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How to Set Up a 7.1 System

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 10:39 am
by renovation
Upgrading from a 5.1 system? Or perhaps you’re trying to decide whether a 5.1 or 7.1 channel home theater receiver is best for you.


The 7.1 configuration

The standard setup for a 7.1 configuration includes a center channel speaker, left and right front channel speakers, a subwoofer (Fig. A shows two locations options for a single subwoofer – or you can add a second subwoofer placed in both locations making a 7.2 system setup), left and right surround speakers and left and right rear surround speakers.

The rear surround speakers add more depth to the surround sound experience by spreading the sound across four speakers (the left and right surrounds and rears), rather than two, resulting in more directed, immersive sound.

The two additional speakers also help to fill larger rooms more completely. Plus, more and more films are being released or home viewing in 7.1 format, adding to its appeal.

How to set up a 7.1 System - Fig. A - The Klipsch Joint
Fig A. – How to set up a 7.1 system.



The Center Channel

Place the center channel speaker immediately above or below the screen, directly facing the listening area (see Fig. B). If the speaker is being set on a shelf or stand, be sure that the leading edge of the speaker is flush with the edge of the stand, to maintain dialogue clarity.

How to set up a 7.1 System - Fig B - The Klipsch Joint
Fig. B – Center channel placement

The Front Speakers

The left and right front speakers should be placed at an equal distance from the screen and at least six feet apart; the left, right and center front speakers should be an equal distance from the ideal viewing position. To enhance the experience, some toe-in might be desirable. If so, be sure to identically angle each speaker and maintain equal distance from the viewing position.

How to set up a 7.1 system - Fig. C - The Klipsch Joint
Fig. C – Right and left front channel speakers.

The Surround Sound Speakers

The left and right surround speakers (shown as “A” in Fig. D below) must be placed equally to each side and slightly above and behind the viewing position. Left and right rear surround speakers (shown as “B”) should also be about three feet above (and behind) the seated listeners’ heads.

Hot to set up a 7.1 System - Fig. D - The Klipsch Joint
Fig. D – Four surround sound speakers placement.

The Subwoofer

The three most common subwoofer locations include corners, placement along a wall or beside a front speaker (which can create a better blend with the front speaker, at the cost of sacrificing overall volume).

Experimentation with subwoofer placement is highly encouraged; slight adjustments can create big differences in bass reproduction. (Read Where to Place a Subwoofer: 3 Tips and FAQ: Subwoofers)

How to set up a 7.1 system - Fig. E - The Klipsch Joint
Fig. E – Subwoofer placement.



And if the room you are working in to set up a 7.1 system does not fit to these exact specifications – it’s ok! Not everyone has a room with an open, rectangular space and perfectly placed power sources. You’re more than likely going to have to make some adjustments.

Got any suggestions on how to set up a 7.1 system or have a unique setup yourself? Share them in the comments section below.


http://www.klipsch.com/blog/how-to-set-up-a-7-1-system/ link with pictures here ! there also at the bottom of the page good links on other speaker tips.

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 8:05 pm
by EvilHorace
That's fine if your wife doesn't mind speakers and wires going all over the place but as much as I liked my 5.1 system before, my Bose setup is much cleaner with one sub and 2 speakers although she hates seeing the sub and that has to be close to the TV.