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Surround speaker query

  • 13 February 2022
  • 19 replies
  • 212 views
M
Userlevel 3
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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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Best answer by ratty 13 February 2022, 15:45

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19 replies

ratty

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. 

M
Userlevel 3
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Thank you. I will go ahead with the purchase of my new speakers.

I suspect that Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks usually come from DVD or blu ray players.

M
Userlevel 3
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Also I can (sort of) hear the advantages of Dolby Atmos when playing songs on Amazon Music Unlimited or watching UHD movies on Sky Q so I can only assume that Dolby Atmos will sound even better with surround speakers?

I have also gone ahead and ordered a pair of SL speaker stands to complete my home theatre system.

G
Userlevel 7

@MikeE67 5.1 audio is commonly used on DVDs, Blu-rays, and all of the major streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, and Apple TV+.

Adding surround speakers will make a pretty dramatic difference when listening to 5.1 and Dolby Atmos audio. It will give you a much more immersive home theater and music listening experience. You will not regret adding them to your setup.

"Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
M
Userlevel 3
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GuitarSuperstar- thanks.

I am a member of Which? and I read that the SL surround speakers are a bit of a hassle to set up on the app.

I found it a breeze to set up my Arc and Sub so was a bit disappointed to hear this but I will persevere!

Airgetlam

Sonos surround speaker are no more difficult to set up than any other speaker. 

Bruce
G
Userlevel 7

GuitarSuperstar- thanks.

I am a member of Which? and I read that the SL surround speakers are a bit of a hassle to set up on the app.

I found it a breeze to set up my Arc and Sub so was a bit disappointed to hear this but I will persevere!

Adding surrounds to the Arc is a simple process. Just follow these instructions:

https://support.sonos.com/s/article/2927?language=en_US

"Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
M
Userlevel 3
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Thanks to you both for your feedback!

 

I guess I have nothing to worry about then.

 

I was going by this:

 

 

 

jgatie

I set up an Arc, Sub and two SL surrounds back in December.  It was 1/2 hour from unboxing to fully set up, and that included drilling for and mounting two shelves.  Adding the surrounds took 30 seconds, tops.

M
Userlevel 3
Badge +5

@MikeE67 5.1 audio is commonly used on DVDs, Blu-rays, and all of the major streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, and Apple TV+.

Adding surround speakers will make a pretty dramatic difference when listening to 5.1 and Dolby Atmos audio. It will give you a much more immersive home theater and music listening experience. You will not regret adding them to your setup.

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 ?

 

 

Airgetlam

Yes, that is correct. :)

Bruce
jgatie

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

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

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

 

ToMAYto, ToMAHto. :grin:

Airgetlam

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
M
Userlevel 3
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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.

M
Userlevel 3
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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

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. 

M
Userlevel 3
Badge +5

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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