Setting Up Speakers For A Home Theater
Good speakers can mean the difference between an average home theater system and an incredible one. The sounds of a movie from the dialogue to the special effects are key for the telling of the tale. If these features are lost, a lot of the atmosphere a director intended to create goes with it. So, how does an average person go about setting up home theater speakers?
Most importantly, read the manufacturer instructions carefully. Follow suggestions offered in the manual and pay attention to wiring configurations with the receiver.
Beyond that, the most important speaker to place correctly is the center one.
This speaker is key to dialogue and on-screen sounds. The other speakers provide the added "theater" flair such as off-screen sounds from the back, left and right. The center speaker's position will depend almost exclusively on the television's placement.
To get both right, consider the size of your television screen. The distance from the television to the viewers should be at least three times the screen's size. Once this is set, the speaker system layout should fall into place.
The best location for the center speaker is either on top of the television itself, in the center, or just below it. Some televisions will allow for placement behind the screen as well, as is the case with some projection set ups.
When placing the center speaker keep a few things in mind. The tweeter is in an optimum position when it is at ear level for viewers. If the speaker is mounted on top or below the screen, line up the front with the television's front for best sound quality. Do aim the speaker at the seating area. Try to keep the center speaker an equal distance from the listening position as the left and right speakers.
When it comes to placing speakers for a high-quality sound experience, precision is key. The center speaker is the guide for the rest of the system and inasmuch its placement is vital. A little experimentation with the secondary speakers can net some great results, but keep the mathematics pretty strict for the main ones.
A home theater just isn't the same without great sounds. This is especially the case for huge movie buffs who just can't imagine watching a film without the "off screen" noise coming from the correct locations. A little patience and some experimentation can turn a surround system into an incredible addition to a home theater.
