5.1 Speaker System
The 5.1 six-channel speaker system supports provides a substantially richer audio
environment than traditional stereo speaker systems. In order to enjoy a 5.1 system to
best effect, there are a few things to understand about the such systems, how they work
and how to position the speakers.
5.1 Speaker Functions
A 5.1 system has six speakers which do the following:
• Front/Rear Left & Right speakers
These four speakers carry primarily music and sound effects and do not reproduce
low bass. They create the surround effect that is a main feature of 5.1 systems.
• Center speaker
Placed at the center front, this speaker carries much of any film dialog in addition to
music and sound effects.
• Subwoofer
The subwoofer produces low bass and magnifies the bass effect of the entire system.
Subwoofers are frequently self-powered by a built-in amplifier.
5.1 Speaker Positioning
In order for a 5.1 speaker system to achieve the effect it is designed to create, the
speakers must be properly positioned in your listening space. Any system you get should
have instructions on how to set it up. The following are some generic guidelines:
• Subwoofer:
Put the Subwoofer at the front of your listening position, near the video display and on
floor or a sturdy surface.
• Front Channel Speakers:
Place the front channel speakers at front of the listening area, to the left and right of
the video display and approximately level with it. The speakers should be in line with
the display or slightly in front of it. Position the speakers so that they are about 45º
apart when viewed from the listening position.
• Rear Channel Speakers:
Place the rear channel speakers on or against walls to each side of the listening
position, facing in at and in line with it.
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