7.1 surround content without surround speakers

[roserez]

I now listen to my TV through a stereo. This sometimes makes movie dialog difficult to understand so I intend to replace the stereo with an AV receiver and add a center speaker. Since I am not going to use surround speakers at this time, what will happen when I play 7.1 or 5.1 content? Will the content in the absent channels be lost or will it be mixed into the main speakers?

Thanks.

- Mike

 

[j_garcia]

When you tell the receiver you don't have the other speaker connected, yes it will mix the sound into the other speakers.

 

[roserez]

Thanks. Is that true for most receivers? I am considering getting a Yamaha RX-A800 and could find no mention of that feature. Is it not mentioned because it is so standard?

 

[AVRat]

Yes, it's how the A/V receivers work.