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MikeE67
Chromatic Producer I
February 13, 2022
Answered

Surround speaker query

Hi.

I have a Sonus Arc soundbar and Sonus Sub (Gen 3) and I was wondering if buying SL surround speakers would be worth it?

In general, I find that most TV channels seem to be broadcast in stereo in either Dolby Digital 2.0 or Stereo PCM.

What actually happens to the sound from a stereo broadcast regarding the surround speakers?

Does the sound just get directed to the surround speakers anyway (even though it's not Dolby Digital 5.1) or are the surround speakers disabled and only in use with DD 5.1 sources?

I would imagine that when playing music the surrounds are just used as additional speakers?

I am new to the concept of surround sound so I would appreciate some advice!

Cheers 🍻 

 

 

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ratty
rattyAnswer
February 13, 2022

If the source signal is 2-channel then the surrounds are sent a synthesised ambient sound derived therefrom. They wouldn’t normally be totally silent unless the content is, say, a news channel.

In the case of music (not TV) you have the option of the surrounds producing ambient sound or reproducing the full stereo signal. 

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19 replies

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Airgetlam
Airgetlam
February 16, 2022

Yes, that is correct. :)

Bruce
    jgatie
    jgatie
    February 16, 2022

    I have had a few days to assess my surround speakers and I have to agree with you that I don't regret adding them to my system!

     

    Just to clarify that I now have a Dolby Digital 5.1 system with the 3 channels on the Arc (left, right and centre) and the 2 surround speakers making 5 and the Sub is the bass i.e. the 5.1 ?

     

     

     

    You actually have L/C/R  SL/SR  Sub, plus Left Upfiring Atmos and Right Upfiring Atmos, which is 5.2.1.

     

      melvimbe
      melvimbe
      February 16, 2022

      I have had a few days to assess my surround speakers and I have to agree with you that I don't regret adding them to my system!

       

      Just to clarify that I now have a Dolby Digital 5.1 system with the 3 channels on the Arc (left, right and centre) and the 2 surround speakers making 5 and the Sub is the bass i.e. the 5.1 ?

       

       

       

      You actually have L/C/R  SL/SR  Sub, plus Left Upfiring Atmos and Right Upfiring Atmos, which is 5.2.1.

       

      I thought it was 5.1.2?  No?  speakers.subs.atmos channels.

      Danny
        jgatie
        jgatie
        February 16, 2022

        I thought it was 5.1.2?  No?  speakers.subs.atmos channels.

         

        ToMAYto, ToMAHto. :grin:

          Airgetlam
          Airgetlam
          February 16, 2022

          First, I laughed, then curiosity hit me. According to this website:

          The format is "x.y.z" where:

          1. "x" is the number of channels or speakers at or near ear level,
          2. "y" is the number of channels or speakers dedicated to low bass reproduction
          3. "z" is the number of overhead channels or speakers.

          If a system does not have any dedicated height channels, then the last digit is left off.  

           

          Much more on that link, though...


           

           

          Bruce
            MikeE67Author
            Chromatic Producer I
            February 16, 2022

            Hi.

            I don't know if it is a 5.1 or a 5.1.2 system but I do know that my system sounds awesome especially Dolby Atmos which I can say that I can really hear directional sound now.

            If anyone reading this has doubts about getting surround speakers I would say definitely go for it, I know it's extra cost but it really is worth it.

              MikeE67Author
              Chromatic Producer I
              February 17, 2022

              I know it's down to personal taste but, generally speaking, what height should my One SL surround speakers be set at?

              Below ear level, at ear level or above ear level?

              I have bought 2 adjustable height speaker stands and I currently have them at ear level.

              Also I have placed my surround speakers approximately the same distance away as my Arc and Sub.

              Is this ok?

               

              Cheers 🍻 

              jgatie
              jgatie
              February 17, 2022

              Ear level whenever possible.  Mine are at ear level when sitting up, slightly above in full recline.   Distance away from Arc is less important than getting them behind and to the side of the main viewing area. 

                MikeE67Author
                Chromatic Producer I
                February 17, 2022

                Ear level whenever possible.  Mine are at ear level when sitting up, slightly above in full recline.   Distance away from Arc is less important than getting them behind and to the side of the main viewing area. 

                Thanks. I will leave the surround speakers as they are then at ear level.

                My surround speakers are set behind me and to visualise say if I am facing my TV (and Arc) at 12 o'clock then my left hand SL speaker is at 7 o'clock and my right hand SL is at 5 o'clock 

                 

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