Installing surround sound systems will enhance any movie, no matter if you have a home theatre, man cave, or TV in your living area. The deep bass and soft footsteps of a speaker system are beyond the TV’s built-in speakers. If you have been looking at speakers, it might be difficult to decide whether you want a surround sound system with 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. This article will explain what surround sound is, and how to set it up properly.
What is Surround Sound?
Surround sound refers to audio systems with multiple speakers placed around the listener in order to create a more immersive audio experience. Surround sound systems allow you to hear sounds from many directions.
There are many types of speaker systems. The number in the system’s name will tell you how many speakers, audio channels, and subwoofers it has. The first number indicates how many speakers the system has, and the second number shows how many subwoofers it has. A 5.1 system, for example, has 5 speakers and 1 speaker.
A sound system with a 2 at its end, such as a 7.2 system or 7.1 system, means that it includes two subwoofers. A subwoofer can help even out the bass. It is possible for one subwoofer to be louder than the other. Two subwoofers should be placed on opposite ends of your screen if you have a sound system.
Each speaker in surround sound systems has its own purpose. To get the best sound experience, each speaker must be in a specific place. This article will explain the various types of surround sound systems, their purpose, and how they should be set up.
What is 2.1 Surround Sound?
Two front speakers provide stereo sound, and a subwoofer adds bass. A surround sound system with 2.1 surround sound has two speakers. The subwoofer should be placed on either side of the screen and the speakers should be placed at an angle of 22-30 degrees.
How to position the front left (FL), forward right (FR), and subwoofers (SW) speakers
The ideal position for the front stereo channels is to be about 2 to 3 feet from the wall and at ear level. To avoid echo, you should not place the subwoofer in a corner.
This setup is not the best, but it can make your TV sound better than its built-in speakers.
What is 3.1 Surround Sound?
A surround sound system with 3.1 surround sound has two speakers at the front, a subwoofer, and a central speaker. The center channel speaker should be placed directly in front of the listener. This channel provides more clarity and depth, particularly in dialogue.
How to position the front (FL and FR), subwoofers (SW), or center (C) speakers
This setup is ideal for those who want to upgrade their home theater but don’t have the space for a full surround sound system.
What is 5.1 Surround Sound?
A surround sound system with 5.1 surround includes two front speakers, one subwoofer, and two surround speakers. A 5.1 surround sound setup should have the surround speakers placed behind the listener at an angle of 110-120 degrees.
How to position the front (FL and FR), subwoofer(SW), center (C), surround (SL&SR) speakers
Because it surrounds the listener with sound from all directions, this is the “true” surround sound system. Because it’s not too complicated, this is the most popular setup. Most DVDs, broadcast TV, and media streaming services use 5.1 surround sound. Dolby Digital, Dolby DTS, and Dolby Digital all work with 5.1 surround sound.
Two surround speakers can create an immersive effect that will instantly enhance your home theater experience. If you don’t have enough space to position your surround speakers behind you, you can place them on either side of the seating area at a 90-110 degree angle.
What is 7.1 Surround Sound?
A 7.1 surround sound system has two front speakers, one subwoofer, two surround speakers, and two rear speakers. This setup requires that rear speakers be placed behind the listener at an angle of 135-150 degrees.
How to position the front (FL and FR), subwoofers (SW), center, (C), surround (SL&SR) and rear (RL&RR) speakers
A 7.1 surround sound system, unlike a 5.1 speaker system, allows you to hear audio from both sides and behind you. The rear speakers handle all audio from behind, so you can position your surround speakers at any angle between 90 and 110 degrees.
This setup is often reserved for home theaters with so many speakers around you.
What is 9.1 Surround Sound?
A surround sound system 9.1 includes two front speakers, one subwoofer, two surround speakers and two rear speakers. It also has two wide speakers. Two wide speakers should be placed at an angle of 50-70 degrees in front of the listener.
How to position the front (FL&FR), subwoofer(SW), center (C), surrounds (SL&SR), rear speakers (RL&RR), Wide (WL&WR)
The addition of the large speakers to the 9.1 setups will make it easier for the surround speakers and front speakers to communicate. This means that sound will be coming at you from all angles. This setup is usually reserved for large home theaters. It might prove difficult to find an affordable AV receiver that will work with a 9.1 setup.
Check out our selection of the top surround sound systems that are affordable if you’re looking for a new speaker system.
How to Install a Surround Sound System
An AV receiver is required to set up surround sound systems. You can connect and control multiple speakers with this device. The device then processes, separates, and amplifies your sound to drive your speakers.
You can also switch between audio and video sources with an AV receiver. With just a push of a button, you can switch between your CD player or Xbox.
You can set up your system by running wires from the speakers to your AV receiver, depending on which model you have. On the back of your receiver, you will see the name of each speaker.
You can conceal speaker wires in walls or get a wireless setup if you don’t want them to be visible. Even wireless speakers will need to be powered so there will still be wires.
Check out our list of the most affordable AV receivers.
