How to Wire Surround Sound Speakers

If you are a movie fan, into video games or just a music lover, you will need surround sound speakers correctly wired in the music system at your home. It can, however, be difficult to wire surround sound speakers for the best effect if you do not know how. A system of stereo surround sound speakers do more than allow you to hear the movie: they make you part of it. This tutorial will teach you step by step how to arrange your furniture and set up your surround sound speakers for the ultimate effect. This tutorial covers a five speaker system.

Step 1. Place Your Furniture

The first thing you will want to do is place your couch directly across from your television and wire the dvd player, video game and any other components you need to attach to the television.

Step 2. Set the Speakers

The next thing is to set the speakers into place without the wires. This will allow for more freedom of movement to get them into place.

Step 3. Set the Subwoofers

The placement of the subwoofer (bass) is a personal choice, with some people preferring to place it near the center of the television. The subwoofer is the speaker that will transfer the vibrations on the screen to you.  You should try to place it behind the center of the couch so that it is touching the couch. This leads to a greater feeling from the vibrations that it emits.

Step 4. Place the Mid Sized Speakers

The mid-sized speakers should be placed facing the seating area, with one on the left of the room and one on the right.

Step 5. Place Small Speakers

The small speakers should be placed one on the left and one on the right behind the seating area or couch. These can either be hung on the wall or set on speaker stands. They will need to be placed so that they face both the couch and the television.

Step 6. Wire the System

Once you have the speakers placed, it is time to wire them into the system. Look on the back of the receiver for the places to attach the wires. You will notice that these are labeled left, right and center.

Start with the center speaker and run enough speaker wire to reach the speaker. You will need to run this so that it is where you want the wire placed, as well as the speaker. It is suggested to add a few feet to the wire so that you can move it later. You can also staple the wire along the baseboard.

Step 8. Wire the Rest of the Speakers

The next step is to wire the rest of the speakers, one at a time. Make sure the left speakers get hooked to the left channel on the receiver.

Step 9. Test the Sound

Once everything is hooked up, power it on and test the sound. Pay attention to the left and right speakers to verify they are working when they should.  Enjoy the movie.