Setting Up Your Surround Sound Systems

To benefit from the best of surround sound, it is important to invest in quality equipment. Surround sound systems are available in abundance and can cost anything from $300 to over $3000. Systems like the Logitech X-540 can be purchased for less than $300.

Surround sound requires at least five satellite speakers and a subwoofer, but there are exceptions to that rule. Some people may want more speakers or some can make do with less.

Investing in the equipment is one thing but it would be a shame to invest in a quality system and not be able to get the best out of it. This happens very often when people fail to set up the system properly and hence do not achieve the best performance.

How to Avoid Problems When Setting Up Surround Sound Systems

Always read the manual. It is always important to read the manual and follow the steps and tips provided. It is not wise to assume that you can figure out how to set up the equipment without following the laid out procedure.

Connect the equipment using the right cables. To get the surround sound right you need to use high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables or even an optical or coaxial audio cable.

Make sure the systems output levels are properly calibrated. The quality of sound coming from the surround sound systems can be improved simply by calibrating the speaker levels. Fortunately quite a few receivers now come complete with their own microphone, and feature an in- built automatic calibration system that can do a great job.

Remember to Select the best playback modes from the menu to make sure that you get the best quality from the surround sound systems at all times. Most DVD’s and some discs don’t have surround sound as their default playback mode. Some discs have options for high resolution surround sound. To get a disc to output surround sound, visit the disc’s on-screen menu by pressing your player’s “Disc Menu” button then select the disc’s audio options. You can then choose the best surround format your system is able to support. You should be able see an indicator light or text display that shows the sound option you are listening to. On most players, you can change the soundtrack settings by simply pressing a button on the remote.

Place the speakers in the best possible position. Location of the speakers will affect the quality and evenness of sound. Placing the subwoofer too close to the walls can result in bass that’s too loud or strong. Moving the sub out of the corner and closer to one of the front speakers may produce a smoother, flatter bass. Remember that bigger speakers will produce more bass on their own.

Set up the video to get the picture right. Choose the correct aspect ratio in the display menu to ensure you get clear pictures that fit the screen you have. 

Surround sound systems will enhance how you listen to music or watch videos. For the effect to be perfect you have to take the time to properly set up your components. This will ensure that they perform to the best of their abilities. When in doubt always get an expert to check your system.

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Optimal Placement of Speakers for Surround Sound Systems

Surround sound systems are widely available today with listeners demanding nothing but the best when it comes to sound quality. With a good system, the sound and special effects should envelop or surround the listener causing him to experience a movie theater like atmosphere.

Speakers are the most significant components of surround sound systems. Every speaker plays an important and different role, each with its own sonic characteristics. Paying attention to the location of speakers helps to improve on the quality of sound. The shape and size of the room will affect the way the system will output sound.

When speakers are placed next to a wall, their bass output increases slightly. On the other hand placing them away from the wall may lessen the bass but improve the clarity. A room that is too bright such as one with many windows and tiles can make the sound seem harsh. In such cases, carpets and drapes can help improve the sound quality.


For the speakers in surround sound systems to work best, try to work with a listening position that is somewhere in the middle of the room.


Here are a few tips for the placement of the speakers:


Ideally, the center channel speaker should be the first to be placed in the room. It will help to determine where the other speakers should be placed. Its position will also be determined by where you want to place the TV.
The front right and left speakers should be positioned in front and at an equal distance from the listening position. They should form a slight arc along with the center channel speaker. It would help to measure the distance to make sure it is the same. An inch or two can make a big difference in the sound quality.

The primary pair of surround sound speakers should be placed one on the right and the other on the left of the listening position. The can be on the same line with the listening position or slightly behind.
The surround speakers should be placed high enough to avoid overpowering the front speakers. You can place them at ear level while standing.

If your surround speakers are mounted on the walls, try moving them about slightly to get the best results. You can even attempt to point them upwards facing the ceiling or at the corners of the room. If the speakers are not mounted on the wall, place them on speaker stands slightly behind your listening position. Ceiling speakers are also obtainable.

The subwoofer is the easiest speaker to position among the components of surround sound systems. It can be placed anywhere in the same room with similar results because the low bass frequencies can permeate in any direction.

The placement of surround sound systems’ speakers that might be ideal for home theater may not be best for multi-channel music sound, which requires the focus to be towards the rear. The most important factor to consider is how the system sounds to you. Positioning may vary depending on one’s needs. Make sure there are no objects or furniture items blocking the path of the sound for total listening enjoyment courtesy of surround sound systems.

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