What is the typical speaker layout for a surround sound system?

Question

I have 7 speakers + the subwoofer...all given to me. I thought they were all one system, but now I just need to know the basic essentials. The wires everywhere are making me nuts!

Answer 1

depends what kind of receiver you have...5.1, 7.1, or 6.0.

most are 5.1 or 7.1, meaning you have essentially 5 or seven speakers to place.  5 means 3 front (1 center, 1 right, 1 left) and two rear (1 right, 1 left).  7 means the same, plus 2 side (1 right, 1 left).

Answer 2

First, let's first go quickly over some terminology. A/V Pros refer to 'speakers' as 'monitors'. The 'speakers' inside the cabinet are called 'drivers'.

Now, you have 7 monitors, and a sub.The short, wide monitor is for the center channel. It goes on top of the TV, or below the TV if you have an entertainment center with a space for it.  Make sure it is the magnetically shielded type if it goes on top of the TV. Connect this monitor to your receiver's "Center Channel" output.  

That leaves 6 monitors. If the monitors are all the same size, just worry about the placement.  If two of them are larger, place one on either side of the TV or screen and connect these to your receiver output "front surround left & right" or "front A left & right".

Take two of the other monitors, and place them in the front corners, and connect them to "front surround B left & right" or "front B left & right".

Place two in the rear across from the ones beside the TV, or in the rear corners, and connect them to "rear surround left & right".

Connect the sub to the sub output on the receiver and just place it on either side of the front monitors for now. (For best sub placement, look up "Sub Placement" in 'yahoo answers', and look for my answer"). Don't worry yet about hiding the wires. Make sure to buy good cables and speaker wire, I prefer 'Monster Cable'. When everything checks out O.K., then hide the wires behind the baseboard if you can.

You're done!

Answer 3

The front speakers should be at screen height and have a angle of 45% Look at Link...

http://thx.com/home/setup/speakers/front...

The center channle should be above or under (not if blocked by objects or persons) and or behine a Perferated screen.

See link...

http://thx.com/home/setup/speakers/cente...

The Surround speakers should be to the side and above the listener. Here's another look...

http://thx.com/home/setup/speakers/side....

The surround backs should be to the rear and beside each other...Link...

http://thx.com/home/setup/speakers/back....

And now thew sub... While I and THX like to use muiltables. A smaller system my not even have one. Try to at least use one. Two if you can. Here how THX use's four...

http://thx.com/home/setup/speakers/sub.h...

Will I hope I helped you evaluate your satiation. With the right information… anyone can make the right decision.