differences between 5.1, 6.1, 7.1

[Smartass408]

What are the general differences between 6.1, 6.1, and 7.1 setups.

From what I've gathered the difference between a 5.1 and 7.1 setup is that there are 2 more surround speakers in addition to the 2 loudspeakers, center, and 2 surrounds and a sub. Making 4 speakers in the rear, correct?

What is a 6.1 system setup?

Thanks for the help

 

[dkane360]

What are the general differences between 6.1, 6.1, and 7.1 setups.

From what I've gathered the difference between a 5.1 and 7.1 setup is that there are 2 more surround speakers in addition to the 2 loudspeakers, center, and 2 surrounds and a sub. Making 4 speakers in the rear, correct?

What is a 6.1 system setup?

Thanks for the help

6.1 is only 1 more surround in the back, whereas 7.1 has 2.

 

[Smartass408]

Thanks man

 

[goldenwings]

5.1 is the (maybe) most usual HT set-up, 6.1, add one surrond at the back, 7.1, add two back surrounds, plus the normal surroud speakers at right and left in the back of the audition place.

But, a nice thing about 7.1, is the possibility to use the back surround as a Stereo set-up in another room, is also possible in some receivers, to have another source in the second zone (at least my Denon). This way, you can use 5.1 in main zone, and stereo in zone 2.

 

[MatthewB.]

Actualy it wouldnt be 4 in the rear, but 2 on the side of the sitting position and 2 behind. A proper 5.1 can sound as good as a 7.1, but 7.1 works better in larger rooms. Bluray makes very good use of 7.1

 

[lsiberian]

What are the general differences between 6.1, 6.1, and 7.1 setups.

From what I've gathered the difference between a 5.1 and 7.1 setup is that there are 2 more surround speakers in addition to the 2 loudspeakers, center, and 2 surrounds and a sub. Making 4 speakers in the rear, correct?

What is a 6.1 system setup?

Thanks for the help

5.1 has the surrounds only on the sides.

6.1 has the surround on the sides and one in the back centered.

7.1 has surrounds on the sides and edges of the couch.

7.1 also has reduced localization effects giving a more impressive experience in well done sound tracks. It is generally difficult to pull off in most setups though. As you need plenty of space from the back wall.

 

[agarwalro]

Also, more speakers is not always better, i.e. 7.1 is not always better than 5.1. For example, when your couch is pressed up against the back wall. In this situation 5.1 is as far as you should go... as a general rule, if you dont have at least 4 - 5 feet behind you listening spot and the location of the rear surround speakers, it is best to stick with 5.1.

 

[jostenmeat]

What are the general differences between 6.1, 6.1, and 7.1 setups.

From what I've gathered the difference between a 5.1 and 7.1 setup is that there are 2 more surround speakers in addition to the 2 loudspeakers, center, and 2 surrounds and a sub. Making 4 speakers in the rear, correct?

What is a 6.1 system setup?

Thanks for the help

Your answers have been answered correctly, at least as far as what we've come to know.

However, with newer technologies like DSX, you can have a 7.1 system, but without "rears", and instead "heights" or "widths".

Some people are interested in expanding their immersion while being limited by the nearby rear wall. Of course, for those who have the space in all directions, you can setup 11.1 as well, with rears/widths/heights.

 

[ju10503]

to further complicate life, 7.1 doesn't always have the extra two on the sides, you can also have five in front (outer left/right, inner left/right, center), 2 rears, and sub. i think that's odd but haven't tried it.