Home theater – installation and setup

If you have purchased a surround set and would now like to setit up, we will be happy to help you. Let's get started:

1. Speaker placement

You can find detailed information in our guide: Setting up speakers: the big guide

Here is the most important information:

• It's best to start with the stereo triangle. That way, you sit in the middle of the so-called "sweet spot".
• Keep the rear speakers as symmetrical as possible. Ideally, the rear speakers in the 5.1 system should be positioned equidistant to the side of the listening area. There should be a minimum distance of one meter between the listener and the satellites.
• If you use dipole speakers in your surround systems, it is best to position them to the right and left of the listening position at a height of 1.40 to 2.10 meters. You can find more information on this under  Optimal dipole placement
• In a 7.1 system, the additional satellite speakers are positioned behind the listening position. A height of 1.40 to 2.10 meters is also suitable here.
• You can choose the location of the subwoofer relatively freely, as the human ear has difficulty identifying the location of bass sounds. Ideally, it should be positioned between the two front speakers.
• With Dolby Atmos (e.g. 5.1.2 system), the positioning is slightly different. It's best to check here: Dolby Atmos for a 3D sound experience

2. Connect the speaker cables.

You can find detailed information in our guide: Connecting speaker cables: What matters.

Here is the most important information:

• A cable runs from each speaker to the receiver or amplifier. Make sure that the speaker cables are placed in such a way that they do not interfere and do not become a tripping hazard.
• Unscrew the screw caps on the receiver output until a gap is created. Place a stripped cable end into each and screw the terminal caps back down.
• When connecting, make sure that the wire ends are stripped and that no wires are sticking out.
• It helps to mark the cables so that you select the correct connection on the receiver.
• Take care not to reverse the polarity of the speaker cables. The wire that is connected to the positive pole of the speaker must also run to the positive pole of the receiver.

Tips & tricks in the video tutorial on YouTube

3. Connect the subwoofer

You can find detailed information in our guide: How to set up the subwoofer correctly

Here is the most important information:

• Subwoofers are connected separately via an RCA cable (mono) (to "Sub out").
• You can improve the bass quality by positioning the subwoofer correctly.
• The ideal position is between the center and front right/left.
• Positions close to the wall and in the corners of the room are not suitable.
• To get the most out of the subwoofer, it is advisable to try out different positions.

Tips & tricks in the video tutorial on YouTube

Even more information on setting up and adjusting subwoofers

• Setting up a subwoofer: Tips for the perfect position
• How can I decouple my subwoofer to avoid resonances in the floor?
• Two subwoofers: advantages and how to connect
• How to stop your subwoofer humming

4. Calibration

Here is the most important information:

• A home cinema system can only sound as good as the room acoustics allow. Calibration is carried out either via the amplifier. Calibration systems allow the amplifier settings to be optimally matched to the room conditions.
• For an optimal measurement result, set the active subwoofer to 50% of the maximum volume on the device itself (not on the receiver) BEFORE calibrating.
• You can then optimize or fine-tune the sound. This information will help you do this:
  • Crossover frequency: How do I set the crossover frequency optimally?
  • Room acoustics: Improving room acoustics: How to get rid of reverberation and also exciting: Sound waves and their influence on the sound