At Crystal Smart & Security, we believe a home cinema should stir emotion, ignite passion, and fully immerse you in every scene. That’s why we design bespoke cinema installations that seamlessly blend stunning visuals with immersive sound, creating unforgettable experiences right in your living room.
As specialist home cinema installers in Cardiff, we use only the latest and highest-quality technology available. Every system is tailored to suit your space and your vision—customised without compromise. The result? A home cinema setup that delivers a truly cinematic experience, made just for you.
1. Plan the Layout
Sit in your main listening position—this is your reference point.
Place the center speaker directly in front, under or above the TV.
Front speakers should be at ear level, spaced evenly on either side of the TV.
Surround speakers go slightly behind or beside your seating area, ideally at ear level or a bit higher.
The subwoofer can go near the front wall or in a corner for maximum bass response (try a few spots if you can).
2. Run the Speaker Wires
Use high-quality speaker wire (16 or 14 gauge is typical).
Hide wires behind walls, under carpets, or use wire management kits.
Label your wires so you know which speaker they’re for.
3. Connect to the AV Receiver
Plug each speaker wire into the correct terminal on the receiver: center, front L/R, surround L/R, subwoofer out (usually via RCA cable).
Make sure polarity (+/-) matches on both ends to avoid phase issues.
4. Position and Mount Speakers (if needed)
Wall-mount or place speakers on stands for optimal height.
Use brackets or mounts designed for your speaker brand/model.
5. Configure Your Receiver
Use the AV receiver’s setup assistant or auto-calibration mic.
It balances sound levels, distances, and EQ settings for your room.
You can fine-tune settings manually if needed.
6. Test the System
Play a surround sound test track or movie.
Walk around and listen—dialogue should be clear from the center, effects should move fluidly from front to back, and bass should feel full but not overpowering.
1. Bookshelf Speakers
Great for front left/right and surround positions.
Compact but powerful, ideal for medium rooms.
🎯 Best for: Balanced sound, flexibility in placement.
2. Floorstanding (Tower) Speakers
Big sound, great bass, no sub needed in some cases.
Ideal for larger rooms or main front L/R speakers.
🎯 Best for: Cinematic, full-range audio.
3. Center Channel Speaker
Focuses on dialogue.
Always buy the best you can afford—it’s the most used channel.
🎯 Best for: Clarity of speech and front sound anchoring.
4. Surround/Rear Speakers
Smaller, directional speakers placed at sides or rear.
Some use bipole/dipole designs to reflect sound for a more spacious effect.
🎯 Best for: Ambient effects, movement, and immersion.
5. Subwoofer
Handles low frequencies (explosions, rumble, etc.).
One is usually enough, but two can give smoother bass.
🎯 Best for: Deep, cinematic impact.
6. Dolby Atmos Height Speakers / Upfiring Modules
For a 5.1.2 or 7.1.2 setup (adds height/overhead effects).
Either ceiling-mounted or upward-firing to bounce sound.
🎯 Best for: Next-level immersion with overhead sound.