Quality products installed and calibrated by knowledgeable technicians.
Envelope yourself in rich, dynamic audio with our surround sound solutions, meticulously engineered to bring every note, dialogue, and effect alive around you.

If you keep raising the volume to understand speech, adding more speakers may not solve the problem. Dialogue clarity depends on the center channel, its position relative to the screen and seats, room reflections, source settings and the balance between channels. A speaker tucked behind a cabinet door or aimed at your knees can work against otherwise capable equipment.
A useful surround sound design starts with the seating area. Identify where people normally sit, whether the sofa rests against a wall, and how the room connects to adjoining spaces. The front speakers should anchor the action at the screen; surrounds should add a sense of space without calling attention to themselves. Bass should support the soundtrack without overwhelming conversation or disappearing at one seat.
In Phoenix homes with tile floors, tall ceilings or large expanses of glass, the room can make dialogue harder to follow. Placement and suitable room furnishings deserve attention alongside equipment choices. AV By Design can help you evaluate a new system or determine whether your existing speakers and receiver need a better configuration before you replace them.
Do you ever think that surround sound is “too loud”? We hear this a lot. However, surround sound is no “louder” than TV sound. So why do people feel that way? Most of the time, we find that a surround system is improperly deployed. Fine adjustments (or sometimes not so fine) to a surround sound will improve the experience drastically. Quality product installed and calibrated by a knowledgeable technician will take you from “cranking it up to hear the voices”, to enjoying a complete cinematic experience in your living room.
A 5.1 system uses five main channels and a subwoofer channel. Additional surround or height channels can add spatial detail, but they need useful locations and compatible electronics. A carefully arranged smaller system can be a better choice than extra speakers crowded into unsuitable positions.
For immersive formats such as Dolby Atmos, distinguish the main listening layer from overhead effects. Existing ceiling speakers may be useful for height channels, but their locations and coverage still need review. Upward-firing options depend on the ceiling and room configuration; they are not interchangeable with every overhead installation.
Setup involves more than running an automatic calibration routine. Speaker assignment, channel levels, timing, crossover settings and subwoofer integration need to suit the equipment and seating. Discuss how the result will be checked with both speech and familiar movie material. If TV apps supply the soundtrack, confirm the TV-to-receiver audio connection and supported formats so a connection setting does not quietly limit the system.
These details help separate a placement problem, a connection problem and a genuine need for new equipment.
Include the screen wall, both side walls and the space behind the sofa. Note which furniture must stay and whether visible speakers are acceptable. That gives the design a realistic starting point for front, surround and height channels, including any locations that are blocked by doors, windows or walkways.
Provide TV, receiver, source and speaker model numbers, not just brand names. Include how each device connects. Audio support can differ between apps, HDMI inputs and return connections. Review the complete path before assuming a receiver upgrade or extra pair of speakers will unlock a particular format.
Channel count, speaker type, subwoofers, amplifier needs and cable access affect cost. New wiring in finished walls can add labor; reusing suitable wiring can help. Reserve scope for setup and any necessary room improvements instead of spending the entire budget on equipment that cannot perform well in its intended location.
A fully integrated AV system requires an in-depth design procedure to assure that all of the components
and sub-systems work together properly. Without a proper design, you may be subject to hidden charges later.
A fully integrated AV system requires an in-depth design procedure to assure that all of the components and sub-systems work together properly.
Love watching movies? Hate going to the theater? Let us show you how we can design and install a state of the art theater in your home.
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Do you ever think that surround sound is “too loud”? We hear this a lot. However, surround sound is no “louder” than TV sound.
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Terry Kohler, the owner of Audio Video by Design, has done AV work on both of my homes in the Phoenix area. He has done AV wiring, hung TV’s, installed speakers, added Control 4, and switches that allow me to control features in my home with my phone. His workmanship was professional and on time, and he did not go over budget unless I added work. I highly recommend him. You will be satisfied.
I called AV by Design to assist with a surround sound system. Terry was on time and very professional. He was knowledgeable and informative. In no time at all, I had a wonderful sound system that fit my style and budget. Thanks, Audio Video by Design. Great Job!
Terry has installed home automation throughout my entire house along with full surround sound speakers in my backyard. The customer service is excellent and so is the quality of the products he uses. I recommend him to anyone I talk to who wants any audio video in their home or business
We’ve used Terry for audio/video work for over 15 years. Now have Control 4 done by him too. Very happy.
We have surround sound outdoor speakers, and absolutely love Control4. Terry is great.
Never once was I concerned that Terry couldn't handle this job. He knew exactly what to do, and the results are immaculate...We have since had him back out to help with some other wiring projects and he is always friendly, prompt and efficient. I highly recommend this company for all of your AV needs. We will be hiring Audio Video by Design to come back out and install a complete home automation/control system for us. Thanks Terry!
No. You control the listening level. Good placement and balanced setup can make speech and effects easier to follow without turning everything up. Some receivers also offer night or dynamic-range settings that reduce the difference between quiet and loud passages; suitability depends on the equipment and what you like hearing.
Not automatically. Their location, aim and coverage must suit their role. Movie dialogue is generally best anchored near the screen, while height channels add a separate overhead dimension. Dolby’s surround placement guides illustrate why the listener’s position matters when planning the main channels.
The room and placement influence low-frequency response. Moving the subwoofer or listening position can change the result; additional subwoofers can help in some designs when positioned and aligned appropriately. Turning up the bass alone may make an already strong seat louder without fixing the weak seat. Evaluate the listening area as a whole.
Usually they remove a particular signal cable, not every connection. Powered speakers still need electricity, and wireless links depend on the product and radio environment. Check the exact system architecture, outlet locations and control requirements. Where cable access exists, a wired design may be worth comparing for flexibility and serviceability.
Start with a review of wiring, speaker assignment, levels, placement and source settings. A configuration fault can make good equipment sound disappointing. Replacement may be appropriate for damaged components, incompatible formats or a new room layout, but those are different reasons. A diagnosis helps direct the budget toward the part that actually needs attention.
A surround system should make entertainment easier to enjoy at your preferred listening level.
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