There are many speaker configurations available out there. A proper speaker layout/positioning is essential to getting the intended experience correctly for all of them. 

Stereo - 2 speaker systems with Left and right channels. Almost all music is recoded this way still, the most popular format for music playback. 

There are a few schools of though about how to properly position a pair of stereo speakers. The positioning choice may vary depend on what speakers are being used and the room's acoustical properties. 

Here are some basic positioning recommendations for a more common rectangular room - 

• keep everything symmetrical and make sure the speakers are the same distance from each wall and the audience perspective. 
• Pull the speakers away from the walls - this will increase the speakers dynamics and allow the bass performance to be more clear an linear. We recommend positioning the speakers one fifth way inside the room from each closest wall. We recommend the seating position to be a fifth way inside the room from the back wall as well. 
• Tow the speaker in, most speaker cabinets are directional and will benefit from pointing towards the listening position. 

Multichannel - 

These setups involve more than one pair of speakers for the purpose of creating a more immersive experience. In addition to the front left and right channels there could be - a Center channel in-between the two fronts, side and rear surrounds and height speakers to create sound from above the listening position. 

Here is an example of the 5.1 channel system below - 

We recommend using the Dolby speaker layout guides as a reference when setting up a multichannel system as most video content out there is in Dolby. 

https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/

Correct speaker positioning is important with multichannel systems. The location effects should be coming from the intended places and the system as a whole sounds cohesive.  

At times surround speakers may have to be placed in the area with subpar acoustical properties. (ex. close to the wall creating a bass build up) Most modern receivers will have options to adjust the tone and crossover frequency to compensate for this. 

See Crossovers article to learn more about how to set the crossovers properly in a multichannel system. 

Section Links

• Speaker Selections Basics
• Traditional and Progressive Layouts
• Choosing the number of channels of the speaker and corresponding amplifier
• Basic system, Addition, Layout Examples

Onkyo AV Receiver has a function that enables optimal speaker layout to reproduce the content producers intended. Various installation methods are possible, depending on the installation environment of your room, the speakers you have, and your upgrade plans.

In addition to choosing the optimal system, please contact the call center if you have any questions, comments, or concerns so that you can get the most out of your Onkyo System.

Note: If you are having trouble viewing any of the images, you may download the PDF version of this guide attached to this article.

Speaker Channel Basics

When looking at the specifications for your AV receiver, it should tell you how many channels (speakers) that specific receiver can handle. You should see a 1-3 digit number, separated by decimals, breaking down what type of speakers it can send signal to. See the image below for further detail. 

For example, if you have a 5.1.2 channel receiver, it can send signal to 5 "main" speakers (front and rear L+R with a center channel), one subwoofer, and two height speakers.

Traditional and Progressive Setups

Choosing the number of channels of the speaker and corresponding amplifier

Basic Systems, Additions, and Layout Examples

Note: The images below may be difficult to see. You can zoom in on this page by holding Ctrl(Command iOS) and pressing the "+" symbol. You can also download the PDF version at the bottom of this article.