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The Daily Insight

Can surround speakers be behind you?

Author

Matthew Barrera

Published Mar 22, 2026

Can surround speakers be behind you?

Ideally, the surround speakers in a 5.1 surround sound configuration should be placed just behind, or to the side of, your listening position. Dolby recommends an angle of 110° to 120° from your listening position, as in the image below. The surrounds should be slightly higher than the front speakers in the room.

Can you put TV speakers behind you?

However, your supplementary speakers, including the surround speakers and rear speakers, can be placed behind you. The subwoofer’s location can vary since low-frequency sounds are omnidirectional. You can also angle your speakers towards you slightly to direct the sound towards your ears.

How do I surround my back speakers?

Place the rear surround speakers at 135-150 degrees off-axis, relative to the primary seating position. As with the side surround speakers, position the rear surround tweeters about 2 feet above head level when seated.

How far back can surround speakers be?

Rear speakers can sit back 6-10ft from the listener with the tweeter placed at least 2ft above the listener’s ear. Ideally, the speaker will be placed at least 2ft away from the surface behind it, or you can use wall-mounted speakers- in either case, angled between 135-150° from the room’s center.

How far should rear speakers be behind you?

two feet
Try to keep the speakers—especially rear vented models—at least two feet from the surface behind it, unless you use a vent plug. For best results when mounting surround speakers on a rear wall, position them so that they flank the main listening area and point toward the front of the room.

Can I place my soundbar behind me?

Technically, you can place your soundbar anywhere you want, including directly behind you. However, the overall listening experience will be best if you place your soundbar in front of you, with nothing obstructing it, just like any other set of speakers.

Do I use surround or surround back?

“Surround back” is the term applied to the pair of rear surround speakers – as opposed to the pair of (side) surround speakers – in a 7.1-channel set-up. In a 5.1-channel set-up, there’s only one pair of surrounds (and no rear surrounds).

How far back should rear surround speakers be?

Where is the best place to place a surround sound speaker on a TV?

Place your center channel right above or below your TV, and line it up with the midpoint. If possible, tilt it to direct the sound to ear level. Here are some center channel shelves that go above your TV if you don’t have a shelf available.

What does it mean to have surround sound in your home?

Surround sound means a sound that surrounds the listener from a complete angle of 360 degrees. Everyone wants the best music and movie experience, and proper speaker placement for surround sound creates a home theater environment. You can build an immersive sound experience in your home just by placing your speakers correctly.

How do I hear TV sound through the a / V receiver?

The two most common connections used to hear TV sound from the A/V receiver or home theater system speakers are: Which option you use will depend on the connection ports on your products. If your TV and audio system both support the ARC feature, we recommend using Option 1 to connect your products, otherwise use Option 2.

What kind of sound can I get from my Samsung TV?

Remember, the output format is for devices that receive sound from the TV, such as a soundbar, home theater system, or headphones. If you are not connecting one of these to your TV, then you should leave this setting on PCM, or you may experience reduced audio volume or other issues.

Place your center channel right above or below your TV, and line it up with the midpoint. If possible, tilt it to direct the sound to ear level. Here are some center channel shelves that go above your TV if you don’t have a shelf available.

The two most common connections used to hear TV sound from the A/V receiver or home theater system speakers are: Which option you use will depend on the connection ports on your products. If your TV and audio system both support the ARC feature, we recommend using Option 1 to connect your products, otherwise use Option 2.

Where to place a 5.1 surround sound system?

5.1 surround sound In a 5.1 system, your surround speakers are best placed to the left and right of your listening position. Aim them directly towards you for the best sound. If side placement isn’t practical, place your surround speakers a few feet behind your listening position and face them forward.

Which is the best sound system for a TV?

Modern TVs can get loud, have decent bass, and deliver clear and understandable dialogue. If, however, you want the TV with best sound, we suggest that you buy a dedicated sound system or a soundbar (see our recommendations for the best soundbars ).