Where should the two surround sound speakers ideally be placed?

The ideal placement of surround sound speakers is to the side and slightly behind the listener. This configuration allows for an immersive audio experience by positioning the sound sources in a way that reflects how sound naturally engulfs a person in a multi-dimensional space. When speakers are placed at this angle, they can effectively create a wrap-around sound effect, which enhances the listener's sense of directionality and depth when audio is played.

Being slightly behind and to the side helps to avoid creating a direct sound path, which can lead to localized audio that disrupts the immersive experience. Instead, this positioning allows sounds to reach the listener's ears in a way that simulates a more realistic sound stage, making movie scenes or music feel more dynamic and engaging.