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Wireless speaker options

Wireless speaker systems feature three speaker configurations – 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 setups. When looking for the best speaker systems for your home, you will likely encounter these options within most retail stores. The basic descriptions below will help you to gain an understanding of their features and benefits as well as differences worth exploring as you make your purchase. The most basic is the 5.1, which has four main speakers, a center speaker and a subwoofer. This has five full channels and a special effects channel, the .1 of the 5.1, that’s emitted by the subwoofer. The heart of a home theater system, the sub-woofer provides the low-end rumbles crucial to the movie-going experience at home.

5.1 speaker setup

Fig. 1 Suggested arrangement for a standard Dolby digital 5.1 setup
 

The 6.1-channel systems have six satellite speakers and a subwoofer. This includes a back-center speaker, which is usually mounted on the rear wall behind your viewing position. Left and right surrounds are mounted to the sides of the listener. As shown in the figure bellow.

Instead of a single back speaker, 7.1 surround sound systems use a pair of speakers at the back-left and back-right. The 7.1 system features surrounds both to the sides and behind the listening position. The most advanced home theater systems use the seven-channel system, with the two back speakers heightening the enveloping sound of special effects movies and games.

7.1 speaker setup

Fig 2. Suggested arrangement for Dolby Digital 6.1 and 7.1 setup

Knowing the different speaker setup, helps determine the amount of money you are looking to spend and the fidelity of sound that will meet your budget. It will also prepare you for the next decision, choosing an add-on or integrated wireless home theater.