Technology

Definition of Stereo, Mono, 2.1, 5.1 and 7.1 Speaker Settings

Surely you have seen speaker products be it stereo, 2.1, 5.1 and 7.1. Actually, the numbers just now explain the specifications of the speakers. Ok, it doesn’t take long for us to discuss it, starting from what you have heard or maybe what you are currently using, namely:

  • Stereo Speakers

The first and deliberately discussed first is stereo speakers, from smartphone products, TVs, PCs, Laptops.. etc is using a stereo implementation that uses 2 left and right speakers to get the sound out. For sound quality is also more immersive for this stereo system so it is very popular and adapted for a wide variety of equipment that requires speakers for entertainment. For now, there are also a lot of developments in terms of software for stereo systems that you may often hear about, including Dolby Stereo Surround Sound, DTS Surround sound… etc. By using this feature, you can emulate surround sound on your stereo speakers for a more immersive experience of listening to movies or songs and seem real sound position.

  • Mono Speakers

The second is a mono speaker which means that it only uses one speaker to make the sound. Mono-type speakers are still used in your electronic equipment. Mono speakers can save space so that they are easy to apply to various electronic equipment that is not specifically for entertainment, and although not specialized, there are still many that are made for entertainment purposes, you know. You can still find this type of mono speaker on your electronic devices such as bluetooth speaker clocks, portable radios, smartphones. etc

  • Speaker 2.1

Furthermore, the third and what is starting to be widely used for home entertainment / audio systems today is the 2.1 speaker, we can observe from the name, namely 2.1 which means that this speaker is a stereo speaker with additional woofer speakers. The woofer speakers will cope with bass sound/low frequency sound so the audio quality is better than stereo only. This speaker has been in the market and has been very widely used from home theater, PC and also car audio. And also this speaker system already supports Dolby surround sound and DTS Surround sound for a more immersive experience.

  • Speaker 5.1

After we know the speaker system, then we go to the next level of audio system, namely speaker 5.1 and again the same as the name implies, this speaker system uses 5 speakers that are installed around the room and then added with 1 subwoofer. For the 5.1 speaker, it is relatively rarely used and is usually only used for home theaters or those that require a more real level of sound immersivity. For the installation of this speaker is quite time-consuming and for the price is mid to high so it is rarely adapted by budget friendly people. Usually this 5.1 surround system uses Dolby/DTS.

  • Speaker 7.1

Ok finally we are heading towards the highest speaker system for now which is Speaker 7.1. Equipped with 7 speakers around the room and 1 woofer, it is guaranteed to make your experience when watching movies or music that supports 7.1 will be very immersive and real. For this speaker system, we can find it at your favorite cinema and also at the home theater. And almost the same as the 5.1 speaker, the installation of this speaker is quite time-consuming because it must be suitable for the placement of each speaker but all of this will be really worth it with the experience you will get later. Just like others, usually this surround system is combined with Dolby Surround or DTS Surround.

That’s the kind of speaker system subjectively based on my experience. Of course, the speaker system has its own market and for different people. Personally, I would choose 2.1 speakers for my PC room and 5.1 speakers for my TV room, with budget considerations as well.. Hehe. So that’s it if you think it’s the most suitable speaker system, what kind of speaker system do you think is the most suitable?

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