5.1 vs 7.1--what's best for me?

[ttellez]

Advice needed--5.1 or 7.1??

It's me again. I am setting up a media room. it's 17'w x 20' deep. It has two levels of seating. The first row is about 10 feet from the screen and the second is about 15' from the screen. My question is two fold. 1. Where do I figure my speaker location- first row or second? 2. Should I buy a 5.1 or 7.1 system? I appreciate all input. Thanks!

 

[mtrycrafts]

It's me again. I am setting up a media room. it's 17'w x 20' deep. It has two levels of seating. The first row is about 10 feet from the screen and the second is about 15' from the screen. My question is two fold. 1. Where do I figure my speaker location- first row or second? 2. Should I buy a 5.1 or 7.1 system? I appreciate all input. Thanks!

Welcome. I would assume that the screen/picture is on the 17ft wall.
I can only assume that the first row of seating will be your primary place and used mostly.

I would set up a 7.1 in that room, nicely suited for your placement of seats.

I would place the side speakers at 90 degrees from the main seats to 110 degrees. I would make room for perhaps another set of those speakers behind the second row, or rather on the side wall at 110 degree. I would place the two rears on the back wall perhaps 8 ft apart.

 

[AVRat]

Unfortunately, the answer is rather subjective. I've heard good both 5/7.1 in that size space. Sometime, we'll be seeing a true 7.1 audio format so installing it now would be a good idea. Also, since you've ample space between the back row/wall, a 7.1 system is feasible though a 5.1 sytem could work also. Placement of the speakers will depend on the type of speaker used, mono/multi-polar. Do you have an idea which speaker brand you'll be using?

 

[jcPanny]

Room setup

Your room configuration would work well with a dipole or bipole type speaker for the surrounds to create a larger sweet spot. You should consider whether you want the front row to be the money seat or if you should comprovmise and have both rows sound pretty good.
I would definately wire for 7.1 even if you don't buy the surround back speakers initially.