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.
Setting up a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos sound system can deliver immersive audio that enhances movies, music, and gaming experience. We’ll guide you on how to place all speakers for the best output.
Quick Placement:
- Place 2 speakers equidistant from the screen.
- Center Speaker is placed directly below or above the TV screen.
- Place 2 speakers on both sides of the seating area, slightly behind.
- Place the subwoofer in the front walls.
- Place both ceiling speakers above and slightly in front of your listening area.
What is a 5.1.2 sound system?
A 5.1.2 sound system is a home theater setup that combines 5 main speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 2 overhead speakers. It delivers immersive, cinematic audio. With proper bass and dynamic overhead effects, it’s perfect for experiencing true surround sound.
- Five Speakers
- One Subwoofer
- Two Ceiling Speakers
Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 speaker placement
Many people are confused about which one is best to hire a professional or do it himself. If you want to do it follow the 5.1.2 Speaker Placement guide we provided below:
Front Left and Right Speakers:
These are the primary speakers that handle most of the audio.
- Positioning: Place the front left and right speakers equidistant from the center of the viewing area and angled towards the main seating position.
- Height: These speakers should be at ear level when seated.
- Distance from Wall: Place the speakers at least 6-12 inches away from the wall.
Center Channel Speaker
This speaker is responsible for delivering dialogue and central sounds.
- Positioning: The center channel speaker should be placed directly below or above the TV screen.
- Height: Place the speaker at ear level or slightly tilted upwards if placed below the screen.
Surround Left and Right Speakers
These rear speakers create a sound dynamic and feel sound from every direction. With them a surround sound system is incomplete.
- Positioning: Place the surround speakers slightly behind the main seating area. For advanced setup, form a 110 to 120-degree angle from the listener’s position.
- Height: Mount the speakers 2-3 feet above ear level, aimed downwards towards the seating area.
Subwoofer
The subwoofer handles low-frequency effects (LFE) and deep bass.
- Positioning: The subwoofer is more flexible in placement. It will be placed on the front wall of the room, either to the left or right of the main seating area.
- Avoid Corners: Avoid placing the subwoofer directly in the room corner, as this can cause overly boomy or uneven bass.
Ceiling Speakers:
- 1st Methods:
Place Left and right overhead speakers above and slightly in front of your listening area. Follow the image we provided below.
- 2nd methods:
- Front Height Channels: Position them directly above and slightly in front of your listening area, ideally above the front left and right speakers.
- Rear Height Channels: Place these above and slightly behind your listening area, directly above the rear left and right speakers.
Cost of hiring professional to set 5.1.2 Surround Sound
Hiring a professional to set up a 5.1.2 surround sound system typically costs you between $200 and $700. This fee covers speaker placement, receiver setup, wiring, system calibration, etc.
The most difficult part of installing the 5.1.2 sound system is wiring and placing ceiling speakers. This process requires many complicated tools, so, hiring a professional would be a good call.
Hiring price depends on factors such as:
- The complexity of the installation,
- The professional’s expertise,
- Wired or wireless speakers,
- The region you are from,
- Wall and ceiling (Concrete or Wooden),
- Specialized tasks or additional equipment,
If you are from Washington or California, they might demand more installation costs, while states like Georgia demand lower. Because Washington or California have the highest minimum wage rates ($16) in the U.S. But few states like Georgia have a minimum wage below $7.25 per hour.
Is the 5.1.2 Dolby setup worth it?
A 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup can be worth it if you’re looking for an immersive audio experience. In-home entertainment, Dolby Atmos can be your first choice because many premium streaming platforms support Dolby Atmos content.
Things to consider before having a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup:
- Immersive Sound: Two overhead speakers enhance the soundstage, providing a more enveloping experience for movies and games.
- Content Availability: If you enjoy movies, shows, and games that support Dolby Atmos, you’ll benefit significantly from this setup.
- Room Size: I prefer small and medium-sized rooms for this setup. If you have a suitable space, this setup can fill it with sound effectively.
- Budget: It can be more expensive than stereo setups, so consider whether you’re ready to invest in Dolby Atmos.
- Installation: Proper placement and calibration are crucial for the best experience, so be prepared for it.
If you love home theater experiences it’s generally seen as a worthwhile upgrade for immersive audio quality.
Conclusion:
Yes, there are a few difficulties and additional equipment required for 5.1.2 Surround Sound Speaker Placement. If you have those tools and skills, you can do it following our guidance. Hiring professionals is another option to set up a Dolby Atmos sound system. If you want to do it, invest in a wireless sound system which can make installation much easier.
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.