Home Theater Speaker Placement

Home theater audio relies as much on speaker placement as it does on the speaker itself. Even the most expensive speaker systems will fail to deliver if they’re not properly positioned. To place your speakers properly, it’s important to know what each speaker does and how it contributes to the overall sound. Here’s a quick speaker placement guide to help you out.

Center channel speakers: These speakers control all the audio signals from the other speakers. In most Canadian home theater systems, they are placed closest to the TV, usually above or below the set.

Front channel speakers: Sometimes called ‘second speakers,’ front channel speakers are responsible for the foreground sounds such as dialogue and movement. You can place a front speaker in front of the monitor as long as it doesn’t get in the way of the screen. Most Canadian home theater systems place it on one of the sides.

Side speakers: The left and right speakers are usually responsible for the special effects sounds. As their name suggests, they are placed on either side of the TV, either right next to the set or on the walls.

Surround speakers: These are small satellite speakers distributed evenly throughout the room, usually mounted high on the walls. This is what makes the sound come from all over the room and makes it more realistic. Most Canadian home theater systems have at least four surround sound speakers.

Subwoofer: This is where you get your bass and low droning sounds. Bass is omnidirectional, so you can place your subwoofer anywhere as long as it’s not in the way.