When it is about the surround sound channels, the first number destine the number of main speakers. The second number destine the number of subwoofers, and the third number destine the number of “height” speakers.
Mastering Surround Sound: 2.1 to 9.1 Explained
Imagine you have decided to set up a surround sound system, and you are going to run across numbers 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, 7.1.2, 9.1, etc. As you see them again and again, you may begin to realize what they actually are. What is meant by the different speaker channels?
Let’s get acknowledged about the details of the different speaker systems and what their channel structure actually looks like. For getting the sound setup you are looking for, click any of the links.
What Do The Numbers in Speaker Channels Mean?
The First Number (ex: The “7” in 7.1)
The first number of any speaker system configuration destines the number of principle speakers in the setup.
When it is about the main speakers, we refer to the front left, front right, center, and various surrounding speakers.
The Second Number (ex: The “1” in 2.1)
The second number of any speaker system configuration destines the number of subwoofers in the surround sound setup.
It is common to see a 1, which means there is one subwoofer in the setup, but you may come across a two now and then. While most surround sound systems could work great with one subwoofer, some people prefer the sound of two for their unique rooms.
The Third Number (ex: The “2” in 7.1.2)
The third number of any speaker system configuration destines the number of “height” of a speaker.
If two numbers are not enough, you may come across numbers like 7.1.2 or 9.1.2 in the home theater product search. While these numbers seem pretty complex, it simply gives room to define “height” speakers in the home theater surround sound system. Height speakers are usually located in the home theater room ceiling, but they could also be upward-firing speakers.
Stereo System: 2.0 and 2.1 Channel Speaker System
The 2.0 Surround Sound System
There will be two speakers beside your TV in this system – one to the left side and one to the right side. Your speakers will be powered by a well-manufactured receiver or even by an amplifier. Sometimes, the speakers are active, and they do not require a different power source. There will not have any subwoofer, and speakers, which would be compatible with any TV, DVD, and mobile devices, like phones and laptops.
The 2.0 stereo system is a basic stereo setup, which has no surround sound and is used to listen to music. It may be a start to a home theater, and it helps keep things simple in this type of setup. It could give a better sound than the tiny speakers that TVs come with, so there is nothing wrong with this simple setup.
The 2.1 Surround Sound System
2.0 stereo sound system could give the home theater a better sound compared to the two-speaker setup. You could have your left and right speakers on each side of the television. With the addition of one subwoofer, you could add bass and depth to the home theater sound system.
There are no surrounding speakers. For that, this setup is still pretty basic. But if you add the subwoofer, it will provide a more complex experience. You could hear lower frequencies better. You could enjoy a clutter-free home theater without those wires running everywhere!
Many soundbars are 2.1-channel setup. This setup is used to enjoy movies, TV, and music.
The 3.1 Surround Sound System
The 3.1 sound system is one kind of four-channel sound system with three main speakers and a subwoofer. The speakers have a left, a center, and a right speaker positioned accordingly. It would help if you positioned your subwoofer on the floor in the center of the setup; however, carpeting or hardwood can affect the sound. So please be attentive.
To reproduce dialogue, this addition of the center channel speaker is commonly used. While effects, music, and other stereo sounds will use the left and right speakers. The 3.1 system setup is still focused on only sound in the front and has no surround sound speakers. This feature is a great setup to create cinematic sound.
The 5.1 Surround Sound Systems
This 5.1 home theater system is a true surround sound system, and it is probably the most common home theater configuration. You must have seen it mentioned very frequently when browsing home theater products. Home theaters of any shape and sizes rely on a 5.1 surround system for a better audio experience.
It has six channels, including five principal speakers and a subwoofer. Three speakers are located in the front. One in the left. One in the center and one in the right. Two surround sound speakers are in the back of the room—one on the left side and one on the right side.
While there are so many configurations for this setup, the ideal setup is with the front left and front right speakers. It might be a 22-30 degree angle from the center speaker/TV. And the surround sound speakers need to be at a 90-110 degree angle from the center speaker or the TV.
For delivering surround sound, the 5.1 surround sound is the most common format. People could easily use it in everything, from DVD to movie theaters and TV. Many laptops and desktops come with a 5.1 sound card, which is accessible with this surround sound setup.
7.1 and 7.1.2 Surround Sound Systems
The 7.1 Surround Sound Systems
A 7.1 surround system has all of the elements of a 5.1 channel system and adds two more back speakers. It is an eight-channel system and is generally used in home theaters. In any 7.1 home theater surround system, the addition of two speakers in the rear gives a full experience of rounded sound because the two sides surround speakers would not be liable for both back and surround sound.
Location of the speaker for the original six channels of a 5.1 surround system, but the two back speakers should be placed ideally at a 135-degree to a 150-degree angle from the center channel for an optimal surround sound experience.
The 7.1.2 Surround Sound Systems
This configuration may seem complex when looking at the numbers, but the 7.1.2 surround system means a 7.1 surround sound setup. It has an additional two celling or upward-firing speakers. This setup is generally created with the help of Dolby Atmos if you want to learn more new things about the Dolby Atmos 7.1.2 speaker configuration and setup.
This surround system is best to use on a flat ceiling made of drywall or plaster. The height of the ceiling shouldn’t be more than 14 feet. This system is a higher-end experience of home theater.
This technology has become more common in home theaters. It gives a top-of-the-line, realistic, and immersive home theater experience. It also creates a dome of sound in the home theater. As long as the receiver is Dolby Atmos compatible, it could achieve this configuration.
The 7.2 Surround Sound Systems
The 7.2 home theater surround system is becoming a more wide surround sound speaker layout. Nowadays, more receivers are supporting this configuration. It has all of the elements of the 7.1 surround sound setup. But if you are adding one more subwoofer for a receiver to support this configuration. It will need two subwoofer outputs.
Some people are happy with one subwoofer. Other people use the 7.2 set up to balance bass in home theater. It is better than instead of loud or soft bass in different places of the room. The bass is equally distributed, and no matter wherever you are sitting, you could get the same bass experience.
If you love bass and you want to invest in an additional subwoofer, the 7.2 home theater surround system would be the best choice for you. Be careful; your neighbors could get annoyed with too much bass sound.
The Ultimate Experiences of 9.1 and 9.1.2 Surround Sound Systems
The 9.1 Home Theater Surround Systems
Any 9.1. home theater system is a ten-channel surround sound system. It includes nine speakers and one subwoofer. In addition to the components, it includes a 7.1 home theater surround system. The 9.1 surround sound also has two front-height speakers. The front-height speakers need to be placed on the front side of the room. Place it above the left and right main speakers. Remember that it needs to be about three feet above your left and right front speaker and face directly at the listener for the optimal sound.
This system is a very high-end home theater surround sound setup. It isn’t as typical as 7.1, 5.1, or lower. Highly dedicated home theater gurus use this. But you may achieve it by slowly adding components to the home theater system.
Consultants or experts could do this work properly. But there are many components and specs to be considered to set up this type of system properly.
The 9.1.2 Home Theater Surround Systems
This 9.1.2 home theater surround system has a slightly different setup than the 9.1 home theater system. While you may think that you’ll be adding two ceiling or upward-firing speakers to the 9.1 surround system configuration, you’re going to have two wide front speakers instead of two front-height speakers – in collation to the two ceiling speakers.
The total staff has left and right front speakers. One center speaker. One subwoofer. One left and one right front wide speaker. One left, and one right surrounds the speaker. One left and one right rear speaker. One left and one right ceiling speaker.
You could check out more information about the Dolby Atmos 9.1.2 speaker from google. This setup could create the immersive, high-end dome sound experience that the 7.1.2 had but adds a tier of sound with the left and right front roomy speakers.
Are There More?
You might be thinking that the setups we reviewed are enough to satisfy any home theater. But there are more options available for home theaters. So if you have not found the perfect setup for you, do not fret. Let’s talk about those new setups.
The 4.1 Surround Sound System
This 4.1 home theater surround sound system is another roomy configuration, and it includes one front left, one front right, one rear left, and one rear right speaker with one subwoofer. It is a five-channel setup. It could not include the metaphor center channel speaker.
The 6.1 Surround Sound System
This 6.1 home theater surround sound configuration is like a 5.1 surround system but includes an additional speaker. This additional speaker needs to be located in the center rear of home theaters. It helps to adjust another dimension except going to a full 7.1 surround sound setup. It could create a more realistic sound experience and makes for a roomy and fuller sound in home theater with only one collation.
In place of investing in two rear speakers, you’ll start with one and get a great effect on your money. Many people start with one and end up adding another later to move up to the 7.1 setups. But others see the addition of one back speaker as unimportant.
The 10.2 Home Theater Surround Sound System
THX is the developer of the 10.2 home theater surround sound system. The running slogan for the setup is “twice as good as 5.1”. The configuration of this setup includes seven front channels: Left and right side speakers, height speakers, front speakers, and center front speakers. There are three surround speakers, including a left, a back, a right, and two subwoofers.
This surround sound system is the best way to set up a home theater. Some of the products are currently sold to accommodate this aspect. Only the most dedicated home theater experts will pursue this surround home theater sound system.
The 13.1 Home Theater Surround Sound and Beyond
The Dolby Digital Plus system supports this surround system up to 13.1 and many other surround sound configurations as 12.2, 22.2, etc. While these surround sound setups are difficult. They are rare in home theater. But they are fun to research and learn about, and there’s nothing wrong with dreaming of the possibilities!
Best Seller List of Surround Sound Systems:
- Low-Profile Modern Design - Clean silhouettes, subtle textures, and matte finishes seamlessly blend into any environment.
- Powerful Performance - Brilliant clarity, thunderous bass, and Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support combine for performance beyond its size.
- Simple Setup, Streaming & Control - Get setup and listening in minutes with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity for unparalleled ease of use, control, and access to your content.
- 5.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, surround sound experience.
- 6 Total Speakers - Full-range drivers deliver coherent sound and brilliant clarity.
- Your purchase includes: 1 AV receiver, 5 speakers, 1 Sub-Woofer and Speaker wire.Waterproof : No
- Dimensions: AV Receiver – 17” W x 6” H x 12” D | Four Speakers (each) – 4” W x 6” H x 4” D | Center speaker – 10” W x 4” H x 4” D | Subwoofer – 11” W x 11” H x 13” D
- Technical specs: HDMI – 4 | Standby Power Consumption – ≤ 0.2 W | Frequency Response – 28Hz/25kHz
- Bluetooth for streaming all your favorite music and podcasts. No wireless functionality
- Easy setup with Yamaha YPAO room optimization and flexible speaker placement options, including virtual cinema front
- The Klipsch reference theater pack delivers a superior acoustic performance while keeping an incredibly minimal footprint
- Klipsch's exclusive Tractrix Horn technology and aluminum Tweeters deliver the cleanest, most natural sound possible. The down-firing wireless subwoofer is designed to deliver room-filling low frequencies without requiring too much floor space
- To complement the easy placement of the wireless subwoofer, each satellite speaker has a keyhole mount and a threaded insert for maximum mounting flexibility
- The reference theater pack brings the Klipsch cinematic sound into your home with an incredibly minimal footprint
- 🍋VERSATILE 2-IN-1 DESIGN: Experience the best of both worlds with Puxinat upgraded detachable soundbar and subwoofer combo. Enjoy the convenience of a sleek soundbar for everyday use, or attach the powerful subwoofer for deep, rumbling bass that brings your entertainment to life.
- 🍋DEDICATED 6.5’’ SUBWOOFER: Immerse yourself in a truly cinematic audio experience. Our new powerful subwoofer delivers crystal-clear dialogue, rich midrange, and immersive surround sound, creating an atmosphere that transports you right into the heart of your favorite movies, games, and music.
- 🍋EFFORTLESS SETUP AND CONNECTIVITY: Say goodbye to complicated installations. Our soundbar and subwoofer system is designed for easy setup and seamless connectivity. Simply plug in the soundbar and subwoofer, and enjoy powerful sound within minutes. Bluetooth 5.0 enables you to connect the soundbar to your smartphone/tablet/laptop wirelessly. With 10 EQ modes to choose from, you can fine-tune the sound to match your content and create a personalized audio experience.
- 🍋PREMIUM AUDIO QUALITY: Don't compromise on sound quality. Our 2-in-1 soundbar and subwoofer combination is built with premium audio components, ensuring clear, balanced sound across all frequencies. Hear every detail with precision and enjoy a truly immersive audio experience.
- 🍋STYLISH AND SPACE-SAVING: Enhance your living space with our sleek and modern soundbar design. Its slim profile and detachable subwoofer allow for flexible placement options, fitting seamlessly into any home decor. Save space without sacrificing sound quality or style.
- BLUETOOTH 5.1 HOME THEATER SPEAKER SYSTEM - Stream music from your phone to the built in Bluetooth receiver, integrated power amp with 700 watts system power, Pro Surround function automatically converts stereo to 5.1 sound, FM tuner
- EASY PLUG AND PLAY CONNECTIONS - Standard RCA and Digital/Optical inputs connect to most audio sources, 6 independent RCA inputs for true surround, stereo, RCA and AUX inputs, illuminated display with front panel controls, USB drive input and SD card input, full function remote
- HIGHEST QUALITY - Powered subwoofer speaker is 12.3" x 6.7" x 13.1", 20Hz-20 kHz, 5 wired satellite speakers are 6.7" x 4.1" x 4" each, 2 fronts and center satellite speakers have a 15 foot single RCA cable, 2 rear speakers have 25 foot single RCA cables
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - Standard US 110V grounded wall plug, any audio device with a standard 3.5mm headphone, Digital/Optical, RCA stereo or RCA 6 channel surround audio outputs. Use for TV or home entertainment, laptop or PC, DVD or MP3 player, gaming
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX - Acoustic Audio by Goldwood AA5170 powered subwoofer speaker, 5 passive wired satellite speakers, full function remote, Digital/Optical cable, 3.5mm to RCA cable, RCA to RCA jack cable, RCA antenna cable, instruction manual
- New Dimensional Sound - Come home to the cinematic sound you’ve always wanted, and experience every heart-thumping, thrill-inducing, moment. With 4 channels backed by a booming wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, this LG Soundbar delivers a big audio punch without taking up too much of your space—or budget. Dolby Digital and DTS Digital compatibility means you still get enhanced sound quality for all your shows, movies, music and more.
- Dolby Audio - Experience an unparalleled immersive journey with Dolby Audio. This LG Soundbar delivers an unforgettable listening experience with your favorite entertainment. Never miss a single detail, no matter where you're watching.
- Rear Speakers - Now there’s a surround sound system for rooms of all shapes and sizes. Our new rear surround speakers have wireless connectivity—that means no special receiver needed to deliver an immersive audio experience.
- WOW Interface - Now, convenience is in your hand. Control your soundbar and your LG TV with one remote*. Adjust the volume and audio settings, check the connection status and even select a sound mode on the screen, all from the TV remote.
- Crest Design - This is a soundbar that’s meant to be seen as well as heard. It features LG’s new crest design that gives the soundbar a sleek and stylish look. But looks are just the beginning. The metal grill also helps keep dust and debris out of your soundbar for worry-free audio enjoyment.
- Total Output Power: The Yamaha Audio YHT-4950U Home Theater System Provides Up To 400w Of Total Output Power, with 50W RMS Powered Subwoofer For Deep Bass. Experience True Surround Sound With 5.1-channel Configuration, Delivering Clear, Balanced Audio For Movies, Tv Shows, Music, Gaming. Support Bluetooth Wireless Audio Streaming From Compatible Devices, Offering Flexibility In Audio Sources. Supports HD Audio Formats Like Dolby Truehd And Dts-hd Master Audio For Immersive Sound Experiences.
- 4K Ultra Hd And Hdr Support: Enjoy High-definition Video Quality With 4K UHD Pass-through At 60 Frames Per Second, Along With Support For HDR10, Dolby Vision, And HLG HDR Formats. YPAO Sound Optimization Analyzes Room Acoustics And Adjusts Audio Parameters For Optimal Sound Performance. Cinema DSP Is Designed To Reproduce The Dynamics Of Famous Venues, Such As The Bottom Line, Roxy Theater, And European Cathedrals, Letting You Experience Their Ambiance In Your Room.
- Discrete Amplifier Configuration: Yamaha YHT-4950U 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Home Theater System Utilizes A Discrete Amp Configuration And Low-jitter Pll Circuit For Clear Audio Reproduction, Capturing Every Nuance Of Your Favorite Movies And Music. Rich Bass Reproduction Technology Enhances Bass While Maintaining Sound Balance, Even With Compact Front Speakers. Virtual Cinema Front Offers Virtual 5-channel Surround Sound When Rear Speaker Placement Is Not Feasible.
- Compressed Music Enhancer: Ensures Vibrant And Dynamic Sound Quality During Wireless Music Playback Via Bluetooth, Enhancing Your Listening Experience With Crisp And Clear Audio. Wall-mountable Speakers Features Keyhole Openings For Easy Wall Mounting. Advanced YST Ii For Enhanced Bass Optimizes Speaker Impedance For Stable, Accurate Low-range Response And Energetic Bass Reproduction. Additional Video Features HDMI With 3d, ARC, And EARC Support, HDMI Upscaling, And CEC Support.
- Bundle Includes: Yamaha Audio YHT-4950U 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Home Theater System with 8" 50W RMS Powered Subwoofer Speakers, AV Receiver And Bluetooth + Cable Management Ties + Diginerds Cleaning Kit
- Feel every note with a 600W power output
- Get the best seat in the house with 5.1ch real surround sound
- Rear speakers deliver powerful surround sound to complete your home cinema experience
- Effortless setup with easy color-coded connections
- Wireless connectivity for music streaming
- America's Sound Bar - VIZIO has been filling homes with truly immersive audio for over 10 years, and our sound bars just keep getting better. We are proud to provide our customers with top-tier audio products that bring movies, shows, podcasts, music, and more to life like never before. ( Sound Bar Brand in 1H 2022 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S., based on units, Jan. - June 2022 combined.).Waterproof : No
- Low-Profile Modern Design - Seamlessly blends into any environment and ingeniously attaches to select VIZIO M-Series TV stands for quick, clean tabletop or wall-mount installation.
- Immersive Performance - Experience immersive, cinematic 3D surround sound powered by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- Advanced Connectivity and Control - The latest HDMI eARC connectivity enables state-of-the-art 4K Dolby Vision pass-through to the TV and lets you control the sound bar using your TV remote.
- 5.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, surround sound experience.
- 5.1 Channel Surround Sound - Bobtot Home theater system has two modes of 5.1/2.1 channel, switch via remote control or front panel. We advise you to put all the speakers in one room to get better surround sound stereo, with B701D 5.1 channel surround stereo sound system, you'll feel like you're right in the middle of the home theater.
- 800W Peak Power - Home theater system speakers can reach up to 800 watts of power, 6.5-inch Subwoofer with a built-in receiver, high volume and professional sound quality, bring you and your family a full cinema experience at home.
- Wide Compatibility - Easily plug and play, speakers are widely used for numerous scenarios such as Ultra HD 4K TV, game consoles, home DVD, computers, laptops, Projector. It's very suitable for watching movies, football games, partying, and e-sports games with friends at home. It's an ideal gift for family or friends.
- Bluetooth & Multimedia Support - The home surround sound speakers support various smart devices. Bluetooth 5.0 technology supports you to connect with Bluetooth devices directly. It's also compatible with HDMI/OPT/COA/AUX/USB/DVD audio sound inputs. Additional cables include HDMI ARC Cable/Optical cable/Coaxial cable/AUX cable/RCA cable/Antenna cable supports any application in need
- All Function Remote: This system not only has button control via the front panel but also comes with a remote control for more detailed operation. via the remote, you could independently control the volume of each speaker and the subwoofer
FAQs
Are any Home Theater Surround Systems, which have an even number of speakers?
If you need an even number of speakers, you will want to go with a 2.0 stereo system. You will find one 5.1 home theater surround system, one 7.1 or 7.1.2 surround system, and one 9.1 surround system. The 2.0 stereo method has two parts. One 5.1 surround system has six channels, 7.1 has eight channels, 7.1.2 has ten channels, and 9.1 also has ten channels.
What is the best number for a home theater speaker channel?
The aptitude number of home theater speakers channels depends on your room. Especially the size. If you have a little room, you will want to go with a smaller number of speaker channels, and it will optimize a bigger room with a huge number of speaker channels.
However, a small room could benefit from speakers placed in the front, the sides, the back, and on the ceiling (unless it’s a particularly low ceiling). Typically, you will get a good sound with a large number of speakers optimally placed everywhere in the room, based on the size.
Conclusion
Once you know what you are looking at, you will realize that surround sound channels are not all that confusing. I hope this article was helpful to you! I spent several hours researching and testing to find the best speakers out there for the best price!
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
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Last update on 2024-09-14
