Surround Back question?

[andytk5]

Do you guys notice much difference in having your systems set up with surround backs (7.1) versus (5.1)? At the moment my couch is pushed against the wall in my HT room negating placement of my medium sized surround back speakers. I am planning a bump out of my HT room which will allow a more resonable placement of the couch and the speakers so they are not right behind our heads. At the moment I have disconnected them and just have the surrounds playing and don't notice much missing. I was just wondering if you guys that have good placement for the backs hear much more of the track or seperation between surrounds and surr backs?

I know this also depends on a track with surr back info on it.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have tried 6.1, 7.1, and 5.1.

IMO, they all sound the same. The surround channels are there for one primary reason: ambience effects. You can say they are also for panning effects, but for the most part, they are just for ambience effects. So 2 surround speakers are more than enough for that purpose.

But hey, since you have 4 surround speakers, you might as well put them to good use. But the BACK Surrounds need to be placed BEHIND you.

 

[bandphan]

IMO room size is the dcieding factor in necessity

 

[andytk5]

Yeah that is true, on both accounts. I thought it was just me. Once the addition is done, I will set them back up just because. I think right know I will just Bi-amp my Mirages with the 3808...

 

[chadnliz]

Anyone with a proper room and set-up aswell as capable equipment will agree 7.1 is the way to go, 5.1 works fine in smaller rooms and it also boils down to what you can hear and personal prefrence.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yeah that is true, on both accounts. I thought it was just me. Once the addition is done, I will set them back up just because. I think right know I will just Bi-amp my Mirages with the 3808...

So the Denon 3808 will let you use the two Unused Back Surround amps to bi-amp the front L + R?

Personally, I would not bi-amping using a receiver's internal amps. If done incorrectly, I'm afraid it may adversely affect the receiver itself. I would not take that chance. Also keep in mind that the more channels you use, the more it will cut down on the power for each channel. For example, the receiver may be rated at 130 wpc x 7Ch. But when 2Ch are driven, it may be only 100 wpc. When 5Ch are driven, it may be only 80 wpc. When 7Ch are driven, it may only be 60 wpc. And these numbers are usually at 1 kHz. With the entire 20 Hz - 20 kHz spectrum, these numbers may be less.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Anyone with a proper room and set-up aswell as capable equipment will agree 7.1 is the way to go, 5.1 works fine in smaller rooms and it also boils down to what you can hear and personal prefrence.

Personal preference is everything. If you think 7.1 sounds better, then it is better. I can agree with that. I'm sure GlocksRock will try to convince me to go back to 7.1. But I have been there and done it. I will be very happy with just simple humble 5.1.