Surround sound systems have become an integral part of home entertainment, offering an immersive audio experience for movies, music, and gaming. When setting up a surround sound system, one common question that arises is whether you can use floor standing speakers as part of the configuration. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the possibilities and considerations of using floor standing speakers for surround sound.
1. The Basics of Surround Sound:
Surround sound systems are designed to create a three-dimensional audio experience, enveloping the listener in sound from all directions. The most common configurations are 5.1 and 7.1 systems, where the numbers indicate the main speakers and subwoofers used in the setup:
- 5.1 System: Consists of a center channel speaker, two front speakers, two rear (surround) speakers, and a subwoofer.
- 7.1 System: Expands upon the 5.1 system with the addition of two more rear (surround) speakers.
2. Floor Standing Speakers as Front Speakers:
Floor standing speakers are typically well-suited for use as front speakers in a surround sound system. These speakers are known for their full-range sound, capable of reproducing a wide spectrum of frequencies, including deep bass and clear midrange and treble. Placing floor standing speakers as front left and right speakers can provide a robust and powerful front soundstage.
3. Role of Surround Speakers:
Surround speakers in a surround sound system play a specific role in reproducing ambient and directional audio. They are responsible for creating the sense of space and immersion in the sound experience. These speakers are usually placed behind or to the sides of the listener.
4. Using Floor Standing Speakers as Surround Speakers:
While floor standing speakers are not the conventional choice for surround speakers, they can be used in this role, depending on your preferences and the characteristics of the specific floor standers. Here are some factors to consider when using floor standing speakers as surround speakers:
Room Size: In larger rooms, floor standing speakers used as surround speakers can provide a more encompassing sound due to their size and power. In smaller rooms, the size of floor standing surround speakers may dominate the space and be overwhelming.
Speaker Characteristics: The specific characteristics of the floor standing speakers matter. Consider factors like dispersion, directionality, and timbre matching with your front speakers to ensure a seamless soundstage.
Timbre Matching: Timbre matching is the ability of all speakers in the system to produce a consistent tonal quality. It’s essential for a cohesive and immersive surround sound experience. If your floor standing speakers are from the same manufacturer and series as your front speakers, they are more likely to have better timbre matching.
Mounting Options: While floor standing speakers are designed to be placed on the floor, you can also consider mounting them on stands or brackets for surround sound use. This can provide better dispersion and positioning flexibility.
Subwoofers: Subwoofers play a critical role in a surround sound system by handling deep bass frequencies. Ensure that your setup includes a subwoofer for the low-frequency effects in movies and music, regardless of whether you use floor standing speakers or dedicated surround speakers.
5. System Integration:
Integrating floor standing speakers into a surround sound system may require adjustments to your AV receiver’s settings. You’ll need to configure the system to ensure that the floor standing speakers work harmoniously with the rest of the speakers in the setup.
6. Consider Room Acoustics:
The acoustics of your listening room also play a significant role in the performance of floor standing speakers as surround speakers. Room treatment and proper placement can help optimize the sound and ensure that the surround speakers contribute to a balanced and immersive experience.
In Conclusion:
While floor standing speakers are commonly used as front speakers in a surround sound system, they can be employed as surround speakers with careful consideration of room size, speaker characteristics, and timbre matching. Using floor standing speakers for surrounds can deliver a powerful and enveloping audio experience, particularly in larger rooms. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the configuration is well-integrated and the room acoustics are optimized for the best results. Ultimately, the choice of using floor standing speakers for surround sound depends on your specific preferences and the characteristics of your audio system.
