Active speaker system 5 1. “Chinese box” or full receiver

Many connoisseurs of music and high-quality sound prefer to listen to songs and watch movies High Quality use a 5.1 speaker system. This kind of acoustics essentially consists of six channels to which their own speakers are connected - a subwoofer (low-frequency speaker), two front speakers (left and right), a central front speaker and a pair of rear speakers (also left and right). We'll talk about how to connect 5.1 speakers to a computer below.

Assembly and installation of a 5.1 speaker system

The subwoofer is traditionally installed on the floor and houses an amplifier with a power supply, to which all other components of the system are connected. But there are exceptions when the receiver is made separately, and all the acoustics are connected to it. The terminals for connecting each speaker are marked. The symbols used to identify the front speakers are FR (Front Right) and FL (Front Left), CEN (Center), RR (Rear Right) and RL (Rear Left). If the subwoofer is passive, that is, it does not include an amplifier, then it is also connected to the receiver itself, which has the corresponding SW marking. According to this marking, the first step is to connect all the speakers and place them in the appropriate order in the room.

Connecting speakers to a computer

To connect a 5.1 speaker system to a computer, you must have a sound card installed on it that allows you to reproduce sound in 5.1. This can be either a sound card integrated into the motherboard or a sound card installed separately in the PCI slot.

The 5.1 system is connected by three pairs of cables, which have a mini-jack on one side for connecting directly to a computer, and on the other side “tulips” (stereo RCA) for connecting to the receiver’s inputs (Audio Input). Here you should pay attention to the fact that to connect speakers to the receiver (subwoofer), “tulip” type connectors with the designation Audio Output and speaker markings (FR, FL, etc.) are also used. You cannot plug computer cables into these connectors!

Correctly connecting the computer's audio outputs to the correct inputs of the receiver will allow you to quickly set up the system and enjoy high-quality sound. So, the front channel (front speakers) should be connected to the green jack, the rear channel (rear speakers) should usually be connected to the black jack, and the subwoofer and center speaker channel to the orange jack. To ensure that everything is completed without errors, you should first carefully study the manual for your motherboard or a sound card, where it should be indicated which of the sockets is responsible for which channel.

Setting up 5.1 sound in Windows 7/10

After all the cables are connected, you should proceed to setting up 5.1 acoustics in the operating room itself Windows system 7 or 10. Open the “Control Panel” and go to the “Sound” section. Here, go to the “Playback” tab, where select “Speakers” from the list.

Next, click the “Customize” button at the bottom of the window and select “5.1 surround sound” in the window that opens. At this stage, you can check that the speakers are connected correctly by clicking on one or another speaker and checking that the speakers match the diagram. If necessary, check that the speakers and audio outputs from the computer are connected correctly. Complete the 5.1 audio setup by following the steps to the end.

As a rule, no further action is required from you; the only thing you should pay attention to is the system operating mode switch on the receiver (subwoofer). On many models, in addition to 5.1, there are other operating modes, such as stereo and, if there is a digital input, SPDIF. When connecting using the above method, the switch must be set to position 5.1. If your sound card does not support five-channel sound, then you can play regular stereo sound on a 5.1 system by simply moving the corresponding switch to the desired position. Of course, in this case you will not be able to enjoy truly five-channel sound. The same applies to the audio files themselves, which are recorded as stereo. Even when using sound card 5.1 they will sound like stereo, only on 5 pairs of speakers.

Acoustics 5.1 active

Active acoustics 5 1 occupies a special place in the niche of audio systems intended for installation in a car. Today, passive acoustics compete with active acoustics, and in our article we will find out the difference between them.
In addition, we will conduct a review where the test will be 5 1 active acoustics, the choice of which is a difficult task for many. This is not surprising, because on modern market There are dozens of similar products.

What is the difference between active and passive speakers

First, let’s find out what the difference is between active and general, and what advantages and disadvantages both have.

Amplifier

This element plays an important role in any acoustic system, whether active or passive. An amplifier is often called a receiver, because it is through this component that the sound goes directly to the speakers.
Sound amplification is carried out in the following ways:

The sound of the speaker itself is amplified. Such amplification is often found in computer speakers or expensive car speakers.
First, the sound passes through the amplifier, and only then goes to the speakers.

Passive speaker and its disadvantages

The topic of the amplifier was raised for good reason. It is this component that makes the difference between the two speakers.
Let us now consider the disadvantages of a passive speaker system:

In passive speakers, most of them are equipped with an amplifier of average power (see). The sound produced by different speakers is neither good nor bad.
The second option for installing an amplifier in passive systems already involves the use of good and powerful amplifier, but only works with some models. This is easy to explain, because the manufacturers of such an amplifier cannot know in advance what kind of acoustics it will work with.
It’s no secret that during speaker operation, all electronics heat up, including the crossover, since the output power is concentrated on it. The amplifier loads the speaker electronics, which causes the sound quality in passive speakers to suffer.

Another disadvantage of passive speakers involves the selection of a powerful amplifier. As is known, in order for passive speakers to cope with the incoming power of the amplifier at critical moments, the power of the second must be less than the power of the speakers themselves.
There is no feedback from the amplifier to the speakers in a passive speaker. So it turns out that this is a big drawback, because the amplifier, in fact, cannot monitor the load and when it needs to send less power.

Active acoustics

It is advisable to choose her.
Now let's find out why:

The design of this speaker provides feedback between the amplifier and speakers. There is a unique opportunity to change the load on the speakers at moments of maximum concentration of the entire system. This prevents damage to the speakers and lasts much longer.

Note. Even if the active speaker is small, it will have good acoustic output. This can be explained by the fact that the amplifier is connected directly to the speakers, due to which maximum efficiency is achieved.

The crossover in active speakers, unlike passive ones, does not heat up. This component is capable of filtering the signal for a long time, thereby eliminating the problem of the amplifier-to-speaker ratio. In this case, the amplifier can simply be configured as required.
Active speakers provide very high sound quality.
The active speakers are not affected by long distances, because the speakers can be arranged as you please.
Active speakers are capable of operating under heavy loads and for a very long time.

What is active acoustics 5 1

We figured out the difference between active and passive acoustics.
Now let’s find out what active 5 1 acoustics are:

Speakers that have a built-in amplifier, as mentioned above, are called active acoustics. It is enough to just connect them to a sound source, turn on the power and they will start working.
Set 5 1 is a ready-made set of 5 satellites and a subwoofer (see). In this case, the control unit and amplifier are a priori built into the subwoofer housing. Subwoofer here main element and in the back of its case there are switching connectors.

Note. In most cases, on the back of the active acoustics subwoofer 5 1 there are several stereo inputs and a multi-channel analog input for connecting a DVD player, car radio or other device.

What models of acoustics 5 1 are most popular:

The greatest interest for buyers today are mid-price acoustic sets, the price of which does not exceed $250. The speakers of this system have a wooden frame.
As for the dynamic heads of the speakers, they are more or less made with high quality. This also applies to the rubber suspension of the midrange driver and the dome fabric tweeter.
There are also cheaper models of this speaker, which are more of a decorative value and are chosen by buyers because of their beautiful appearance. appearance from photographs.

Note. Of course, there is an alternative to ready-made acoustic sets 5 1.
In this case, the kit is assembled from individual components, such as a multi-channel AV receiver, speakers and a powered subwoofer. In this case, the costs will increase significantly and you will have to count on an amount of at least $400.

It is worth noting that the advantage of 5 1 acoustics, which consists in a set of miniature heads that supposedly provide full-fledged sound, is erroneous. The fact is that the small size of the diffuser is in no way capable of producing a full-fledged strong sound.
Full sound cannot be provided by decorative speakers, because there are restrictions imposed by the laws of physics. For this reason, it is better to purchase 5 1 acoustics with large speakers.
Full frequency loudspeakers 5 1 s normal size speakers will make it possible to install higher quality heads and use separate speakers for high frequencies and mid/low ranges. The volume of air mass, among other things, which is collected inside the housing, can be used to enhance low frequencies if a bass-reflex acoustic design is used.
Obviously, the dimensions of the speakers alone are not capable of ensuring quality. Today on the market you can find sets of inexpensive full-size acoustics, the quality of which is not far from decorative small speakers.

Review of the most popular models of active acoustics 5 1

Let's now move on to the test of the most popular models this acoustics.

Genius SW-HF5.1 5000

So:

Genius SW-HF5.1 5000 has the following satellite dimensions: 14x21.5x15.5.
Diffuser diameter – 9.
The tweeter is equipped with a Mylar driver.
The subwoofer is equipped with a resonant chamber.
There is no equalizer.
Approximate price: $155.

Playing this system in a pronounced coloration in the mid-frequency region. If this fact is considered a disadvantage, then it will be expressed in a noticeable timbral change in the sound of various musical instruments precisely at mid frequencies. There is also a compression effect, leading to rapid hearing fatigue.
But the subwoofer of this system plays well. The resonance chamber produces a characteristic hum-like sound.

Edifier S 5.1

So:

A more expensive model with satellite dimensions of 15x23x16.
The diffuser diameter is the same – 9.
The tweeter is already in the form of a fabric dome.
Subwoofer circuit - FI.
Availability of 6.1 amplifier.
Approximate price: 260 dollars.

This system has a shortage high frequencies. As for the mid frequencies, they have a pronounced strong color.

Microlab H-500

The dimensions of the satellites are 13x22x18.
Diffuser size – 8.
Polymer suspension material.
The tweeter is a fabric dome.
Availability of external control unit.
Approximate price: 280 dollars.

Different acoustic types are recommended for use depending on the purpose. So, the most common option for watching movies are 5.1 speakers. The six-channel system allows you to provide the highest quality sound covering the entire frequency range. It is this kind of kit that is recommended to be used when purchasing home theaters and wanting to listen to pure music from different directions. True, the price for such a kit is already significantly higher than for simplified options.

System components 5.1

The configuration of the 5.1 system means that it includes five speakers and one subwoofer. The speakers included are the same, but they are used for different purposes depending on where they will be installed. So, they are divided into:

frontal (includes two speakers, installed in front so that the sound goes to the viewer);
side (also include two speakers, which are placed on the sides to enhance the surround sound);
central (the remaining column is the voice channel, distributing sound waves between the remaining elements of the system).

A subwoofer is a device that converts low frequencies. The human ear is unable to recognize the direction from which the sound is coming from a subwoofer, so it can be installed anywhere in the room. At the same time, it is he who adds color to the special effects due to bass and outgoing vibration.

Examples of quality 5.1 systems

To reproduce high-quality sound, you should give preference to trusted manufacturers and their models. Examples of the best 5.1 speaker systems include:

Konoos KNS-CS200Fm;
SVEN HT-200;
Microlab M1910;
Edifier C6XD;
Logitech Z906.

Connecting 5.1 systems

The 5.1 system includes six speakers; as a result, they will need large quantity connectors than a stereo pair or 2.1 system. It will not be possible to combine all the speakers with one cable and connect the entire system to one linear output on the sound card.

Connecting a surround sound system to your computer

Both discrete and modern integrated sound cards are capable of splitting sound into multiple channels. A typical analog sound card designed to connect 5.1 speakers will have several outputs with a diameter of 3.5 mm:

for front speakers;
for the central speaker and subwoofer;
for rear speakers.

Paired speakers will be combined by connecting to a common socket. In total, therefore, you will need 3 connectors, each of which will have a corresponding color marking. Additionally, the sound card may have an output for satellites, a microphone jack and a line input, but in this situation you will not need them.

To connect all components in unified system, you will need a set of RCA - mini-jack cables. Connection is carried out in the following order:

All speakers are connected to the sound control module - all connectors on it are labeled, so it’s almost impossible to get confused. The only important point is that you need to connect to a block of sockets labeled Audio Output.
Cables from the three colored jacks go to the corresponding connectors on the sound card - front speakers to green, rear speakers to black, subwoofer/center to yellow.

WITH digital sound everything is simpler - after combining the speakers in the control module, only one cable goes to the computer - coaxial or optical S/PDIF.

Connecting 5.1 speakers to your TV

As a rule, connecting such a system to a TV is done in one of three ways:

an HDMI cable going to the receiver that combines the speakers;
optical cable;
coaxial cable;
via one of the analog interfaces.

In any case, before connecting the speakers to the TV's sound card, they must be combined. To do this, use either an AV receiver or an audio amplifier. On its surface you can find many RCA connectors - thus, an analog signal always goes to the speakers, which is converted from digital using the digital-to-analog converter built into the receiver.

Just like with a computer, you will need a lot of cables. All of them are inserted at one end into the connectors on the speakers, and at the other into the corresponding outputs on the receiver. The digital interface on the receiver is then connected to the corresponding connector on the TV body.

Today I will teach you how to connect 5.1 audio systems to devices without multi-channel audio support. Anyone.

So, let's imagine a situation: you already have a good multi-channel audio system. We emphasize - analog, classic connectors are used as inputs RCA (tulip). At the same time, as a result of upgrading device gadgets with suitable interfaces, the system cannot be used.

How to connect such 5.1-channel speakers to devices with HDMI/Toslink digital outputs, the popular USB, or use a stereo output? Or, how to convert multi-channel digital audio signal to multi-channel analog?

Real and “virtual” multi-channel audio

A true multi-channel audio track puts voice into the center channel and effects and music into the rear and front speakers. Or - in accordance with the distribution during recording (in some multi-channel audio standards).

“Virtual” multi-channel audio is distributed according to the spectral characteristics of the reproduced sound. Software and hardware parse the signal into components according to predetermined algorithms, and distribute sounds around the listening point, creating surround sound.

Method 1. We spare no expense on high-quality sound

The easiest way is to buy a multi-channel receiver to suit your preferences and needs. The simplest, most effective. And the most omnivorous.

The purchase will give you a variety of input/output interfaces for video and audio signals, be able to independently decode files, and become the center of your home entertainment system. You can always choose a model with the required number of suitable inputs - and RCA in receivers is the most alive.

Modern receivers support improved sound distribution algorithms, including Dolby Atmos, which can distribute any number of tracks to any number of speakers, taking into account the acoustic properties of the room.

The disadvantage of the solution is the cost. It starts from 10 thousand rubles for a used one and from 30 thousand for a receiver with Dolby Atmos support.

In addition, the receivers have impressive dimensions. It's good if the place and interior allow it. And if not?

Method 2. (Digital) Optical -> Multichannel Analog

This is why this article was started. I often get asked questions like: “How to connect my home cinema for a new TV? It doesn't have analog audio outputs!

Mine only has a two-channel mini-jack and optical Toslink. For the time being before purchasing new acoustics, I connected the old 5.1 set using this Chinese converter.

Hidden inside the device is a rather primitive digital-to-analog converter and DSP processor- a chip responsible for mixing, equalizing and effects.

The application is very simple - we connect an acoustic system to the analog RCA outputs, on the other hand we supply an audio signal through a coaxial or optical connector and external power supply from the supplied power supply.

If the signal corresponds to the number of connected acoustic channels, it passes without mixing and processing. As it is.

That is, if the film 5.1 channel audio track, and we use the appropriate audio system - the sound quality will be the same as the original.

If a two-channel track is fed to it, then the signal is converted using “virtual” mixing in the processor and distributed to all speakers.

Of course, this is very different from real 5.1-channel sound, but it still sounds nicer than regular stereo. Unless, of course, we are talking about films.

This way you can connect speakers to other devices- for example, through the usual headphone output of a laptop, tablet or player.

But the output will only be virtual 5.1-channel sound, even if the original track is multi-channel. You won't be able to get anything else out of the stereo jack.

If necessary, the converter allows you to reproduce any incoming audio signal into two channels. Convenient for standard music systems systems 2.1, as well as in cases where the DSP converter plays the track incorrectly.

Method 3. HDMI -> Multichannel Analog

The option using HDMI is more promising, since this interface is used in modern gadgets much more often.

To transmit a multi-channel audio track, the connector in the audio source must support the HDMI Arc protocol. Otherwise, the usual stereo signal will be broadcast, which will be converted into “virtual” 5.1 by software.

If HDMI supports this function, you can purchase such a converter. This box also supports pass-through transmission of a composite signal: by connecting a source via HDMI, you can separately output sound to an audio system via coaxial, optical or analog connectors, while running the video on a projector or TV.

Method 4. USB -> Multichannel Analog

Most of the Chinese “multi-channel USB audio cards” offered on the Internet are rather primitive dupes that produce processed stereo. You won't be able to save money.

Another thing is external audio cards. Some of them are capable of producing multi-channel audio and are suitable for connecting to tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

Unfortunately, even Smart TV, not to mention most devices with proprietary firmware (receivers, media players) will not be able to recognize it as an audio device. Therefore, Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1, Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro or ST Lab M-330 USB are suitable only as computer accessories, or in the case of separate broadcast of audio and video from a computer. And this is a completely different story.

“Chinese box” or full-fledged receiver?

In fact, the choice is ambiguous. If you need to connect several devices into a single system, the choice is obvious.

We've all heard a lot about 5.1 surround sound. A system that immerses you in the world of cinema and surround music. You may have even heard with your own ears what such an audio system is capable of. And we decided to buy one for ourselves.

So how do you choose the right surround sound audio system that won't frustrate you and waste your money? In this article we will try to help you with this.

Do you like working with sound? Then pay attention to program for cutting sound (music) called Jet Audio.

And so you decided to buy a high-quality sound system. First of all, you need to immediately see if you have anything to connect it to. If you have a good DVD player, then you can connect it without problems, but if you are relying on your computer, then immediately make sure that your sound card can reproduce 5.1 sound. This is not as difficult to do as it might seem. Just look at the place on your computer where you plug your headphones in, there should be 5 or more audio jacks on the back panel. There must be a black socket, if there are only 3 inputs, then you won’t be able to connect 5.1. That is, you will connect the system and the speakers will play, but it will be in stereo mode, and you will not get any surround sound. If you still want to, you will have to buy another sound card that supports 5.1 audio format. Don't worry, it's not that expensive; a sound card for a computer with 5.1 support will cost you somewhere between 35-50 US dollars.

I suggest you familiarize yourself with columns Bishkek. Choice of audio system for every taste.

I would immediately advise you to take a good sound card, since the sound quality depends on it. And so you have something to connect your future audio system to.

You can go to the store to choose your equipment. Remember one thing, a cheap 5.1 audio system will not play. And if it does, it will not be high-quality sound. Choose well-known manufacturers and buy from good hardware stores. You should definitely have a guarantee for what you are buying, since it is impossible to immediately understand what kind of system it is, you need to listen a little. Do not think that five speakers and one subwoofer wound with one wire is a 5.1 system. If only two plugs come out of the system, namely the network and one “jack”, then this is not 5.1, this is simple stereo sound from 5 speakers. In the store they will tell you that one jack is normal and the buffer itself distributes the sound over 5 speakers. This is a marketing lie designed to sell you this equipment. What a high-quality audio system should look like. There is a large subwoofer and 5 satellites (speakers). The power of the system is measured by summing the power of each element of the system. For example, your subwoofer produces an output power of 50 watts and each satellite produces 20 watts, the total output power output will be 150 watts. 150 watts for a home is normal power, if they write on the box that the output power is 300-400 watts, then this is most likely a lie (the so-called Chinese watts). Or this system will be very expensive. Be sure to look at what each element is made of. Choose only wood! Don't buy plastic speakers, you won't hear quality in them. Let's move on to see if it's 5.1 or just stereo. There is a large subwoofer and 5 speakers. The speakers are connected by separate wires to the subwoofer; there must be 3 jacks coming from the subwoofer, and 6 tulips into the subwoofer itself. Why is this? One wire with 2 tulips and 1 jack is the subwoofer and the center speaker itself, the second cord is 2 front satellites, the third is 2 rear satellites. Only with this channel distribution can you achieve 5.1 surround sound. When the consultant says that with 1 jack there will also be surround sound, you can react with laughter, turn around and leave this store.

How to connect? Connect speakers and tulips according to the instructions that are in your audio system box. Connect the subwoofer and center speaker to the orange hole of your sound card, the front speakers (2 front) to the black socket, and the rear speakers (2 rear) to the green one. After that, in the computer settings (control panel>sound devices>sound>configure), select 5.1 surround sound, after which a picture of your audio system will appear, where you can test it. Don't forget to enable 5.1 mode on the buffer itself.

The audio system will not play surround sound if the media file does not support this format. That is, if you download a movie from the Internet, look at the sound of this movie, if there is an inscription 6 ch, then this is what you need. Enjoy high-quality sound.