I'm putting together a surround system and I'm trying to decide on a 5 channel amp or 7 channel. The processor I'm going with, the Onkyo PR-SC885P is a 7.1 channel unit but I'm wondering if 7.1 is viable considering that the number of 7.1 titles is relatively slim compared to 5.1 titles. Are any of the studios behind the 7.1 technology and how do the new HD audio formats play into this? Thanks!

Mike

I dont know of any 7.1 Music. Even the new Bluray stuff (concerts..etc) is being doing in 5.1 The only thing I know of that is true 7.1 are a few movies and some (select) video games...PS3 via HDMI

I'm wondering if 7.1 is viable considering that the number of 7.1 titles is relatively slim compared to 5.1 titles.7.1 pre-pros have been around for over 22 years, which is a full 8 years before there was any 5.1 material available to consumers. Obviously, the number of channels in the source material had nothing to do with the number of speakers used for playback. Anyone using a 7.1-speaker set-up during the last 2 decades had originally been listening to 2-channel sources and more recently 5.1-channel material.

It's pointless to consider a 7.1 system based on number of available 7.1 titles: there's a handful of movies and no music. Better instead to base it on your seating location in the room. If you're at/near the back wall, then stick to a 5.1 layout (there's literally no room behind you for the rear speakers). If your seating is at least a few feet away from the back wall, then you'll be able to properly separate the speakers at your sides from the speakers behind you.

Good Luck,
Sanjay

Most installations i have been involved with use 5.1 for music and movies and
use the other 2 channels for another zone like a den,kitchen or patio.

MP3 surround only supports 5.1. Windows media encoder pro will, I think, encode up to 7.1 but I only use it to encode 5.1 (since I know of no 7.1 sources).

Think about it this way.

Spreading the budget over 7 speakers and amps is going to reult in less $ per speaker/amp than 5.1 Personally I'd rather have higher quality on the 5 speakers/sub and amp than the extra 2 channels

Think about it this way.

Spreading the budget over 7 speakers and amps is going to reult in less $ per speaker/amp than 5.1 Personally I'd rather have higher quality on the 5 speakers/sub and amp than the extra 2 channels

Excellent advice and what I did.;)

Think about it this way.

Spreading the budget over 7 speakers and amps is going to reult in less $ per speaker/amp than 5.1 Personally I'd rather have higher quality on the 5 speakers/sub and amp than the extra 2 channels

Same here and according to a poll in another thread so does the majority.

The advantage of 7.1, given the paucity of native 7.1 sources, is to present 5.1 sources better. Most surround installs in 5.1 setups I've seen are somewhat-to-severely compromised, and the extra surrounds taking the burden off of "phantom" imagery can certainly help. Moreso, I'd say, than adding that extra $/speaker (which will do little for surround imaging).
As Sanjay points out, though, you need the room for it.

I dont know of any 7.1 Music. Even the new Bluray stuff (concerts..etc) is being doing in 5.1 The only thing I know of that is true 7.1 are a few movies and some (select) video games...PS3 via HDMI

I don't know if this qualifies as music but I have a 7.1 HDS DTS CD entitled Natures Mystic Moods The sound of the Storm and the Sea. 1996 Miller Nevada LTD, Inc DTS sound.

Manufactured by Mobile Fidelity International

A lot of thunder and lighting. Pretty realistic.

For as long as 7.1 has been out there is very little material so that leads me to ask
if the studios are not interested or the costs to high or is general lack of interests from
the masses.

I think it's lack of interest. While the "masses" are willing to add extra speakers to make the big jump to surround, I think they're unwilling (unlike the enthusiasts found on this board) to add even more speakers (and move the couch away from the wall) for an incremental improvement upon that.

For as long as 7.1 has been out there is very little material so that leads me to ask if the studios are not interested or the costs to high or is general lack of interests from the masses.All of the above probably. Add to that the current state of technology: most commercial theatres are equipped for 5.1-channel soundtracks (the surround-back channel still has to be matrix derived for DD, DTS & SDDS soundtracks). Convincing them to add new decoders and possibly more amps could be a tough sell, especially when theatre owners ask if they'll increase revenue by going 7.1.

Sanjay

I think it's lack of interest. While the "masses" are willing to add extra speakers to make the big jump to surround, I think they're unwilling (unlike the enthusiasts found on this board) to add even more speakers (and move the couch away from the wall) for an incremental improvement upon that.

That and the price may be a factor. I’m happy with my 5.1 and although Iv never heard 7.1. I highly doubt there’s a jaw dropping difference.:eek:

I've had 7.1 for 9 yrs now and I think it makes a big difference. The idea is surround sound and sound does come from behind you. Granted there is no source I've seen with discrete rear channels recorded, but that may also be because of disc space, which may not be an issue with the new formats. I hope it becomes the standard.

Hello. I originally put together a 5.1 system for computer games and then used it for movies. After upgrading to 7.1 then used the rear channels to play radio or music while gaming on the other channels. The extra rear channels make a better surround experience for movies even if the movie is 5.1 because of DD EX.

I think by going 7.1 you future-proof yourself more than sticking with 5.1 - I would be surprised if 7.1 source material didn't grow in availability over the next few years. Further, most processors can create 7.1 from 5.1 material, and although the result is not dramatically better, it is better. If you're worried about budget, buy the 7-channel amp but hold off on two extra speakers until there is more 7.1 source material to hear.

I don't know if this qualifies as music but I have a 7.1 HDS DTS CD entitled Natures Mystic Moods The sound of the Storm and the Sea. 1996 Miller Nevada LTD, Inc DTS sound.

Manufactured by Mobile Fidelity International

A lot of thunder and lighting. Pretty realistic. Are you saying it has 7.1 channels? DTS is not capable of that. When I knew Brad Miller, he was recording everything as 5.1. Some amazing air races, artillery fire, a space shuttle launch, and fireworks that sounded like a height channel was there.