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Avid Contributor I
September 4, 2017
Question

how to positioning play1 for better surround effects?

  • September 4, 2017
  • 13 replies
  • 27715 views
Hi .
I've playbar and 2 play1 for 5.0 system connected to tv.
How I have to positioning play1 for a better surround effects?
height, inclination, distance etc..
my sofa is practically stuck to the wall

thanks
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    13 replies

    RO53BEN
    Enthusiast II
    September 4, 2017
    Dolby Digital 5.1 incorporate 3 x front channels and 2 x surround channels. They are not, as many people often get wrong "rear speakers".

    The surround speakers fill the room with audio and allow sounds to be virtually positioned between the screen and the listener.

    Ideally, a surround speaker will be positioned at ear height either side of the listener. In the case of multiple listeners, the head of one listener may block the sound for the other - so it may help to raise the speakers slightly. If there is a suitable wall at each end of the sofa, you could wall mount - but you should go no higher than 5 feet off the ground.

    If you sofa really is right at the back of the room, you could use the rear wall for mounting, but you should angle the speakers inwards towards the listener's heads - they should not face the TV.
    I am no longer active on these forums, DM me if you have a question, I'd be happy to help.
    fierafAuthor
    Avid Contributor I
    September 4, 2017
    ok
    many thanks
    Virtuoso
    September 4, 2017
    How do you find the system without the Subwoofer?.
    RO53BEN
    Enthusiast II
    September 4, 2017
    How do you find the system without the Subwoofer?.

    Depending on placement of the PLAYBAR, the sub isn't essential. Arguably, the SUB is a waste of money as if you're going to spend £2000 on a 5.1 set-up then you'd be better off with a full function AV system. For just a basic soundbar/music set-up though, it's a fairly good option.

    The SUB will be more benefit when listening to music than watching the TV.
    I am no longer active on these forums, DM me if you have a question, I'd be happy to help.
    Airgetlam
    September 4, 2017
    I used a PLAYBAR for a couple of years before getting a SUB. I found it to be outstanding. Good bass, surprising for its size.

    And I disagree with RO53BEN, I find the addition of the SUB to be sublime when watching movies. But I suspect that may have to do more with the kind of music that is listened to. The SUB is a great product, but can be a delayed purchase.
    Bruce
    RO53BEN
    Enthusiast II
    September 4, 2017
    I used a PLAYBAR for a couple of years before getting a SUB. I found it to be outstanding. Good bass, surprising for its size.

    And I disagree with RO53BEN, I find the addition of the SUB to be sublime when watching movies. But I suspect that may have to do more with the kind of music that is listened to. The SUB is a great product, but can be a delayed purchase.


    Not denying the benefits of the sub, I just think it turns Sonos into an overpriced home cinema system - the money would be better spent elsewhere.
    I am no longer active on these forums, DM me if you have a question, I'd be happy to help.
    Collaborator II
    September 5, 2017
    Ideally, a surround speaker will be positioned at ear height either side of the listener. In the case of multiple listeners, the head of one listener may block the sound for the other - so it may help to raise the speakers slightly. If there is a suitable wall at each end of the sofa, you could wall mount - but you should go no higher than 5 feet off the ground.
    Actually, Dolby says above ear height and firing forward, and it's always been pretty unequivocal on this matter: https://www.dolby.com/us/en/guide/surround-sound-speaker-setup/5-1-setup.html

    Placing them above ear height gives you more ambient sound and makes them harder to localize, just like they are in real life. You only want your surround and/or back speakers at ear height if you have a 5.1.2, 5.1.4, 7.1.2, or 7.1.4 setup for Atmos, in which case the height channels in your ceiling take over the ambience/diffuse sound.

    You can get really more nitpicky about exactly placement, which is fun to do if you have a traditional AVR to play with, but honestly in a Sonos system it's just not going to matter unless you have the room acoustically treated.
    RO53BEN
    Enthusiast II
    September 5, 2017
    Actually, Dolby says above ear height, and it's always been pretty unequivocal on this matter: https://www.dolby.com/us/en/guide/surround-sound-speaker-setup/5-1-setup.html

    Placing them above ear height gives you more ambient sound and makes them harder to localize, just like they are in real life. You only want your surround and/or back speakers at ear height if you have a 5.1.2, 5.1.4, 7.1.2, or 7.1.4 setup for Atmos, in which case the height channels in your ceiling take over the ambience/diffuse sound.

    You can get really more nitpicky about exactly placement, which is fun to do if you have a traditional AVR to play with, but honestly in a Sonos system it's just not going to matter unless you have the room acoustically treated.


    You've just linked to a page that confirms exactly what I said :D

    In the section "How to setup your system" they open with:

    To create an optimal sound system, familiarize yourself with the role and position of each speaker. Choose a central seating point and angle your speakers at it, keeping them at your ear height when you are seated, unless noted otherwise.
    I am no longer active on these forums, DM me if you have a question, I'd be happy to help.
    Collaborator II
    September 6, 2017
    In the section "How to setup your system" they open with:

    To create an optimal sound system, familiarize yourself with the role and position of each speaker. Choose a central seating point and angle your speakers at it, keeping them at your ear height when you are seated, unless noted otherwise.


    And then they do note otherwise: (click on the surround speakers)
    Left and Right Surround Speakers

    Surround Speakers create a lifelike sense of spaciousness, providing ambient sound within movies. Place the speakers to the sides of the seating area, ideally just above ear height.


    🙂
    RO53BEN
    Enthusiast II
    September 6, 2017


    And then they do note otherwise: (click on the surround speakers)

    Left and Right Surround Speakers

    Surround Speakers create a lifelike sense of spaciousness, providing ambient sound within movies. Place the speakers to the sides of the seating area, ideally just above ear height.


    So just like I said then? :8
    I am no longer active on these forums, DM me if you have a question, I'd be happy to help.