Surround Sound Speakers


Surround speakers or surrounds is the name given to the rear speakers in a home theater speaker system. For surround sound processes like Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1, two speakers will comprise a the rear surrounds, which should be positioned to point toward the listener from either side as shown below.

Newer surround methods incorporate two more speakers behind the listeners, pointed toward the front. These methods are Dolby Digital EX or DTS ES. These methods require receivers with 6.1 or 7.1 capabilities.

Surround Sound Speaker Settings

For home theater speaker systems that will be used as much for two-channel music sources, a popular option is using floor standing tower speakers as front and smaller bookshelf or satellite speakers for rear surround.