How to Layout Speakers for Home Theater Rooms

by DoItYourself Staff

Home theater rooms are wonderful additions to any house and bring you and your family years of joy and entertainment. They require some thought and planning, but more than that they require a collection of audio and visual components, plus seating and lighting arrangements to create a theater-like experience. You have numerous choices when it comes to the components you use, the seating layout, the lighting and the sound system. Laying out the speakers of your home theater surround sound system is one of the most important elements of the room. Where the speakers go is up to you, but there actually is a right way to do it depending on the type of surround sound system you have.

Different Surround Sound Systems

Three common types of surround sound setups are 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 surround sound. The first number in each of those configurations represents the number of speakers the system employs while the ‘1’ refers to one low frequency effects sub-woofer. There are many different brands that produce surround sound speakers and amplification systems. Your task will be to arrange them in such a way as to produce the fullest and most realistic sound possible.

Step 1 - 5.1 System Layout

The 5 speakers that comprise a 5.1 surround sound system are the front left, right and center speakers and the left and right surround. Imagine that you are sitting on a couch directly in front of the television screen (about 8 feet from it).

The ideal layout of this system places the center speaker directly in front of you.
The front left and right speakers are to either side of the center speaker, angled slightly so they are pointed directly at you.
At your side, flanking either end of the couch, the left and right surround speakers are pointed right into your ears.
The sub-woofer emits only low frequency sounds. In some cases in needn’t even be visible.

Step 2 - 6.1 System Layout

A 6.1 surround system is identical to the 5.1 system except that there is an added speaker called the "rear center".

Set up the front left, right and center speakers and the left and right surround speakers in exactly the same way.
Behind you situate the rear center speaker so it points to the back of your head. In this way, a sound field emanates from behind you, further surrounding you with audio.

Step 3 - 7.1 System Layout

Just as one speaker is added in a 6.1 system, 2 speakers are added for the 7.1 system. Rather than a rear center speaker, the 7.1 system has a left and right rear speaker.

Position them behind you to the left and the right of the couch, also angled slightly so they point towards your head.
The other speakers are positioned identically to the 5.1 surround sound system.

The layout of the surround sound speakers in your home theater room is important, for the proper placement guarantees that you are surrounded by the audio. It creates a maximal effect whereby everyone in the audience can hear the fullest, most complete sound.