New member! Need help with Martin Logan surround sound system

[misterVL]

Hello. I am new to the audio world. Lately I just had the itch to buy a home theater system since my house is getting remodeled. I would really need some advices.

Here is my setup that I just purchased and is still in box.

Receiver: Pioneer VSX-70 7.2 channel 80W
Front: Martin Logan Center channel motion 8 & 2 motion 4 bookshelf speaker
Rear ceiling: Martin Logan ElectroMotion 6.5 in ceiling
Sub: Martin Logan 10" Dynamo 700W

My questions is my living room dimension is about 15ft long, 11 ft deep, and 9 ft high. My TV will be placed in the width (11ft) of my living room. I am wondering if I should have a 7.1 instead of a 5.1 with 2 additional speakers on the rear (Martin Logan electromotion in wall). Would this setup be a overkill for such a small space?

My second question is, should I invest in a better receiver? My current receiver I purchased is 7.2 channel and 80W. Would it be enough to power a 7.1 system or would I need a even more powerful receiver?

Finally, what is the best in wall speakers and how do the Martin Logan electromotion series rank on the scale?

Thanks in advance.

 

[markw]

First off, you don't "need" 7.1. Many people find 5.1 is morethan adequate for their tastes.

Second, the rear speakers should be a few feet behind the main listening area. Can you swing that?

Finally, unless you intend to shatter glass and break leases you should behave adequate power. Not a surfeit, but adequate.

 

[misterVL]

First off, you don't "need" 7.1. Many people find 5.1 is morethan adequate for their tastes.

Second, the rear speakers should be a few feet behind the main listening area. Can you swing that?

Finally, unless you intend to shatter glass and break leases you should behave adequate power. Not a surfeit, but adequate.

Thanks. I was thinking that the 7.1 would be too much because of the small space also. I just got a bit overboard and wanted a very good system.

I will not be able to have a few feet behind the main listening area. My couch will be against the wall.

Are Martin Logan in wall speakers any good? I mean, I haven't seen anyone on this forum recommend Martin Logan in walls. All I see is people recommending Triads and gold monitors, which is actually cheaper than my Martin Logans.

Thanks