side of one of the front speakers. The low-frequency sound produced by the subwoofer is not directional, so you needn't worry about aiming the subwoofer. However, placing the subwoofer in a corner is usually a good way to strengthen the bass response.
Tags: front speakers, rear speakers, , center , channel speaker, ears listeners, speaker system