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jessica writes ""Surround sound" is an attempt – and a very successful one at that – to create a realistic, immersive listening experience, by encapsulating the listener in sound from a full 360 degrees. The effect is achieved by recording multiple, discrete sound channels onto a film soundtrack, and having the facility to decode and reproduce each channel on its own dedicated loudspeaker. Speakers are positioned strategically around the listening area, so that the individual channels blend seamlessly together, making the listener feel that he or she really is part of the action.

Surround Sound Configurations

There are three common configurations for surround sound systems, and each is described in terms of the number of discrete channels – equal to the number of speakers employed – that can be reproduced.

The most common configuration is a so-called "5.1" system, which comprises five, high fidelity, main speakers – usually arranged as front centre, left and right front, and left and right rear speakers – plus a "subwoofer" for low frequency effects. This configuration corresponds to the number of channels provided by the Dolby Digital – the industry standard – and DTS ("Digital Theatre Systems") surround sound formats. One disadvantage of 5.1 systems is that no sound is reproduced from directly behind the listening position.
The Jamo D 7PTX, for example, is a, high-end, 5.1-channel home cinema speaker package.

A "6.1" system, on the other hand, provides an additional speaker that can be positioned to the rear centre, between the left and right rear speakers. If, however, this speaker is placed too close to the listening position, it may also be possible to detect the source of its sound, spoiling the overall effect.

A "7.1" system provides yet another speaker, which can also be positioned to the rear of the listening position, effectively spreading the rear centre sound across two speakers, so that there is an adequate field of sound, and its source cannot be pinpointed. A 7.1 system is, however, the most expensive of the three options, not only because more speakers are necessary, but because an AV receiver with the capability of driving seven loudspeakers is also required. The Jamo D 7PEX, for example, is available in 6.1, and 7.1 variants.

Whichever type of system you are assembling, beware that speakers from different manufacturers may not be "voice matched", and, as a result, there may be a difference in the tone and quality of the sound produced by each. This is an important concept, since the full, surround sound effect depends on the harmonious blending of sound from all the sources – if you can tell the difference between sound from one speaker and another, the effect will fail. It may, therefore, be better to stay with a single manufacturer for all your speakers. Examples include Mission M30I Beech Bookshelf Speakers, and Acoustic Solutions AVCS Column Stereo Speakers.

Conclusion

The size of your listening space will obviously dictate the number of speakers that you can accommodate, but remember that it isn't necessarily the number of speakers which makes a system – correct positioning and matching make all the difference.

Jessica Waterson is a freelance writer specialising in consumer electronics, financial and business subjects.

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