Do it yourself DIY 5.1 speaker

6.3V220UF Volume: 5X8 own factory direct sales - solid capacitor - patch aluminum

Mobile phone crystal 3.2*2.5mm 3225 26M (26.000MHZ) 9PF 10PPM 20PPM 30PPM

The summer heat is back, and I’ve been thinking about how to make the most of this season. A few days ago, I finally came up with a great idea — building my own 5.1 speaker system. It’s something I've always wanted to do, and now I had the time and motivation to start.

With the advancement of computer technology, motherboard sound cards have evolved significantly. What used to be a luxury like a 5.1 sound card is now more affordable. A few years ago, a high-end 5.1 sound card package could cost around 200 yuan, making it possible for anyone to enjoy a home theater experience at a low cost. This inspired me to build my own 5.1 setup using existing speakers and some simple modifications.

DIY Speaker Setup

So what kind of speakers should I use with a 5.1 sound card? High-end models like the Swans M20-5.1 are great but expensive. Instead of buying new ones, I decided to use what I already had. The key is to use two sets of speakers: one as front and center, and another as surround and subwoofer. This way, I can save money while still achieving a good audio experience.

A typical 5.1 setup includes front, center, surround, and subwoofer speakers. Front speakers should focus on mid and low frequencies for strong impact, while surround speakers handle higher frequencies to create an immersive environment. The center speaker plays a crucial role in delivering clear dialogue, and the subwoofer adds deep bass. For a budget-friendly approach, you can use active speakers costing between 100-150 yuan for the surround and center, and a 5-inch subwoofer for better bass performance.

There are different ways to set this up. One option is to use your existing 2.1 speakers as front and subwoofer, and buy two 2.0 speakers for the surround and center. Another option is to use your 2.1 speakers as front and subwoofer, and then add two 2.0 speakers for surround and center. In both cases, you may need to modify the speaker cables for optimal sound quality.

Speaker Redirection

The main goal of this setup is to redirect the center channel signal from the sound card to the center speaker and the subwoofer signal to the original subwoofer. This allows the center speaker to handle dialogue clearly, while the subwoofer delivers powerful bass. To do this, I cut the center speaker cable, connected the signal lines in parallel, and adjusted the wiring accordingly.

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Cut the center speaker cable and expose the two signal wires. Connect them in parallel along with the ground wire. This ensures both speakers work together.

Step 2: Use a 3.5mm audio cable as a subwoofer connection. Connect it to the “LINE OUT” port and link it to the subwoofer input of the 2.1 speaker.

Step 3: Prepare a 3.5mm audio cable, split the wires, and connect one to the center speaker and the other to the subwoofer. Make sure the correct signals go to the right ports. Test the setup by playing a 5.1 audio DVD and adjusting the connections if needed.

Speaker Placement

Proper placement is essential for a good listening experience. Front speakers should be placed on either side of the monitor, facing the listener. The center speaker goes on top of the screen, slightly angled toward the user. Surround speakers should be placed behind the listener, facing forward. The subwoofer should be on the floor, not on a table, and kept away from walls or objects that might interfere with bass performance.

Finally, adjust all positions to ensure the sound is balanced and immersive. Once everything is set, pop in a 5.1 audio movie and enjoy the full experience!