I bought my first home theater system in 1999 and I can’t tell you how many times I adjusted my speakers before I was finally happy with it. Even after I got it set, I wasn’t convinced until I bought a sound volume level meter. Speakers are so tricky and the better they are, the more noticeable adjustments you can make to them.

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Your site is great, I jumped over to blu ray but am having trouble with the sound quality on DTS. I have an amp around 4 yrs old (ONKYO) running optics. I am finding that when playing DTS movies my side (standing) speakers have to be turned right down - the music and sound effects are way too loud as compared to the centre (Vocals) speaker. I HAVE CENTRE ON VOLUME 6 AND THE SIDES AT 0. I have changed it over from PCM to Bitstream - that has helped a bit but still the sides are still to loud it was my understanding that Surround Sound speakers have to all be on the same level. I know that if anyone can help it is you. Thanks Pete

Okay, a couple of things you should know when setting up your speakers. First, make sure you have them placed properly in order to get the best sound. This will also save you some work when you start setting up the volume. Too many people want to place their surround channels right next to their head. Second, invest in a Sound Volume Level Meter. You can get the one in the link at Amazon.com, or a cheap one at Radio Shack will also do the trick. Using this meter, ALL of your speakers should be set at the same volume in comparison to where you sit when you watch movies.

I use this picture all the time, but it’s the perfect setup.

To explain the volume meter a little more, it’s a simple device that measures the volume of a sound. Sit in your seat, hold the meter towards your screen at chest level and run through the cycle of speakers using your receiver. It doesn’t really matter what the level is set at, as long as all of the speakers read the same.

They come in different varieties, but this one works fine.

Without being at your house to measure your speakers, it sounds like your rear speakers might be too close physically to your seat. If you can push them further away from you, I would. Or, reduce the volume of your front speakers to match the rear speakers. You’re seeing this disparity greater with DTS films because DTS produces a clearer, crisper sound, especially in surround channels. Again, nothing will be as good as a volume meter and it comes in handy if you’re constantly switching speakers around, upgrading, or moving from place to place.