Home Theater Setup (surround Sound Speaker Setup)

Home Theater Setup (Surround Sound Speaker Setup)

I am going to assume that you already have a surround sound or home stereo amplifier or receiver. There are 3 main home theater speaker configurations which you will see termed 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 channel surround. You will also see mentioned the terms Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro-Logic. Let's dispense with Dolby Pro-Logic first: if your receiver is only Pro-Logic (only older receivers at this point) you do not need to worry about 6.1 or 7.1 surround because your system can't use the extra speakers. Obviously, 7.1 will provide better surround sound than 5.1, but at the expense of two extra speakers. If you have a limited budget you will have to decide whether to buy 5.1 higher quality speakers, or go for cheaper speakers to allow for 7.1 channels. By the way, the .1 channel is the home theater subwoofer. The subwoofer is really needed for home theater.

5.1 surround system:

A). Center speaker centered on video source
B). Subwoofer(s) in an arc with the main L & R speakers between speakers and video source
C). L & R front on a 22-30 degree angle from the sitting, on an equidistant arc connecting the center channel and subs
D). L & R surround equidistant and on a 90-110 degree angle from the sitting position

6.1 surround system:

A). Center speaker centered on video source
B). Subwoofer(s) in arc with the main L & R speakers between speakers and video source
C). L & R front on a 22-30 degree angle from the sitting, on an equidistant arc connecting the center channel and subs
D). Rear center 180 degrees (directly behind) the sitting position

7.1 surround system:

A). Center speaker centered on video source
B). Subwoofer(s) in arc with the main L & R speakers between speakers and video source
C). L & R front on a 22-30 degree angle from the sitting, on an equidistant arc connecting the center channel and subs
D).

The descriptions above are the specifications for speaker placement according to Dolby Labs.

Subwoofer Setup

Your subwoofer may have a switch for Dolby Digital / Pro Logic. If your receiver is only capable of Dolby Pro Logic (only older systems) you need to use the Pro Logic inputs and set the crossover frequency properly to match with your main speakers. If you have a Dolby Digital capable receiver (assuming you are using the sub for home theater purposes) set the switch to Dolby Digital even if you are using a Pro Logic source. The reason for this is that it allows your home theater receiver to manage the bass output & crossover frequency of the bass information. If you use the Pro Logic inputs only, Dolby Digital programs may not be reproduced properly. If you have speaker level binding post inputs, these are almost always for using the subwoofer in a non surround sound speaker setup. Preset the subwoofer level control to about halfway before running the white noise test tone to calibrate your receiver speaker levels. You absolutely must run the test and balance your speaker levels to have the surround system perform properly. Don't worry about the crossover frequency control on the sub for Dolby Digital or better systems. For Pro Logic set it to the point where bass in your main speakers drops off, (or 80 Hz if you can't find any info, and adjust from there for best sound) which will require looking at the documentation for your speakers.

If you are not using your sub in a surround system, you may, with advantage, use the speaker level inputs on the back of your sub. If you have relatively small speakers without much bass output this can provide a substantial sound quality advantage. The receiver left and right channels are connected directly to the subwoofer, and the left and right speakers connect to the speaker out connectors on the subwoofer. This results in clearer, cleaner sound and more volume capability from your main speakers.


Subwoofer placement is generally as below for other speakers. The subwoofer should be adjusted in accordance with the setup (pink noise test) procedure of the amplifier it is being used with, if on a surround system. If you have a phase switch or knob, set it to the position where the bass sounds the loudest.


How to get the most out of your speakers & How to improve your sound quality for no extra money (unless you need speaker cable!)

The first consideration with a new speaker system is placement, and the second is wiring, both of which deserve consideration. The placement part will cover in home speakers only.

Wiring your speakers

First and foremost, wire selection can be very important. If your speakers are to be installed in-wall, you will need speaker cable rated cl3 or equivalent. If outdoor speakers, you should try to use what is termed a “direct burial” cable or equivalent.

Next, if you care about the sound quality at all, 22 gauge cable is not recommended. For a long run I would recommend larger than 16 gauge cable. The advantages are better dynamics, and the amplifier can control your speakers better due to low resistance wire. As always, let the price point of your speakers determine the cable. Don't put expensive cables on cheap speakers, and vice versa.
One common question is if fancy cable makes any difference. One perfect example was an amplifier test (by a major audio magazine) that level matched the amps, did a double blind test, and asserted the amps sounded identical, so they recommended that everyone buy the cheaper amp.

Polarity or Phasing of your speakers is very important.

Home Speaker Placement

Ideal placement for best sound is going to vary with the type of speakers you have, but we can supply some good generalities. So on for the rest of the speakers. It should be added at this point that for surround sound placement the ideal is all 3 front speakers an equal distance from the listener. This actually places the front speakers on an arc.

First, don't put anything in front of your speakers, and if they are placed in a cabinet make sure that the front of the speaker is even with the front of the cabinet. Make sure speaker ports, which may be in the front, rear, side or elsewhere, are not blocked.

Stability is also important, your speakers need to remain stable at high volume levels. If you use speaker stands make sure they are stable enough for the size of speakers you have.

Next, check out the sound of your speakers. Generally, most speakers sound better when aimed directly at the listener, and located at ear height. If the treble or voices sound a little too sharp, then perhaps the speakers will sound better aimed straight out instead of at the listener.

Listen to the bass. If your speakers sound a little boomy, like they are in a barrel, bass response can probably be improved by moving your speakers farther from a wall or corner. If your speakers are too lightweight in bass, they may sound better closer to a wall. If the speaker is rear ported it needs a little space out from the wall and clearance on the sides of the speaker to perform properly.

One little tweak you might try: some speakers sound better with the speaker grills off. Try removing them and see if they sound better.

Other issues:

If your speakers are correctly phased as described above but voices are not sharply locked in location you may have your speakers too far apart. This generally applies to stereo, not surround sound.

If not used on a surround system, the subwoofer crossover point should be adjusted to coincide with the drop off in bass from your main speakers. A home stereo amplifier that has high wattage may drive 8 ohm speakers well, and do very poorly on 4 ohm speakers if the amplifier is not designed for "high current" or rated into 4 ohm speakers.