Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound Amplifier

4 product ratings - Sony STR-DA333ES AM/FM Stereo Receiver Dolby Digital DTS 5.1 Surround Amplifier. Free Shipping. 6 pre-owned from $89.99. Pyle 5.1 Channel Amplifier Speaker System - 300W Bluetooth Wireless Surround Sou. 2 product ratings - Harmon Kardon AVR 65 5.1 Surround Sound 425Watt Home Theatre Amplifier/Receiver. 5.1 surround sound ('five-point one') is the common name for six channel surround sound audio systems. 5.1 is the most commonly used layout in home theatre. [citation needed] It uses five full bandwidth channels and one low-frequency effects channel (the 'point one'). How To Bi Amp Speaker Wire Connections Top Surround Sound Tips. Consider all the previous tips when wiring a 7.1 or 5.1 home theater setup, but remember that these systems are a bit more complicated than the usual fare. In order to reproduce frequencies within designated ranges, surround sound components usually feature specialized characteristics.

In this article, the working and basics of multi-channel surround sound system is explained along with images. The different types of sound systems available and other common sound formats are also explained in detail.

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Multi-channel Audio

Multi-channel audio systems are widely used in modern sound devices. The term “multi-channel audio” means that, the audio system can be capable of handling multiple audio channels (usually called audio tracks) to rebuild the sound on a multi-speaker setup.

Usually two digits separated by a decimal (.) point (2.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, etc.) are used to classify the various kinds of speaker set-up, this number basically depending on how many audio tracks are used. Some audio systems only have a single channel (called monophonic sound or single channel audio) or two channels (stereophonic sound or 2.0 channel sound)

The first digit shows the number of primary channels (called satellite units), each of which are reproduced on a single speaker (these speakers are capable for handling the frequency range from 100Hz to 22Khz), while the second (decimal digit) refers to the presence of LFE (Low Frequency Effect), which is reproduced on a subwoofer.

Surround Sound System
Surround sound is a term used to describe a type of audio output in which the sound appears to “surround the listener” by 360 degrees – that is, the technology gives the impression that sounds are coming from all possible directions.

Surround sound is a way to provide a more realistic and engaging experience. All technical aspects aside, surround sound works because multiple audio channels are received through speakers that are positioned at various locations in the room. This is programmed into the source and the sound tracks are decoded when the source is played.

The Surround Sound Setup

The main component of a surround sound setup is a multi channel or digital coaxial/optical audio decoder. Using a DVD/HVD movie, the audio is encoded when the DVD/HVD is produced by packing multiple audio channels into a compressed format for storage. When you play the DVD movie, your DVD player or A/V receiver (commonly called a home theatre receiver) decodes the encoding scheme (i.e. Dolby Pro Logic II or DTS for example). Decoding capabilities of an A/V receiver are built in. Most A/V receivers today can decode Dolby Digital and Digital Theater Sound (DTS) (DTS channel usually a coaxial or optical audio channel. It is a single channel digital pin that multiplexed with several channel. The decoder decodes the DTS sound from single channel to multiple channels), while higher-end receivers may also include DTS-ES or THX Surround.

Multi-channel Surround Sound Systems

5.1 Surround Sound Systems

5.1 Surround sound systems are one of the widely used surround sound setup in home theater systems. Usually- Dolby Digital and DTS encoded in a DVD are 5.1 channel audio formats. 5.1 surround sound technologies produces five channels of sound in the left, right, center, left-surround and right-surround positions. These five channels are the minimum required to produce 5.1 surround sounds. The dot decimal (.1) represents the channel for LFE (low frequency effects), which is usually sent to a subwoofer. Other 5 units are capable for handling the frequency range except low frequency(Usually they are capable of handling the frequency range from 100Hz to 22Khz and no need for any other higher frequency component like tweeter). These five units are usually called satellite units. The arrangements of a 5.1 surround sound setup shown in the picture below.

5.1 surround sound

6.1 Surround Sound Systems

6.1 multichannel sound technologies is the advanced version of 5.1 surround sound technology. 6.1 technology uses the same set-up as a 5.1 system, but it has the addition of a sixth speaker that takes the rear-center surround position (or back surround position) to provide a more 3-D realistic surround sound effect. 6.1 surround sound uses extended surround sound formats, such as THX Surround EX, Dolby digital ES and DTS-ES. The 6.1 channel surround sound setup is shown in the picture.

7.1 Surround Sound Systems

7.1 channel audio systems is the modified version of 6.1 channel and also provide more realistic experience than 6.1 setup. In this system splits the single rear-center speaker into individual left- and right-rear surround. These systems are not a true discrete 7.1 channel system as 7.1 formats don’t currently exist. In a true discrete 6.1 surround system, the back center surround position is separate from the surround left (SL) and surround right (SR) positions. A 7.1 channel system uses matrixes extended surround where the left-back and right-back (rear-center surround) multichannel are blended together and stored. The structure of a 7.1 setup is given in the Picture below.

7.1 Surround Sound Systems

10.2 Surround Sound Systems

10.2 channel surround is the future surround sound technology that Developed by THX corporation, the name itself, 10.2 is an advanced version of 5.1 technology but 10.2 is twice as good as 5.1. In a 10.2 surround sound 14 channels are used. This includes five front speakers, five surround channels, two LFE and two heights, plus the addition of a second sub-woofer. This technology is considered as future TRUEHD.The Diagram of a 10.2 TrueHD setup is shown below.

So far we talked about latest sound systems and the technologies behind. Often this type of technology is found in high end sound bar home theater speakers. Now lets take a look at surround sound formats.

Common Surround Sound Formats

Dolby Surround

Dolby surround is the consumer version of Dolby analog film decoding. This technology was introduced in 1982 which is capable of handling stereo and hi-fi audio. This audio format is commonly found in VHS and stereo hi-fi systems. In this surround format, the multichannel audio multiplexed into two audio channels (left and right channels)and decoded by using Dolby pro logic decoder ,then it recreates the four channel Dolby surround experience.

Dolby Digital

Dolby digital is the standard surround sound format which provides high quality and highly realistic experience. This audio is developed by Dolby Corporation. Dolby digital audio is also known as Audio Codec-3(AC3). This audio format provides a high quality 5.1 surround experience. Normally this audio format used for the creation of DVD and Blue ray movies. Some video games and play station units are also available in this surround sound format.

Dolby Digital EX

Dolby Digital EX is the modified version of Dolby digital audio. This extended format contains an additional surround sound unit (called center surround channel) for creation of more realistic experience. Dolby digital EX needs Dolby EX decoder. This surround effect also support 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 channel playback. This audio format usually available on DVD, HVD, blue ray, play stations, DTV broadcasts, etc .

Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound Amplifier Speakers

Dolby Pro Logic IIx

Dolby Pro Logic IIx is an advanced version of Dolby Digital EX technology. By using this technology, we can expand the 5.1 channel Dolby surround system into 6.1, 7.1, 10.2 channel surround. The Dolby digital prologic usually use three modes for listening (movie, music and game modes).This surround technology provide more rich and depth surround sound effect than conventional surround sound system. This audio is normally encoded in DVD, HVD, BRD HDTV, play stations, etc.

Dolby True HD

Dolby True HD surround sound is an advanced version surround sound that provides incredible High Definition experience to the listener. This surround sound format is also known as next generation surround sound format. Dolby True HD format only support HD based media and this technology provides 100% lossless audio encoding, bit rate up to 18Mbps and support 8.1 or higher channel with 24 bit/96Khz audio. This format also supports HDMI. Normally BRD and HVD are used for encoding this true surround.

DTS

DTS is another digital surround format developed by DTS Corporation. It is a Multichannel digital surround format widely used in both consumer and commercial applications. The DTS audio system must have a DTS decoder and optical/coaxial digital decoder for decoding this surround. DTS is normally available in a single channel multiplexed format (2.1 to 11.1 channel surround sounds can be multiplexed into a single optical digital or coaxial output format).DTS format is also available on DVD,HVD and BRD’s.

DTS-ES

DTS-ES (digital theater sound –Extended Surround) is an advanced version of normal DTS. This surround system is usually available in 6.1 or higher channels. This provides us with more true digital experience than conventional DTS system. This unit also requires an additional DTS-ES decoder for the creation of a back-surround effect. The system is compatible with all current extended surround formats and an auxiliary surround channel is also provided for other applications.

TruSurround-XT

TruSurround XT is the next generation of SRS TruSurround. The main advantage of this surround system is that it’s capable of handling 2.1 channel surround to 10.2 channel surround (support head phone media too).Audio is encoded in multiplexed format. and require DTS true surround decoder. This audio usually encoded in BRD’s and HVD’s

One home theater question that is asked often is if a 5.1 or 7.1 channel home theater receiver is better.

It turns out that both options have advantages and disadvantages, depending on what source components you are using, how many speakers you want to use, and what your personal preferences are in terms of setup flexibility.

5.1 Channel Basics

5.1 channel home theater receivers have been the standard for two decades. They provide a perfectly good listening experience, especially in small to average-sized rooms. In terms of channel/speaker setup, a typical 5.1 channel receiver provides:

A Center Channel to provide an anchor stage for dialog or music vocal.
Left and Right Front channels to provide the main soundtrack information, or for stereo music reproduction.
Left and Right surround channels for side and front to rear motion effects from movie soundtracks and ambient sounds from music recordings.
The Subwoofer channel, which provides the extreme low-frequency effects, such as explosions or bass response in music performances.

7.1 Channel Basics

When trying to decide if a 5.1 or 7.1 channel home theater receiver is right for you, there are several practical features of a 7.1 channel receiver that could be of benefit that you may not have considered.

More Channels: A 7.1 channel system incorporates all the elements of a 5.1 channel system, but instead of combining both surround and rear channel effects into two channels, a 7.1 system splits the surround and rear channel information into four channels. In other words, side sound effects and ambiance are directed to the left and right surround channels, and the rear sound effects and ambiance are directed to two additional rear or back channels. In this setup, the surround speakers are set to the side of the listening position and the rear or back channels are placed behind the listener.

For a visual look at the difference between a 5.1 channel speaker layout and 7.1 channel speakers layout, check out an excellent diagram provided by Dolby Labs.

The 7.1 channel listening environment can add more depth the surround sound experience, provide more a specific, directed, and spread-out sound-field, especially for larger rooms.

Surround Sound Flexibility: Although most DVDs and Blu-ray Discs contain 5.1 soundtracks (as well as some that contain 6.1 channel soundtracks), there are an increasing amount of Blu-ray soundtracks that contain 7.1 channel information, whether it be 7.1 channel uncompressed PCM, Dolby TrueHD, or DTS-HD Master Audio.

If you have a 7.1 channel receiver with audio input and processing capability via HDMI connections (not pass-through only connections), you can take advantage of some, or all those surround sound audio options. Check the specifications, or user manual, for each 7.1 channel receiver you may be considering for more specifics on its HDMI audio capabilities.

Surround Sound Expansion: Even with playback of standard DVDs, if your DVD soundtrack only contains Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 or, in some cases, DTS-ES 6.1 or Dolby Surround EX 6.1 soundtracks, you can expand the surround sound experience to 7.1 by using the Dolby Pro Logic IIx extension or other available 7.1 DSP (Digital Sound Processing) surround modes that may be available on your receiver. Also, these added modes can extract a 7.1 channel surround field from 2 channel source material enabling you to listen to CDs or other stereo sources in a fuller surround sound format.

More Surround Sound Options: Other surround sound extensions that can utilize 7.1 channels are Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX. However, instead of adding two surround back speakers, Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX allow the addition of two front height speakers. This provides additional speaker setup flexibility. Also, Audyssey DSX also gives users the option, in a 7.1 channel setup to place a set speakers between the surround speakers and the front speakers, instead of height speakers—these speakers are referred to as 'wide surround' speakers.

Bi-Amping: Another option that is becoming more common on 7.1 channel receivers is Bi-Amping. If you have front channel Speakers that have separate speaker connections for the midrange/tweeters and the woofers (I am not referring to the subwoofer, but the woofers in your front speakers), some 7.1 channel receivers allow you can reassign the amplifiers running the 6th and 7th channels to your front channels. Then enables you to retain a full 5.1 channel setup, but still, add two additional channels of amplification to your front left and right speakers.

Using the separate speakers' connections for the 6th and 7th channel on your bi-amp capable speakers, you can double the power delivered to your front left and right channels. Your front mid-range/tweeters end up running off of the main L/R channels and your front speaker's woofers running off your 6th and 7th channel Bi-amp connections.

The procedure for this type of setup is explained and illustrated in the user manuals for many 7.1 channel receivers. However, as I mentioned earlier, although this is becoming a more common feature, but is not included in all 7.1 channel receivers.

Zone 2: In addition to Bi-amping, many 7.1 channels home theater receivers offer a powered Zone 2 option.

This feature allows users to run a traditional 5.1 channel home theater setup in your main room, but, in instead of bi-amping your front speakers, or adding two additional surround channels behind the listening position, you can can use the extra two channels to power speakers in another location (if you don't mind a set of long speaker wires).

Also, if you like the idea of running a powered second zone, but still desire a full 7.1 channel surround sound setup in your main room, some 7.1 channel receivers can allow this, but you can't do both at the same time. In other words, if you turn on the 2nd Zone while you are using the main zone, the main zone automatically defaults to 5.1 channels.

What this all means is that, in many cases, while you are listening and watching your DVDs in 5.1 channel surround sound in your main room, someone else could be listening to a CD (provided you have a separate CD player connected to your receiver) in another room, without having a separate CD player and receiver in the other room - just the speakers.

Also, many 7.1 channel home theater receivers offer additional flexibility in setting up and using additional zones.

Wireless Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound

9.1 Channels and Beyond

As more sophisticated surround sound processing options become available, such as DTS Neo:X, that can expand the number of channels that can be reproduced or extracted from source content, manufacturers are upping the ante on the number of channels they can cram into a home theater receiver chassis. When moving into the high-end home theater receiver arena, there is an increasing number of receivers that now offer 9.1/9.2 and a small number that even offers 11.1/11/2 channel configuration options.

However, just as with 7.1 channel receivers, whether you need 9, or more, channels depends on what you want to accomplish in your home theater setup. Both 9 and 11 channel receivers can be used to set up 9 or 11 speakers (plus one or two subwoofers) in your home theater room. This allows you to take advantage of surround sound processing systems, such as DTS Neo:X.

A 9 or 11 channel receiver can also provide flexibility in terms of assigning two of the channels to Bi-Amp the front speakers or use 2 or 4 channels to create 2nd and/or 3rd Zone two-channel systems that can still be powered and controlled by the main receiver. This can still leave you with 5.1 or 7.1 channels to use in your main home theater room.

As of 2014, the introduction of Dolby Atmos for home theater has put another twist on channel/speaker configuration options for some home theater receivers. This surround sound format incorporates dedicated vertical channels, resulting in several new speaker configuration options that include: 5.1.2, 5.1.4, 7.1.2, 7.1.4, 9.1.4, and More. The first number is the number of horizontal channels, the second number is the subwoofer, and the third number refers to the number of vertical channels.

Another surround sound format available on some high-end home theater receivers, that requires 9.1 or more channels is Auro 3D Audio. At a minimum, this surround sound format requires two layers of speakers. The first layer can be a traditional 5.1 channel layout, but then another layer, positioned above the first layer, requires two front and two rear speakers. Then, to top it off, if possible, one additional speaker that is ceiling mounted above the primary seating area (which is referred to as the Voice of God (VOG) channel. The brings the total number of channels up to 10.1.

Also, to make things even more complicated (although it does provide the user with more choices), is the introduction in 2015 of the DTS:X immersive surround sound format (not to be confused with DTS Neo:X), which doesn't require a specific speaker layout, but does provide both horizontal and vertical surround components (it does work well within the same speaker setups used by Dolby Atmos).

Practical Reality

Keep in mind that the vast majority of DVD, Blu-ray, and any surround sound audio that you will receive from source content is mixed for 5.1 channel playback, with a smaller number of source content mixed for 6.1 or 7.1 channel playback. This means that a 5.1 or 7.1 channel receiver with Dolby/DTS decoding and processing can easily fill the bill (A 5.1 channel receiver can place a 6.1 or 7.1 channel source within a 5.1 channel environment).

When moving up to a 9.1 or 11.1 channel receiver, unless it is Dolby Atmos or DTS:X-enabled and your speaker setup with both horizontal and vertically mapped channels and playing Dolby Atmos/DTS:X encoded content, the receiver is actually post-processing the original 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 channel encoded soundtracks and placing them in a 9 or 11 channel environment The results can be quite impressive, depending on the quality of the source material, but it does not mean that it is required that you make this leap. After all, many don't have the room for all those extra speakers!

The Bottom Line

To put it all into perspective, a good 5.1 channel receiver is a perfectly fine option, especially for a small or average room in most apartments and homes.

However, once you get into the $500 range and up, there is an increasing emphasis by manufacturers with 7.1 channel equipped receivers. Additionally, when you get into the $1,300 an up price range you start seeing some 9.1 channel receivers. These receivers can provide very flexible setup options as you expand your system's needs, or have a large home theater room. Don't worry about wires, by the way—you can always hide or disguise them.

On the other hand, even if you don't need to use the full 7.1 (or 9.1) channel capability in your home theater setup, these receivers can easily be used in a 5.1 channel system. This frees up the remaining two or four channels on some receivers for Bi-amping use, or to run one or more two-channel stereo 2nd Zone systems.