21
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
Optimally, the speakers should be placed in a circle with the listening
position at its center. The speakers should be angled so that they
directly face the listening position.
Front Speaker Placement
The center speaker is placed either on top of, below or mounted on
the wall above or below the video display screen.
The front left and right speakers are placed along the circle, about
30 degrees from the center speaker and angled toward the listener.
Place the front left/right and center speakers at the same height,
preferably at about the same height as the listener’s ears. The
center speaker should be no more than 2 feet above or below
the left/right speakers. If you’re using only two speakers with the
AVR 7550HD, place them in the front left and right positions.
Placement of the surround speakers depends on the number of
speakers in your system.
Figure 15 – Speaker Placement (5.1- or 5.2-Channel System)
Placement of Surround Speakers in a
5.1- or 5.2-Channel System
The side surround speakers should be placed 110 degrees from
the center speaker, slightly behind and angled toward the listener.
Alternatively, place them behind the listener, with each surround
speaker facing the opposite-side front speaker. See Figure 15.
The surround speakers may be placed a little higher than the
listener’s ears.
Placement of Surround Speakers in a
7.1- or 7.2-Channel System
In a 7.1- or 7.2-channel system, the side surround speakers are
placed 90 degrees from the center speaker, directly to either side of
the listening position. The surround back left and right speakers are
placed 150 degrees from the center speaker, or directly facing the
opposite-side front speaker. See Figure 16.
Figure 16 – Speaker Placement (7.1- or 7.2-Channel System)
NOTE:
Some speaker manufacturers offer 6.1-channel
speaker systems, for 6.1-channel surround sound formats,
such as Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES Discrete and Matrix modes
and DTS Neo:6 mode. Using the AVR 7550HD in a 6.1-channel
configuration is not recommended. The 6.1-channel formats
will sound better when played through a 7.1-channel system.
The same surround back channel information is played
through both surround back speakers, but with twice the
power and clarity.
To use the AVR 7550HD with a 6.1-channel speaker system,
place the single surround back speaker directly behind the
listener, but do not connect it until after you have run the
EzSet/EQ II procedure for a 5.1-channel system. After the
EzSet/EQ II process finishes, connect the surround back
speaker to the Surround Back Left Speaker Output. Then
follow the directions in the Advanced Features section for
manual setup of the surround back speaker.
Subwoofer Placement
Placement of the subwoofers is less critical, since low-frequency
sounds are omnidirectional. Placing each subwoofer close to a wall
or in a corner will reinforce the low frequencies, and may create
a “boomy” sound. Temporarily place one subwoofer where the
listener normally sits, then walk around the room until the low
frequencies sound best. Place the subwoofer in that spot. To place
the optional second subwoofer, you may continue this method for
finding a second optimal location, or place each subwoofer near
the front left and right speakers, as shown in the diagrams.
NOTE:
Your receiver will sound its best when the same
model or brand loudspeaker is used for all positions.
C
90°
150°
90°
150°
30°
30°
SBR
SBL
FR
FL
SL
SR
Green
Purple
Purple
Red
Gray
Tan
Brown
Blue
White
SUB 1
SUB 2
C
Alternate placement
for Side Surround
Left Speaker
(Blue)
Alternate placement
for Side Surround
Right Speaker
(Gray)
110°
150°
110°
150°
30°
30°
SUB 1
FR
FL
SL
SR
Green
Purple
SUB 2
Purple (Optional)
Red
Gray
Blue
White
AVR 7550HD OM.qxd 2/25/09 11:52 AM Page 21
