Satellite Speakers

About Satellite Speakers

A satellite speaker is a small and compact speaker unit designed to handle high- and mid-range frequencies. As the name suggests, satellite speakers are typically placed around larger speakers in a home theatre or surround sound system, like objects in space orbit.

Satellite speakers can be strategically placed in the spaces between main speakers and subwoofers to create thorough dispersion and more expansive surround sound. Due to their small and lightweight nature, satellite speakers are great for mounting on ceilings or walls as height channels.

In surround sound systems with support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or other similar technologies, audio signals are distributed to the most suitable speaker. With satellite speakers strategically positioned around the room, the resulting surround sound is much more convincing and true-to-life.

As well as being great in a home theatre, satellite speakers are generally a great speaker solution when dealing with limited spaces or budgets. They can be easily mounted to a wall or positioned on shelves in small offices or conference rooms, cafés and retail spaces, or around a gaming monitor.

FAQs

Do satellite speakers make a difference?

Satellite speakers make a difference in both hi-fi and home cinema setups by both expanding the upper midrange delivery and creating a wider soundstage. This improvement becomes more noticeable when expanding a smaller system. As the soundstage is filled-out, you’ll experience a more realistic and immersive surround sound experience.

Can I use satellite speakers as main speakers?

Satellite speakers are not typically used as main speakers because of their smaller size and power capabilities. However, if you have a small room or home cinema, satellite speakers can be useful for saving space. In most home cinemas, the main speakers (front left, right and centre) would be floorstanding or bookshelf speakers and a centre speaker or soundbar. In these cases, satellite speakers are popular as rear or surround sound speakers.

Where is the best place to put satellite speakers?

The best place to put satellite speakers depends on your home cinema or hi-fi setup. For example, in a 5.1 home cinema configuration, satellite speakers can be used in the rear left and right positions. Alternatively in a 7.1 or 9.1 home cinema, they may be mounted to the ceiling as additional height or surround channels.