From the stereo triangle to home cinema

The sound quality of a stereo system depends, firstly, on the quality of the speakers and, secondly, on the use made of them and, therefore, on their placement in a given space. Their correct placement can make the difference between an average listening experience and an exceptional one.

For this reason, the experts at Teufel, a Berlin sound company with more than 40 years of experience, have prepared a guide with practical tips and considerations for the optimal speaker placement in different configurations, from basic stereo systems to advanced home theater systems with Dolby Atmos technology.

“Proper speaker placement is essential to getting the most out of any sound system. By adapting to the dimensions and acoustic characteristics of each home, you can create an immersive and captivating listening experience to enjoy your favorite movies, music and games like never before,” say the specialists.

THE BASIC SYSTEM: STEREO TRIANGLE

In a basic stereo system, where there are only two main speakers, it is essential create a “stereo triangle”” between the speakers and the listening area. This applies to all multi-channel configurations with front speakers.

This consists of the two main direct speakers and the listener position forming an equilateral or isosceles triangle, with the speakers tilted slightly inward at about 60 degrees. The area where the lines of sight between the speakers overlap is known as the “sweet spot”, where you get the best sound quality.

This type of sound system can be fitted with a subwoofer, an element that is independent of the speaker configuration chosen, since the low frequencies it emits are only slightly picked up by our ears. In any case, it must be ensured that the bass spreads through the room properlyTherefore, it is very important that the device is not covered by cabinets or other furniture.

“When sounds bounce repeatedly they can become distorted, creating what are called ‘room modes’, which negatively affect hearing quality. For this reason it is advisable to place our subwoofer centered or in a slightly offset position between the main speakers and enjoy clearer, more balanced sound.

HOME CINEMA SETUP

In a 5.1 home theater system consisting of six speakers (two front, one center, two rear and one subwoofer)specific guidelines must be followed to ensure an optimal surround sound experience: the front speakers, which play the music and sound effects, should be placed at the same distance, creating a triangle with the listening point. Ideally, one should be placed on each side of the screen, to further enhance the listening experience, whether with a 5.1 or 7.1 system.

As for the centre speaker, it would be best to place it at the bottom of the screen, for accurate dialogue reproduction. Bass comes from the subwoofer and the rear speakers are positioned behind the listening area to create an immersive surround effect.

To complete the cinema sound experience in your living room, there are rear speakers called dipoles, which have a screw integrated into the base to hold the wall bracket, making them much more practical and convenient when installing them.

“You can rotate them at a 45-degree angle, so that one side emits sound towards the back wall and the other towards the side wall, always with at least 10 centimeters of distance between them, to create a perfect surround sound effect“The distance between the rear speakers and the listening position should be at least one metre,” the Teufel experts explain.

THE PERFECT SYSTEM FOR LARGE ROOMS

For their part, the specialists They recommend more advanced systems, such as 7.1, for rooms larger than 30m2. In these cases, the placement of the devices becomes even more crucial, as they bring with them additional speakers for greater immersion. In addition to the front, centre and rear speakers, two additional speakers are incorporated behind the listening area for an even more immersive sound experience.

Ideally, dipoles should be mounted to one side of the listening position, at a height of 1.40 to 2.10 metres, so that they radiate sound forwards and backwards, never directly towards the listening position. Care should be taken to ensure that the alignment and distance of these speakers to achieve sound symmetry.

Teufel recommends some of its rear speakers, such as its EFFEKT 2 speakers, for the side wall next to the listener’s seat, which would follow the same detailed placement instructions. There is also the possibility of configuring the sound system with four direct-firing speakers in the rear area, in the same arrangement mentioned above.

DOLBY ATMOS: A STEP BEYOND SURROUND SOUND

He sistema Dolby Atmos introduces a vertical dimension to surround soundusing overhead speakers to create a three-dimensional listening experience. In a Dolby Atmos, overhead speakers are ideally installed above the front speakers to deliver sound that moves both horizontally and vertically around the listener.

In this system the number of speakers required to achieve Atmos sound varies from 8 to 32 devices, which can be flexibly controlled. It is important to note that 32 devices are required at least two top speakers, although four would be ideal. You can get the full Dolby Atmos sound experience through speakers like the Teufel Reflekt, which incorporate this technology into a cinema system and expand its capabilities by adding 3D sound that also comes from above.