This Post may contain affiliate links, when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Here’s how it works.
As a Sound enthusiast, a surround sound system can fulfill all requirements you’re looking for. But choosing the right combination always matters.
Surround sound setup is known for its sound quality but it’s a little bit hard to set up. The reason why many are asking about how to set up a surround sound system?
A high-quality sound setup is quite expensive and requires space. There are many things that you need to consider before Set up a surround sound system. A few things are:
- Room Size and Layout
- Speaker Placement
- Wiring and Connectivity
- AV Receiver
- Speaker Quality
- Choosing right combination
- Budget
- Installation charge
Type of Surround sound systems and setup guide:
The surround sound system comes in many combinations, you have to choose the right one for your room or theatre—the reason why we will discuss all popular types of surround sound system setup.
5.1 Surround Sound Setup:
5.1 sound system is a true Surround sound system and it’s a budget-friendly common sound system. This system contains six channels, which include five main speakers and a subwoofer.
Let’s dive into, how you can set up a 5.1 surround sound system:
- Center Speaker: Place it directly below the TV.
- Front Left and Right Speakers: Typically placed to the left and right of your TV or viewing area, at ear level when seated.
- Surround Left and Right Speakers: Place them to the sides or slightly behind the primary seating area.
- Subwoofer: Provides low-frequency effects (bass) for deep, impactful sound. It can be placed anywhere on the front wall.
7.1 Surround Sound Setup:
After the 5.1 surround sound system, 7.1 is the most used for medium to big-sized rooms or theatres. It is an eight-channel system that may cost you a couple of thousand dollars.
This sound system setup is quite similar to 5.1, here we need to put rear speakers behind the seating areas. Let’s know every speaker’s position in the 7.1 surround sound system.
- Center Speaker: Place it directly below the TV.
- Front Left and Right Speakers: Typically placed to the left and right of your TV or viewing area, at ear level when seated.
- Surround Left and Right Speakers: Place them to the sides or slightly behind the primary seating area.
- Rear Surround Left and Right Speakers: Positioned behind the primary seating area for enhanced rear surround effects.
- Subwoofer: Provides low-frequency effects (bass) for deep, impactful sound. It can be placed anywhere on the front wall.
9.1 Surround Sound Setup:
This is a high-end home theater setup that comes with ten channels. A 9.1 surround sound system has nine speakers and a subwoofer. The setup process will be the same as a 7.1 surround sound system plus two front-height speakers.
- Center Speaker: Place it directly below the TV.
- Front Left and Right Speakers: Typically placed to the left and right of your TV or viewing area, at ear level when seated.
- Surround Left and Right Speakers: Place them to the sides or slightly behind the primary seating area.
- Rear Surround Left and Right Speakers: Positioned behind the primary seating area for enhanced rear surround effects.
- Height Speakers: Install the left front height, and right front height speakers above the left, right, and center speakers respectively.
NOTE* Speaker mounted on the ceiling or high up on the walls, angled towards the listening area.
- Subwoofer: Provides low-frequency effects (bass) for deep, impactful sound. It can be placed anywhere on the front wall.
2.1 with Soundbar surround sound setup:
Using 2 speakers you may not be able to listen to surround sound, so we included a soundbar that is capable of producing surround sound. This setup contains 2 rear speakers, 1 sub-woofer, and 1 soundbar.
- Soundbar: Place the soundbar under the TV,
- Rear Speakers: Place them to the sides or slightly behind the primary seating area,
- Subwoofer: It can be placed anywhere on the front wall.
7.2 Surround Sound Setup:
In a surround sound setup where 7 speakers are available, more than one subwoofer always creates better sound quality. If you want to set up surround sound for your big-sized room or theatre, 7.2 surround sound is recommended. Here is the 7.2 surround sound speakers placenent:
- Front Left and Right Speakers: Typically placed to the left and right of your TV or viewing area, at ear level when seated.
- Surround Left and Right Speakers: Place them to the sides or slightly behind the primary seating area.
- Rear Surround Left and Right Speakers: Positioned behind the primary seating area for enhanced rear surround effects.
- Subwoofers left and Right: They can be placed on the left and right side of the front wall. Many prefer to place one in the front corner and one in the back corner.
Surround sound quality always depends on the speakers’ positions, as we guide the speaker’s positions follow them. If you’re still confused, hiring a professional will be the best option for you.
After this there are a few surround sound setup that comes with Dolby Atmos, the speaker setups are 5.1.2, 7.1.2, 7.2.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.4, etc. This setup includes ceiling speakers or height speakers(mounted on the wall).
Can I set up a surround sound system?
Yes, you can set up a surround sound system without having technical knowledge of surround sound systems. A few speakers may need to install in-wall or ceiling, it will be difficult for those who don’t know about it.
It would be best if you became a smart buyer, which can help to set up your own. Here is the list:
- Always choose a wireless sound setup,
- Invest in high-quality AV receivers,
- Few Speakers stand can make it easy,
For a theater speaker setup wired surround sound system is recommended, in this case, you may not be able to set up speakers in the wall, or ceiling, and wire them through walls. Your small mistake can be the reason for the worst sound quality.
For the sound setup where speakers need to be placed in walls or ceilings and connected through wires, hiring professionals will be the best option. Hiring surround sound professionals may cost you a couple of hundred dollars but it is safe.
Final Word:
A surround sound system comes with many speakers and subwoofers, so many things will be difficult to place in the room or theatre. Without having technical knowledge you can place surround speakers, you just need to follow the previous guide we discussed.
A wireless or satellite speaker is always easy to place and connect to the receiver. If you want to install ceiling speakers, hire professionals. Many premium sound system provider, offers free setup, and claim it can be a win-win situation for user and provider.
I’m sourav, a music lover and sound enthusiast. After experiencing multiple sound qualities, I thought many people searching regarding this topic, but there is not enough detailed information on it. That’s the main reason why I created this blog.