How to Set Up a 5.1 Surround Sound System [VIDEO]

May 30, 2017

Having a movie theater feel in your living room isn’t as complicated as you may think. It’s actually pretty simple. You can get a 5.1 surround sound feel by using speakers from a wide variety of manufacturers. We chose to use Sonos. You may be thinking, isn’t Sonos just whole home audio? Well, wireless speakers are great for a great listening experience for music, but they're perfect for creating an amazing home theater environment too.

Here are the basics of setting up a 5.1 surround sound system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What Does 5.1 Mean?

A 5.1 surround sound system basically means you have five channels of audio coming through your speakers and a subwoofer, which puts the .1 in 5.1, if you know what we mean. Three of those channels can come from a Sonos PLAYBASE or PLAYBAR speaker. (While we’ve got you here, check out why the PLAYBASE and SANUS Swiveling TV Base are the perfect combination.) These channels are right, center and left audio. This sound comes from the front stage of the room.

Then, you can set up either the PLAY:1 or PLAY:3 speakers at the sides or back of the room for your surround sound setup. With SANUS products, users can place their speakers exactly where they want them – no need for a table-top surface. For a traditional set-up they could use speaker stands or if they prefer an on-wall option we have those, too.

Finally, you have your subwoofer, located ground level next to your television because we're all about that bass. All those speakers add up to equal 5.1. You learn something new everyday.

The Set Up Is Simple

All the speakers in the room are connected wirelessly and don’t need cables. So, don’t worry about having to tear up your carpet, running cables underneath furniture, or heck even bringing out the ole’ duct tape for good times sake. Duct tape does fix everything, but in this case leave it on the tool bench. Amaze your guests at how effortless and clean your living room looks despite having speakers working simultaneously together.

Sonos App

And you thought that was the coolest part? Wait until we tell you about this: You can use an app to configure your speakers, right on your phone. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

So before you start heating up the popcorn, dim the lights and get the blankets out, check out these cool products at sonos.com to give you the ultimate surround sound setup.