How is a 5.1 surround system set up?

Question

Anyone who is familar with this set up, please provide the easiest way to set it up.

Do I really need to hook the speakers all around my room so that I'm 'surrounded' by them? If so, do I need to buy extra things to do that?

Answer 1

3 in the front, 2 in the back, .1in the center

Answer 2

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Answer 3

1 center channel, 2 main channels, 2 surround channels, and 1 subwoofer channel.

Answer 4

no actually its 2 in the front on the sides (of your tv im assuming)  2 in the back behind the 2 front ones but spread them out and then 1 in the center.  the last one is a subwoofer speaker that you can put anywhere.  it gives a deep bass sound to your music or tv.  

so thats 6 speakers.  

Answer 5

5.1 consists of two front main speakers, a centre speaker and two rear effect speakers and a subwoofer-. You will also need a AV reciever and a dvd or blue ray player.

It really all depends on how much you want to spend, 7.1 is now becoming the standard. its an endless subject without knowing what your willing to spend, how big your room is ect.

And yes, the speakers have to be set out properly, no point in having 5.1 'surround' if your gonna put all the speakers in one corner :p