Home Audio Surround Sound

The space you will place your speakers will have an impact on how it sounds. In fact, hard surfaces like windows and wood will distort the sound. That’s because surfaces like these will reverberate sound. This is something you don’t want. Which is why, before you even start researching surround sound speakers, you’ll want to evaluate a few things. This includes, the room, speaker placement, and the type of sound you desire. Whether it is heavy bass, bright tones, smooth sound or a combination of all three, take some time to figure out what you are looking for. With this knowledge, the next step is understanding the different types of surround sound systems available.

Terms Defined: Reverberate means sound waves traveling back and forth, as in an echo.

If you want a theater-like experience with sound that surrounds you and fills the room, it’s important to choose the right speakers. Of course you’ll want to keep your initial considerations in mind when you do. Maybe the best setup for your needs and environment is best realized by a sleek sound bar that fits discretely under your wall-mounted TV. Or, maybe it’s seven speakers positioned strategically around the room. Either way, knowing about all the different channel configurations and associated technologies (Dolby Atmos) is important. The three main types of surround sound are 5.1, 7.1, and 9.1 channel. But any of these surround sound setups can also incorporate multiple subwoofers. For example, the configuration can be 5.2, 7.2, and 9.2. We expand on each setup below.

5.1 Channel Surround

This setup includes three center channel speakers in front and two surround speakers in the back. Additionally, a subwoofer is placed somewhere in the same room (for low frequency effects).

7.1 Channel Surround

This setup is configured with 3 speakers in the front, one on each side and two in the rear, for the fullest surround effect. Make sure to place them behind your seating area at an angle of 135° to 150° from the center.

9.1 Channel Surround

The 9.1 surround sound setup delivers a cinematic experience through nine speakers and a subwoofer. Adding to the 7.1 setup, the 9.1 setup makes use of two front height channels. These front height speakers add a vertical dimension to surround sound listening. Height also provides music and audio effects another axis, thus creating a more immersive experience.

What About Dolby Atmos? To experience Dolby Atmos, you must add either two or four in-ceiling speakers or elevation speakers to your existing surround sound setup (e.g., 5.1.2 or 7.2.4).

Terms Defined:

Subwoofer: is a loudspeaker responsive only to the lowest acoustic frequencies. In the words of Meghan Trainor, a subwoofer is all about that bass! And you cannot produce surround sound without it!

Center Channel Speakers: the most important speakers in that most of the action, and conversation, happens front and center on your screen, meaning that the center channel is the one reproducing it.

Surround Speakers: provide ambient noises, which adds a third dimension to your movie-watching experience.

Using Dolby Atmos technology, the filmmaker can place individual sounds anywhere in your listening space and move them around in three dimensions. As a result, sounds such as a helicopter or a car screeching, exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. This means sound can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. So, whether it is a complex dialogue or soundscape, with Dolby Atmos enabled speakers and AV receiver, every detail comes alive. Feel a stronger connection to characters in a movie, uncover new elements in the songs you love, or pinpoint sounds with precision while you’re gaming. There is so much to discover when you bring your entertainment to life with Dolby Atmos!

The key to a successful surround sound or home audio installation project is working with the right home audio installation company. Retrofitting older homes for a home theater systems or simple surround sound can be done. Wires can be routed through your attic or walls and when necessary wires and cables can be run along the exterior of a home. Retrofit installations require thinking outside of the box. The type of thinking that sees beyond the missing wire and the low vaulted ceilings in your attic. 

When you are ready add a surround sound system or home theater system and want the best solutions, products and installation services, call Shultz Audio Video. San Diego’s trusted home theater installation. Ready to take your home entertainment to the next level? Let us help you create a setup to suit your entertainment. Call us today at (760) 505-7461 to get started!

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