Surround Sound Test
Test your 5.1, 7.1, and stereo surround sound systems with precision. Verify speaker placement, channel separation, and positional audio accuracy.
How to Test
Select your surround sound system type below, then click individual speakers to test each channel or use automated testing sequences.
Automated Testing
Test Frequency
Test Duration
Surround Sound Setup Guide
5.1 Surround Setup
The most common home theater configuration with 6 channels:
- Front Left/Right: 22-30° from center
- Center: Directly in front, at ear level
- Rear Left/Right: 90-110° from center
- Subwoofer: Flexible placement, often corner
7.1 Surround Setup
Enhanced surround with 8 channels for better immersion:
- Front Speakers: Same as 5.1 setup
- Side Speakers: 90° from listening position
- Rear Speakers: 135-150° from center
- More precise positioning for better soundstage
Stereo Setup
Traditional 2-channel setup with excellent imaging:
- Speaker Angle: 60° triangle with listener
- Distance: Equal from listening position
- Height: Tweeters at ear level
- Toe-in: Slight angle toward listener
General Setup Tips
Distance and Angles
- Maintain equal distance from listening position when possible
- Use proper angles for optimal surround effect
- Ensure speakers are at ear level or slightly angled
- Account for room acoustics and furniture placement
Calibration and Testing
- Test each channel individually first
- Use sequential tests to verify correct positioning
- Adjust levels for balanced sound across all channels
- Fine-tune based on your listening preferences
More Audio Testing Tools
Understanding Surround Sound Systems
Surround sound creates an immersive audio experience by placing speakers around the listening area, allowing sound to come from multiple directions.
What Good Surround Sound Should Deliver
- Precise Localization: You should be able to identify exactly where sounds are coming from
- Seamless Panning: Sounds should move smoothly between speakers
- Balanced Levels: All speakers should produce similar volume levels
- Clear Separation: Each channel should be distinct without bleed
- Immersive Experience: Feel surrounded by the audio environment
Testing Your System
- Individual Channel Test: Click each speaker to verify it's working and properly positioned
- Sequential Test: Automated test that plays each channel in order
- Circular Test: Sound moves in a circle around you for positioning verification
- All Channels: Test all speakers simultaneously for level matching
Testing Checklist
Pro Tip
Use the circular test to quickly identify any speakers that are incorrectly positioned or have phase issues. The sound should move smoothly around you without gaps or jumps.
Common Surround Sound Issues
Setup Problems
Incorrect Speaker Wiring
Speakers connected to wrong channels or with reversed polarity.
Solution: Check all cable connections and verify channel mappingUnbalanced Levels
Some speakers much louder or quieter than others.
Solution: Use receiver's channel level adjustment or re-position speakersPoor Speaker Placement
Speakers not positioned at correct angles or distances.
Solution: Follow manufacturer guidelines and use measurement toolsAudio Issues
Phase Problems
Sound appears to come from wrong directions or lacks bass.
Solution: Check speaker polarity and distance settingsMissing Channels
Some surround channels not producing any sound.
Solution: Verify source material supports surround and check receiver settingsRoom Acoustics
Reflections and standing waves affecting sound quality.
Solution: Add acoustic treatment or adjust speaker positioningTroubleshooting Steps
Basic Checks:
- Test each speaker individually using our tool
- Verify all cables are securely connected
- Check receiver/amplifier channel settings
- Ensure correct audio input source
- Verify speaker impedance matches receiver
Advanced Calibration:
- Use receiver's auto-calibration if available
- Manually adjust channel levels and delays
- Set appropriate crossover frequencies
- Fine-tune subwoofer integration
- Test with various content types
Home Theater Optimization
Getting the best performance from your surround sound system requires attention to both technical setup and room acoustics.
Speaker Positioning
5.1 System Positioning
- Front L/R: 22-30° from center, same distance from listener
- Center: Above or below screen, angled toward listener
- Surround L/R: 90-110° from center, slightly behind listener
- Subwoofer: Corner placement often works best
7.1 System Positioning
- Side Surrounds: 90° from listener at ear level
- Rear Surrounds: 135-150° from center
- Better imaging: More precise localization than 5.1
- Room considerations: Requires larger space for optimal setup
Acoustic Considerations
Room Treatment
- First Reflections: Treat side wall reflection points
- Rear Wall: Diffusion or absorption behind listening position
- Ceiling: Consider treatment if very reflective
- Floor: Carpeting helps reduce reflections
Furniture and Layout
- Listening Position: Avoid placing against back wall
- Symmetry: Try to maintain symmetrical speaker placement
- Obstacles: Minimize objects between speakers and listener
- Multiple Seats: Consider compromise positioning for multiple listeners
Calibration and Fine-Tuning
Level Calibration
- Use SPL meter or receiver's auto-calibration
- Set all speakers to same reference level (typically 75dB)
- Adjust subwoofer level for smooth integration
- Account for listening preferences and room characteristics
Distance and Delay
- Measure actual distances from each speaker to listening position
- Set appropriate delays to time-align all channels
- Account for different speaker types and response times
- Fine-tune based on listening tests with familiar content