7.1 vrs 6.1

[jhanley]

Hello,
I'm having a family room in a new house wired for speakers and I'm unsure if I should go with a 7.1 or a 6.1 setup. The room is 24'x14' with 9' ceilings. I plan on Axiom speakers (M60s,VP150 and QS8s) along with either an SVS or HSU sub.
Will the added expense of wiring and another QS8 be worth it?
This will be for 80% movies.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[supervij]

I'd say it's worth it. There's this crazy phenomena that happens when a sound is coming from directly behind us (for example, when using 6.1) -- our brains interpret it as coming from in front of us. This doesn't always happen, and not to everyone, of course, but it's something to keep in mind.

A 7.1 will also create a larger soundfield. If you have a large area behind the seating area, a 7.1 will fill up the space more effectively.

cheers,
supervij

 

[tomd51]

Go 7.1...

Hey J;
Here's a link I posted regarding the use of 5.1 as opposed to 6.1/7.1. I'm largely not in agreement with him, but he does list valid points. Here's my take on the '5.1 vs 6/7.1' dilemma:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=155023#post155023

In your specific scenario, I would have the 7.1 wired whether you decide to use 6.1 or 7.1, for future use at the very least... -TD

 

[Jack Hammer]

Go with 7.1...

...Consider it cheap insurance. It'll be much cheaper to run the extra cable now, even if you decide not to use it right away, than to add it a year or two down the road. Putting in 7.1 allows you more flexibility.

Personally, I think the 7.1 sounds better than the 6.1 does. The larger soundfield fills the room better, IMO.

 

[jhanley]

Thanks to everyone for the replies, very informative.
My seating area will need to be 2-3 ' from the rear wall where to center rears would go. Is this too close?

 

[supervij]

I don't think so. And anyway, you can always adjust the levels on the receiver if those rear speakers seem too loud.

cheers,
supervij

 

[shokhead]

...Consider it cheap insurance. It'll be much cheaper to run the extra cable now, even if you decide not to use it right away, than to add it a year or two down the road. Putting in 7.1 allows you more flexibility.

Personally, I think the 7.1 sounds better than the 6.1 does. The larger soundfield fills the room better, IMO.

Which disc would that be for 7.1?

 

[tomd51]

Which disc would that be for 7.1?

I'm sure Jack can answer this himself, but any disc with a soundtrack encoded in 5.1/6.1 and listened to in ProLogic IIx... -TD

 

[Pyrrho]

Hello,
I'm having a family room in a new house wired for speakers and I'm unsure if I should go with a 7.1 or a 6.1 setup. The room is 24'x14' with 9' ceilings. I plan on Axiom speakers (M60s,VP150 and QS8s) along with either an SVS or HSU sub.
Will the added expense of wiring and another QS8 be worth it?
This will be for 80% movies.

Thanks for any feedback.

Since you are having it all done in a home as it is made, put in the wiring for at least 7.1 sound. It will cost little more at this time, and be no more trouble for you. But if you add something later, it will cost more and be a hassle. If you hear of any new formats before they do the installation (say, 18.3 or whatever), have the wiring put in for it as well for the reasons already mentioned.

 

[nick.h]

Hi,

I have a 6.1 Setup, I find it more then enough. My Reciever does 7.1, but to be honest I thought going for another speaker is just a waste of money. Best bet is to make sure your speaker placement is done correctly.

Cheers

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

More speakers is always better

If the room will accomadate 7.1, go for it!! Why wouldnt you?

GoBucks

 

[Jack Hammer]

I'm sure Jack can answer this himself, but any disc with a soundtrack encoded in 5.1/6.1 and listened to in ProLogic IIx... -TD

Yeah, what he said, mostly.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

I think we need to ask ourselves, who are the hifi/HT junkies, and who are not??? What separates a HT junky from an average J6P?

Considering this is a HT/Hifi forum, I assume most present are junkies who strive to be on the leading edge.

I definitely consider HT as one of my hobbies, and why would I sell myself short? Why run 5.1 when I can run a receiver that can process that signal into 7.1 throwing sound to more speakers?? Whether is means having more high tech toys, bigger screen, more speakers, bigger more powerful sub is all part of the equation and more toys are better

Is 5.1 good enough??? Hmmm... only you can decide, but I wouldnt want 5.1 if my room can acommodate more

 

[shokhead]

If your on this forum,your not avg joe.

 

[jhanley]

Once again thanks for all the good input. After talking to Axiom I've decided to put the wiring in the walls but save the cost of two more QS8s or QS4s and put it into an upgrade of the sub from the EP350 to the EP500. Also I'll run a set of wires to the back porch and use the receiver's 2nd area function insted of the 2 rear surrounds.

Thanks.​

 

[xboxweasel]

I started with 5.1, but since my receiver does 7.1 I decided to buy the 2 extra speaker right away. To ensure that I got the same series/model of surround speaker and at the same discounted price. If I waited a year that model might not be available any more.

As for movies, I find that the surround channels don't do that much (I know it has to do with how the soundtrack is mastered). The surround backs are even less noticable in movies (with all channels balanced, etc). I guess my ears point more forward than back.

Now, Master and Commander was awsome though for surrounds.

Aside from movies, I use 7.1 when listening to CDs to fill the room.

 

[AverageJoe]

If your on this forum,your not avg joe.

Sure I am

 

[shokhead]

Sure I am

Well sure you are.