This diagram details how to pre-wire a Home Theatre 5.1 Surround sound using recessed speakers. In this case we recommend MTX Audio from the USA for speakers. Using Digital Life® TRADE MADE XT2 double insulated 2 core oxygen Free 16AWG speaker cable. This diagram is on the assumption you have purchased a separate Home Theatre AV receiver (AVR) with integrated amplifier, common from most Hi-FI electronic shops. Brand names excluded, most AVR's will have 5.1 if not 6.1, 7.1 or larger right up to 9.2 - The .1 or .2 denotes how many subwoofers you have, the 5 or 6, 7 etc denotes how many speakers you have the ability to connect, without counting your subwoofers. You will always have front left and right, and rear left and right and a center speaker. If stepping up to 7.1 etc you have extra speakers on the sides between front and rear.
The most important thing to consider for your Home Theatre, is the listener/viewer seating position. Ultimately you want the sound to meet your ears at the same time. All speakers should be positioned as such. If you're sitting down, then position the speakers at ear level or just above. Many homes choose to go for recessed in-ceiling speakers due to restraints in budget or aesthetics. Remember most recessed speakers can be painted to match your decour. This includes the grills. If choosing recessed in-ceiling speakers try to purchase angled speakers whereby the speaker although recessed, can be positioned for the sound to travel towards the listener. If angled speakers can't be purchased many installers will point the tweeter at the listener position. This is not ideal, however it can provide the higher frequencies the ability to be directed towards the listener. It's better than pointing it directly at the floor with no benefit acoustically.
All speakers have a positive and negative (red/black). In the diagram we show the cable's running all back to one point. In this case run some XT2 speaker cable to each speaker back the central point whereby the AVR is located. Here we can terminate on a wall plate using speaker binding posts. From there we can use small lengths of speaker cable to connect to the AVR speaker connections. For the subwoofer your AVR will have sub out, a single RCA connector or if a 7.2 AVR, it will have 2 sub outs. From here, as we are using a recessed subwoofer you need to connect to a separate power amplifier to power the subwoofer. Run Digital Life® TRADE MADE Serial Digital Cable (DLSDI) from the AVR to your power amplifier terminated using RCA connections (see video here). We then run some XT2 speaker cable from the power amplifier to the subwoofer. If you're not using a recessed subwoofer i.e a standalone with it's own amplifier built in, you would just run some DLSDI from your AVR to the subwoofer. In this case you could run it into the wall and terminate it using an RCA connection.
Remember all Home Theatres sound best with soft furnishings. Limit your windows, concrete tiled floors and openings as best you can. For more information contact one of our stockist's who can put you in touch with us to discuss your requirements.
