Phase Technology PC-33.5, PC-33.1, PC-3.5, PC-SUB, PC-3.1 II, PC-1.5 Home Theater Speaker Systems

HOME THEATER SPEAKER SYSTEMS

Speaker Placement

Today’s multi-channel home theater technology has elevated the art of “surround sound” to offer the exciting impact of the movie theater experience in your own home. Speaker requirements and placement are critical to reproduce these multi-media effects.

Front speakers (left and right), rear speakers (left and right), and a center-channel speaker define the minimum arrangement for multi-channel systems such as Dolby Pro Logic, DTS, and Dolby Digital (originally known as AC-3). It is recommended that all of these speakers be from the same company so they are matched in components and design and therefore as identical as possible in acoustic performance.

For the ultimate in movie sound track impact and realism, a powered subwoofer is also strongly recommended. Some home theater enthusiasts use two subwoofers for truly impressive, floor-shaking effects.

Powered subwoofers are large speakers, often 10-15” in diameter, with built-in power amplifiers specifically designed to reproduce bass frequencies from the lowest sound octaves. Powered subwoofers also reduce the strain on

your other speakers by suing an electronic crossover network to channel these powerful bass frequencies to the subwoofer and, thus, away from the front, center-channel and rear speakers.

To position your speakers, there are some general guidelines that take room size, shape, and fixtures and furnishings into account. The following diagram illustrates typical speaker placement for surround-sound systems:

SUBWOOFER
	CENTER SPEAKER
LEFT		RIGHT
FRONT	TELEVISION MONITOR	FRONT
SPEAKER		SPEAKER
	MAIN LISTENING/VIEWING POSITION
LEFT REAR		RIGHT REAR
SURROUND		SURROUND
SPEAKER		SPEAKER
or		or

Front speakers should be placed far enough apart (at least eight feet) to fully separate the left and right channels of sound, music, and/or dialogue. Whether floor-standing, on speaker stands, or placed on shelves, your speakers should be at or slightly above ear level.

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