You have a TV, Blu-ray player, game console, but for the final picture, you lack deafening surround sound. It makes sense to get a receiver as getting all the cables in can be a daunting task, especially when compared to connecting a DVD player to your TV. And this is not to mention that everything must be placed correctly, and the levels must be correctly set. Start with Step 1 below to get it right the first time, and you can return to enjoying what you love.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Speaker placement
The number of speakers you connect will determine the type of surround sound you end up with. The most common schemes are 2.1, 5.1 and 7.1. 2.1 is two front speakers and a subwoofer (denoted as.1). 5.1 has two front speakers, a center and two surround speakers and a subwoofer. 7.1 is two front, one center, two surround speakers, two rear and a subwoofer. Follow the steps below until the correct speaker locations are available to you.
Subwoofer
Step 1. Place the subwoofer
The subwoofer is an omnidirectional sound source, which means you will achieve the same results no matter where you place it. Most people place it in the center of their configuration, so it's easier to connect it to a receiver.
Step 2. Avoid corners and walls
Although the sub is omnidirectional, placing it against a wall or corner will distort the bass, making it harder to set up. Place the subwoofer in a location that allows the sound to flow freely. This will make it easier for you to adjust the levels.
Front speakers
Step 1. Place the front speakers on either side of the TV
Make sure the speakers are located in the correct locations if they are labeled. The front speakers should be at the same distance from the TV, usually about a meter.
Step 2. Select the angle of the speakers
Each speaker should be pointed exactly towards the center of the listening area.
Step 3. Raise the speakers
For the best sound quality, the front speakers should be raised to the level of the listener's ears. You can use speaker stands for your home stereo system.
If you are using a 2.1 type system, then you are done with the speaker setup and can proceed to the Speaker Connection section
Central channel
Step 1. Place the speaker on the same plane as the TV
The center channel replaces the gap between the left and right speakers. It helps in panning the sound from left to right and synchronizes the sound of the dialogue with the movements of the mouths on the screen. The center channel should be placed in the center of the TV, it doesn't matter if it is above or below it.
- Try to place the center channel in line with the ears. This can be difficult due to the position of the TV itself.
- Do not place the center channel behind your TV because you will not be able to hear the signal from it.
Surround channel
Step 1. Place the speakers to the sides of your line of sight
Surround speakers create the effect of sound around you. They do not transmit as much sound as the front speakers, but they expand the sound field and engage the viewer.
Your two surround speakers should be positioned on either side of your line of sight and aimed directly at the audience. You can place them immediately behind the viewer if you are not using a 7.1 system, as in this case they will still be directed directly at the viewer. This means that they must be positioned at an angle of 90 ° -110 ° relative to the TV
Step 2. Raise the speakers
The surround speakers should be positioned directly at ear level. This will allow you to achieve the best possible result. Use any speaker stands or furniture pieces available to you.
If you are installing a 5.1 system, then you are done with the speaker installation and can proceed to the Speaker Connection section
Back channel
Step 1. Place the speakers outside the field of view
The rear channel speakers allow for greater immersion and complement the surround speakers. They create a bubble of sound around the audience.
Step 2. Select the angle of the speakers
As with the front speakers, the rear speakers should point directly to the center of the viewing area.
Step 3. Raise the speakers
The rear channel speakers should be placed at the same height as the surround speakers.
Part 2 of 4: Connecting speakers
Step 1. Place the receiver in front of your TV
All surround sound systems pass through the receiver. The receiver transmits the input signal and sends the audio signal to all connected speakers. The receiver needs to be located near your TV for cables to reach, and you need space around it to properly ventilate.
Step 2. Turn off all equipment
There is a possibility of electric shock when installing the speakers. To be on the safe side, turn everything off and unplug.
Step 3. Examine your speaker connections
Some surround sound systems have ports for each speaker, so you can connect all the plugs correctly. Others use connectors to connect wires to the receiver. If your system uses connectors, you will need wire cutters to expose the pins from the protective sheath.
Step 4. Start routing cables
Do your best to hide the lead wires. Not only will it look better, but it will also keep people and animals from getting tangled up in them and damaging your speakers.
If you can, run wires under carpet or through walls. This will allow you to achieve the most presentable appearance of your system
Step 5. Connect the speakers
If your speaker cables already have connectors, then simply plug them into the appropriate ports on the back of the receiver. If you are using standard cables to connect your speakers to your receiver, you will need to go through a few additional steps.
- Measure the length of your cables. Measure the length of the cable you need from the coil. Measure a slightly longer cable length than you measured to give yourself a clearance to hide the wire and connect it without any problems.
- Expose one end. Use wire cutters to strip two centimeters of insulation from the cable. You will see two separate veins. Make sure not to strip too much of the insulation from the wire, otherwise you may touch it or cause a short circuit.
- The wires connecting the speakers are made up of two different cables: positive and negative. Both are exactly the same, but must be connected to the speakers and receiver. For example, if you connect one of the two wires to the positively charged speaker terminal, then you need to connect the same wire to the positive terminal of the receiver.
Step 6. Attach the subwoofer
Most subwoofers connect to the receiver using a standard RCA cable. You can get expensive subwoofer cables, but in most cases you won't hear a difference compared to a standard cable.
- The ports on the receiver are usually labeled "sub out" or "sub preout".
- If your subwoofer does not have multiple inputs, connect only one labeled "LFE in" or the leftmost one if it is not labeled.
- Using the knobs on the back of the subwoofer, set the volume to half and turn off the low pass filter by moving the knob to the up position.
Part 3 of 4: Connecting Your Hardware
Try to avoid stacking your devices (DVD player, satellite receiver, etc.) one on top of the other. This can lead to all of them generating too much temperature, which can lead to equipment failure. Also note that some older devices may use an optical connection for surround sound, while all modern devices use the HDMI connection protocol.
Step 1. Connect all HDMI devices to the receiver
Most modern receivers support HDMI input and output, which allows you to connect HDMI-compatible devices to the receiver and then connect the receiver to your TV.
- If it is possible to connect multiple HDMIs, then connect the devices in the order in which you want them to be displayed in the receiver's menu.
- HDMI carries audio and video signals, so there is no need to connect other cables.
Step 2. Connect all component devices
If you are using older equipment that does not support HDMI, you can connect it using a component cable. These are cables with five connectors: three for video and two for audio.
- Connect the three video connectors of the corresponding colors to the device you want to connect.
- Connect two audio jacks of matching colors. Make sure they are connected to the video output as well, otherwise the sound will not come with the video.
Step 3. Connect all component devices
There are also the oldest modifications still in use today: three composite connectors with one connector for video and two for audio. This connection carries the lowest quality signal that surround sound systems support.
Connect the yellow (video) plug to one of the available matching inputs, and then connect the audio cables to the corresponding audio outputs
Step 4. Connect your TV to the receiver
For best results, use an HDMI connection to connect your TV to the receiver's output port. You can use other types of connection, but you will get lower quality as a result. Most modern TVs support HDMI.
Step 5. Connect the cables together
As a result, you will get a lot of cables going into your receiver, so it is advisable to bring all of them into a civilized form. Use cable ties and cable ties to secure them together.
Part 4 of 4: Checking the Result
Step 1. Calibrate your TV
While this has nothing to do with the sound of your surround sound system, a well-calibrated TV will make a good home theater system even better.
Step 2. Configure your devices for correct audio output
Before you start testing all of your equipment, you need to make sure that all of your devices are transmitting audio correctly to get the full benefit from your sound system. Normally, you need to activate the "Dolby Digital" option in the configuration menu of each of your devices. All devices are different, so check the manuals.
For your Blu-ray player, make sure you are using uncompressed audio. It is typically referred to as "bitstream uncompressed" or "pass-through"
Step 3. Begin the process of auto-tuning your receiver
Almost all receivers come with a microphone, so you can automatically configure the levels. Make sure the microphone is centered in your room at ear level.
- When performing auto setup, leave the room to avoid blocking sound.
- Try to remain quiet during the test. Avoid running the dishwasher, get your dog out of the house, and so on.
Step 4. Manually adjust your levels
After the auto tuning finishes, you will need to go back to the settings and adjust a few things. The main goal is to set up your subwoofer.
- Go to the "Bass Management" section of your surround setup menu.
- If you only have small surround speakers available, set their size to “Small”. Or set to “Large” if they are large.
- Set the crossover frequency of the subwoofer to 80 Hz as the starting position. If you are only using small additional surround speakers, you can set the value to 100-120 Hz. This will make the low frequencies more pronounced.
Step 5. Start listening
After completing the setup, it's time to test! Turn on your favorite album or movie and listen carefully. If everything sounds good, then you are done with the setup! You can always go back to the original settings and change them to your liking, there are many sources available for adjusting the crossover frequency.
Advice
- Don't be afraid to experiment! Keep experimenting with the settings until you find the perfect audio environment.
- Experts recommend setting the crossover frequency of your subwoofer at least 10 Hz higher than the lower hearing threshold of your speakers.