Enclosed Ceiling Speaker Positioning Guide

Installing an enclosed ceiling speaker offers two noticeable differences over a standard flush mounted speaker. The enclosure mounts in the ceiling and helps to focus the sound towards the listeners and prevent the sound from traveling through the ceiling. This leads to a clearer sound and reduced sound in other parts of the structure.

Positioning Ceiling Speakers

Surround sound systems come in two major designs. The 5.1 systems utilize 5 unique speakers and a subwoofer, while 7.1 systems utilize 7 unique speakers and a subwoofer. The two systems are nearly identical, except the 7.1 includes a left and right surround speaker.

The center enclosed ceiling speaker should be placed as close as possible to the center of the television and directly above it. The center speaker outputs nearly all of the speaking, so having the speaker placed in this position allows it to look and sound natural.

The left and right front speakers should be placed between 4 and 6 feet from the left and right side of the television and in a parallel horizontal line with the television. If possible, they should be an equal distance from each side of the television.

If you are using a 7.1 surround system then, the left and right surround speakers should be placed parallel to the seating area and approximately 4 to 6 feet left and right of the edges of the seating area. Some adjustments may be necessary depending on the sizes and shapes of the room and the seating area.

The rear left and right surround speakers should be placed behind the far left and far right edges of the seating area and approximately 3 to 6 feet further back. As with the surround speakers, this may need to be adjusted slightly to account for the room size and shape.