Layout diagram of the home theater system's sound speakers

Home cinema
systems
audio speakers
layout diagram

A well-thought-out placement of home theater speakers in a room has a clear impact on the sound quality of your system. Proper speaker placement, even low-end sound system speakers will surprise you and give the cinema system a richer status.

In this article, we will tell you how and where to place your existing speakers to get the maximum result. We will also help you overcome common indoor challenges. It doesn't depend on the sound system you have. It doesn't matter if you've had the speakers for a number of years or if they're newly purchased. Our goal is to maximize the potential of the available sound system.

Front (left and right) speakers

In order for the front speakers to transmit full and high-quality sound to your location, you need to turn the speakers to the place where you will be sitting. It is in front of the TV or projection screen. The speaker tweeters should be at the level of your ears (when sitting). Enjoy listening to music or watching a movie. Pay attention to how far the speakers you have are placed from the wall. If the phase inverter is installed in the speakers from the back, in this case, the closer to the wall, the more low frequency (bass) is heard (perceived). In many cases, this is an unpleasant, resonant frequency. The overall sound quality can be improved by moving the speakers away from the wall. Try several positions to choose the best place to place the speakers and experience the best results.

Facing you, the front speakers will produce accurate and high-quality sound.

Central sound column

Help whether to mount the center speaker under or above the TV screen. If possible, angle (up or down) the speaker so that the tweeter transmits sound at the level of your ears.

Effective (rear) sound speakers

The effective (rear) sound speakers you have must be attached to the wall or placed on dedicated stands.

5.1 surround sound system

In the "5.1" system, the effect speakers are hung (or placed) also from the left and right side of the listening position (behind you or to your side). Point them in the direction of your current listening or viewing location. If the lateral position is not suitable, pull the effect speakers a few tens of centimeters or a meter behind you and tilt them forward (toward the screen). In order to experience all the broadcast sound effects, we recommend that they be 30-60 cm. above ear level when you are sitting.

To hear all the effects recorded in the 5.1 sound track, place the effect speakers on the dedicated stands (or attach them to the wall) at a height of 30-60 cm above your ear level (while sitting).

7.1 surround sound system

In a 7.1 sound system, effect (rear, surround) sound speakers are installed next to and behind your seating areas. As with the 5.1 system configuration, the side speakers are deployed on the left and right sides of your seat and are aimed directly at you. The rear speakers are installed behind you and are directed forward (towards the screen). For a better sound effect, install the speakers 30-60 cm apart. above ear level when you are sitting.

The 7.1 system makes the most of it and is mounted (or placed on dedicated stands) on the side and rear walls. The recommended height is 30-60 cm above the level of your ears when you are sitting

Low frequency speaker (Subwoofer)

Since the low frequency does not have a defined trajectory and direction of sound propagation, you can place the low frequency speaker in a place that is convenient for you and best reproduces this frequency. In this case, you will avoid unpleasant noises. Placing it closer to a wall can give the impression of a richer low frequency. Many people put the low frequency in front of the speakers. In this case, it is advisable to use a wireless low-frequency speaker if possible. This will avoid the linear (signal) cable lying on the floor.

Placing the woofer against a wall enhances the bass sensation. Building at an angle does not give such an effect.

Additional low frequency

By using two woofers, you will feel a more even distribution of low frequencies in the room. Also, an additional speaker is placed in the case of a large room, which fills the volume of the room with a rich, dynamic low frequency. Select the location of the column according to the configuration of the room. In some rooms, an excellent result can be felt by placing low-frequency speakers in the front corners of the room. In other rooms, placing one woofer in front of the listener - the other, far behind (at the opposite end of the room). Try a few different builds. In this case, you will choose the most suitable option for your room, which will give you the pleasure of asking, and you will hear the maximum rich and clean low frequency in your existing room.

If necessary, install a second woofer. This will allow for a more even distribution of the low frequency.

Rooms of irregular (non-traditional) shapes

Not every room and room is adapted to reproduce good surround sound. Some room layouts are difficult to find the right location for the loudspeakers. Below (in the drawings), we will provide you with recommended sound system layout plans. This will help you to discover the most optimal arrangement of speakers in rooms with a complex layout.

L-shaped room

Is your room L-shaped? Adjust your sound system using the standard guidelines for a 5.1 system. Move the soft speaker away from the wall - this will improve the sound quality.

If your existing room is completely unsuitable for a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system, we recommend that you choose a 3.1 sound system. This system uses front left, front right, center and bass channels. Choosing this system in such a room is much better than a misplaced 5.1 speaker system.

TV in the corner of the room

Your TV in the corner of the room? Although this arrangement makes the best use of the household space, it is not at all suitable for using an effective 5.1 or 7.1 sound system. In this case, it is best to choose a 3.1 sound system.

Open space planning

If your existing room is of an open type , we recommend placing the effect columns behind your seats , on the dedicated stands .

Dolby Atmos and DTS X systems

You can also install a Dolby Atmos sound system. In this case, the speakers are installed above you (usually in the ceiling). The Atmos system starts with a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setup, expanding it with 2 or 4 speakers above you. DTS X works with any traditional surround sound system. Just place the speakers correctly so that their placement matches the existing shape of the room. Then let the receiver's auto-calibrator and processor shape the detailed audio information. It will determine how best to broadcast dialogue and sound effects.

To find out where to mount speakers for your Dolby Atmos system, check the Dolby Speaker Setup Guide.

Don't worry about imperfection

The good news is that you don't have to find the "perfect spot" for each speaker. Many home theater receivers offer you to use an automatic speaker calibration device that will do this for you. The included microphone is placed in your listening position. It "listens" to the sound tones and frequencies of each speaker, at various sound levels. The receiver's processor is then able to compensate for audio losses by automatically adjusting audio delay, output level, and so on.

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Our experts can help you design a surround sound system for your home. We invite you to contact us. We will advise each one personally.