SV Sound
Chapter 4-3 Speaker Placement
Speaker placement: 5.1 versus 7.1 channel
5.1 channel surround-sound systems
employ Right, Center, Left, and Left
Surround and Right Surround speak-
ers,
plus
a Subwoofer. This basic
―theater‖ configuration is depicted in
the next Chapter.
Such systems are being supplanted
by 7.1 channel systems shown in
the second room diagram.
The differences in sound between
5.1 and 7.1 channel audio systems
can vary significantly, with larger
rooms usually benefiting from the
added speakers more than smaller
rooms.
The practical differences between the two common surround-
sound configurations are probably obvious. Not only does a 7.1
system require more speakers, but a somewhat different room-
placement strategy.
With 7.1 systems, there are ―back‖ speakers roughly centered on
the rear wall of your room. The ―surrounds‖ then are usually
pulled forward from the back wall some, and often placed in line
with your seats, or just behind.
Note: a 7.1 channel audio/video receiver (AVR) can be readily
configured to do a 5.1 channel setup, using the AVR’s setup
menu to designate what speakers are present. However, the
reverse situation is not true. A receiver that is ―only‖ equipped
with 5.1 channel processing can not be used in a 7.1 channel
configuration.
Check your surround sound receiver/processor for additional
guidance. Not all AVR’s work precisely the same with regards to
the methods used to create the rear channel sound fields. Thus
some receiver brands will suggest somewhat different placement.
Once you have your speakers placed throughout the room we
can move on to wiring them up, then system configuration, and
finally channel level calibration.
