new build - 7.1 or 5.1?

[wh33lman]

I'm at the point in my new HT where I could include 2 more speakers for 7.1. I have all the equipment required, it is just a matter of whether or not it is worth it.

Room is 15'x21'
Seating will be at 12' and 16'

If I do go 7.1, is it really a noticeable improvement over 5.1?

I cannot completely comply with THX 7.1, where the rear speakers are placed together in the center due to a window.

[PhilD]

Is it worth it NOTto put it in? If you are at the stage where it is 1) easy, 2) have the equipment and 3) come close to a general 7.1 set up I say go for it even if there is not alot of 7.1 content. I can decode to 7.1 and 7.1 music is excellent. I do not know if there is alot of improvment over a properly set up 5.1 system or not. I had both and when I redid my room I even wired for front presence channels which the yamaha RXV-2700 will decode and I very seldom use them. BUT I can create a large front sound stage if I choose to LOL.

I say if you have it do it.

Later
Phil

[57]

At least put in the speaker wires. Cost perhaps $30? You can start with 5.1 and add (or experiment with) two speakers easily then if/when desired, or the next person in the home...

[jokeDR]

I am facing the same decision. My TV room in the basement is only going to be roughly 11'4" by 11'4". I'm thinking it is too small to bother w/ 7.1

I'm thinking Energy take5 Classic or RC Minis in 5.1 config. will do fine for TRUEHD and DTS HD.

It's going to be tight for space.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

[Toolatecrew]

Originally Posted by jokeDR

I am facing the same decision. My TV room in the basement is only going to be roughly 11'4" by 11'4". I'm thinking it is too small to bother w/ 7.1

I'm thinking Energy take5 Classic or RC Minis in 5.1 config. will do fine for TRUEHD and DTS HD.

It's going to be tight for space.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

For the OP he states he already has the equipment so if its just running the speaker wire might as well do it. If he already has the equipment (speakers) the cost is minimal.

For you :
1The room is fairly small to bother with back surrounds
2. Buying 2 more speakers and wires for the rear will cost probaly $300 minimum? Take that $300 and buy a better sub or better fronts. You'll get much more out of it.

There is nothing wrong wioth 7.1 setups but to me the extra surround experience (especially since there is very little true 7.1 content) is not close to improvment in SQ you get from better mains or a better sub for the same $

[eljay]

I'm at the point in my new HT where I could include 2 more speakers for 7.1. I have all the equipment required, it is just a matter of whether or not it is worth it.
...
If I do go 7.1, is it really a noticeable improvement over 5.1?

I recently "upgraded" to 7.1 and I find it to be much more encompassing and immersive than 5.1. If you can afford to do it, go for it.

I cannot completely comply with THX 7.1, where the rear speakers are placed together in the center due to a window.

My set-up doesn't comply with THX 7.1, but when I'm enjoying a movie, the lack of compliance doesn't bother me one bit.

[punman]

I've not had 7.1 so cannot say from experience but I like the idea of running the wires at least.
My room is 17' x 11' so I felt it was kind of small for 7.1 plus there was not room for the 7th speaker so really did not even consider it for me.

[Tom.F.1]

my room is much smaller and 7.1 is definately worth it.
I used bipolar wall mount speakers on the sides and used center speakers, hung from the cieling for the rears.
This replaced my old system which had bookshelf speakers mounted to the wall and towers hung sidways from the cieling.
I used banana plug wall plates for outlets, the speakers can easily be removed for cleaing/painting etc.
7.1 is absolutly amazing for scenes where helicopters fly in overhead from behind!!

[RRH]

My room Is 22 X 25 feet, with seating at the 12' mark. I went full 7.1 last july
from a 6.1 setup when my old amp cooked off and love it. I certainly would like to see more DTS 7.1 or TrueHDdolby 7.1 sound track movies to be sure now. If you have the stuff anyway's go for it. My biggest complaint is if you have a HD 5.1 soundtrack ala BD Disk you can't matrix it to 7.1 at least I can't with my setup, where as with a Std DD5.1 track you can, but a full out HD 7.1 sound track can sure sound sweet.