Home Audio: 6.1/7.1 Surround

[No Limit]

I know this would probably fit better on a home audio site but I really don't need to register on another forum, besides I know that many here will be able to answer this. Also, if a mod feels this would fit better in Off-topic can you please move it for me?

Now to the question. I finally got my wall speakers set up after I settled down from moving. I have a 6.1/7.1 DTS/Dolby Digital receiver. I want to set up a 6.1 system as I don't have a need for 7.1 yet. I put 3 speakers in the front (basic set up 1 left, 1 right, and 1 center) and 2 sub-woofers (1 right, 1 left). In the rear I put up the same set up without the sub-woofers (1 left, 1 right, 1 center) so I could have a 6.1 set up. Now here is the problem, my receiver does not have an output for a rear center channel, it only has an output for 4 rear speakers which would make a 7.1 set up. Where should I hook up the rear center channel so it will function correctly? Currently I have it set up to the surround back left which seems incorrect. Any advice on this would be appreciated as this is my first 6.1 system.

Thank You,
Paul

 

[RABIES]

Some recievers may electronically change the outputs for different setups through the dolby settings your reciever has. Check the user manual for a section that would pertain to audio modes or speaker modes. It may as well have you hook it up to the left channel as default since the reciever in a certain mode might change that channel electronically to suit a 6.1 setup.

 

[No Limit]

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I found my user manual this morning and you hook it up to the left channel like you said.

 

[RABIES]

Glad I could help... :cheese:

 

[T.N.T. Toulouse]

I've been wondering about these n.1 speaker systems. What if your monitor is in the corner of the room? Can you adjust balances properly to make that the aural 'center'?

 

[No Limit]

Are you talking about computer speakers? You can adjust each speaker separately using your receiver or software for your sound card to make everything centered.

 

[RABIES]

Reguardless, with the Audigy 2 Platinum to the Audigy ZS series along with a Logitech Z-680 system. All of your speakers can be programmed and balanced separately. Hell if I wanted my rear left channel to change to center....I can! I go through the Audigy card settings and move the slider. If I don't think I am getting enough boost from my center channel....crap...I just enable my CMSS settings and either boost or split the center channel to my outer speakers. The new Audigy tools allow you to custom tune your audio system to certain presets that you can save. With any high end sound card and high end audio system, the possibilities are endless.....

 

[T.N.T. Toulouse]

It's both computer speakers and home theater ones I was asking about. The only speaker placement discussion I've ever seen expects you to arrange things just so; with everything perfectly centered on radial lines emanating from your head. Otherwise your ears fall off or something. Not convenient for either my computer room or my bedroom, but I've been thinking about adding 5.1 speakers to both... Can I break the rules?

 

[No Limit]

Just like Rabies said, you can adjust all the speakers based on their position so they don't have to be at any exact distance from your position. My SoundBlaster Audigy2 came with fancy software that will let you calibrate the speakers, however, simple windows volume control would probably work if it will let you adjust the volume of each speaker.
Good Luck,
Paul

 

[RABIES]

Exactly, the Audigy 2 and later editions have advanced settings that allow you to set the "delays" for your speakers if they are a different distance apart. Most home theatre systems use this too, and I believe the newer ones have delays for all speakers...

 

[T.N.T. Toulouse]

:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
Thanks guys!
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: