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The best surround sound speaker configuration for you

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A Surround sound describes an audio system in which the listener experience sound coming from all the directions. The speakers are placed in every corner of the room and you feel like you were in a theater. This type of audio system projects high-quality digital sound. This system consists of a set of speakers, usually five, including a center speaker and sub-woofer for powerful bass.

Common myths about speaker configuration

Sound is an important part of entertainment. So, no sound no entertainment. Great sound brings out the best video experience. For surround sound, sub-woofer/satellite system gives flexibility in placement for your small room i.e. you can position the satellites and sub-woofer for best imaging and best integration with the room. A system with a two sources of bass is much better than the system with one sub-woofer in case with full-range speakers. You should not put a big speaker into a small room. If you do so the bass will overload the room creating an irritating sound.

Various speaker configurations

Here are various speaker configurations for surround sound speaker system:

7.1 Surround Sound Speaker System

A 7.1 surround system has seven different audio channels – left, right, center, left surround, right surround, left surround back, right surround back and the sub-woofer.

1. The left and right speakers are placed at ear height of the listener on the left and right wall.

2. The central speaker is placed either above or below the display device.

3. The left and right surround speakers are paced to each side, which is nearly 2-4 feet above the listener.

4. The left and right surround back are placed together on the listener’s back wall.

5. Position of the woofer depends on its number. Four sub-woofers are placed in the middle of each wall, two in middle of opposing wall and one in the middle of front wall.

5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System

A 5.1 surround system has five different audio channels – left, right, center, left surround, right surround and the sub-woofer.

1. The left and right speakers are placed at ear height of the listener on the left and right wall.

2. The central speaker is placed either above or below the display.

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3. The left and right surround speakers are placed at a height of 2-4 feet above the listener on each side.

4. If you have two sub-woofers, then place them in the middle of opposing wall and if you have one, place it in the middle of front wall.

The Best Surround Sound Speaker Configuration

A surround sound system consists of five to eight speakers. We can also call it as 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 and 8.1 surround systems. 5, 6, 7 and 8 indicates the number of speakers in the surround system. The most common surround system configurations are 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1.

5.1 surround sound configuration

1. Most commonly used surround sound configuration today is 5.1.

2. This system is the standard for industry right now and most of the films are mixed for this kind of system.

3. It is the cheapest of all the surround system available in market and it requires the least amount of speakers. Although the disadvantage is that the surround sound field can be lacking.

6.1 surround sound configuration

1. The 6.1 system differs from 5.1 as it uses more surround speakers.

2. It has two center speakers – one for the front wall and second for the back wall which fills the sound gap between left and right surround speakers.

3. Many films are now mixed to fully utilize the center speaker placed on the back wall.

4. Even if the movie is mixed for 5.1 system it can be used by 6.1 system using advanced processing techniques.

5. If the rear center speaker is too close to the listener it can distract the listener.

7.1 surround sound configuration

1. A 7.1 system solves two problems in a 6.1 system.

2. It divides the center rear speaker into two speakers left surround back and right surround back.

3. If the left and right surround speakers are closer to the listener they won’t distract him with the sound.

4. A 7.1 system is the most expensive one because we have to buy more speakers.

So, now the question arises which is the best surround sound speaker configuration for you? The best answer to the question is let the room size decide this. If a room is large, the speaker configuration should be 6.1 or 7.1 and if the room is small it should be 5.1 or 7.1.

6.1 is not used as it places a speaker behind someone’s head. Generally, 5.1 and 7.1 systems are good for an amazing experience.

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