is setting up a 7.1 HT system almost a waste because HD cable and blu ray movies for the most part offer only 5.1 tracks even on blockbuster blu ray movies and it looks like that is not going to change anytime soon.

should i just go 5.1 and save the cost of 2 speakers?

it seems to me that even in the future 7.1 will never catch on as most people will have 5.1 setups.

it seems to me that even in the future 7.1 will never catch on as most people will have 5.1 setups.

I would say that setting up a 7.1 system is worth it. I watched the Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian Blu-ray last night and the audio was amazing. It seems like a lot of the new BD's coming out are in 7.1 audio.

Depends. If buying the 2 other speakers is a big deal, then save your money. If you have a real small room, save your money. If you have a medium size room and the receiver you get is going to have 7.1 capability, I would set up for 7.1. If you play video games, some use 7.1. Most 7.1 receivers will also matrix the 5.1 audio to use all 7 speakers. In the grand scheme of building a HT, the cost of those 2 extra speakers and wire is pretty negligible. I personally would want to be set up for 7.1 now, then try to retrofit a room later. You could always run speaker wires for 7.1, so you could always add the back speakers later.

You realize that a good processor can matrix the 5.1 soundtrack to a 7.1 soundtrack using DLPIIx or similar surround matrix?

i know i could matrix the sound to have 7.1 but i would think that having 5.1 of DolbyHD or DTS Master or PCM 5.1 (off blu ray) would be better then using dolby to make a phathom 7.1 sound field

agreed?

i know i could matrix the sound to have 7.1 but i would think that having 5.1 of DolbyHD or DTS Master or PCM 5.1 (off blu ray) would be better then using dolby to make a phathom 7.1 sound field

agreed?
Then why not run wires and buy speakers for 7.1, use it when it is available and turn it off when it is not?

i know i could matrix the sound to have 7.1 but i would think that having 5.1 of DolbyHD or DTS Master or PCM 5.1 (off blu ray) would be better then using dolby to make a phathom 7.1 sound field

agreed?


Not at all.

You realize you can matrix the lossless soundtracks too? Integra 9.8 processor does a terrific job of adding rear/side effects and panning to any and all lossless soundtracks found on blu rays using DLPIIx.

I was very underwhelmed by Dolby's DPLIIx for splitting 5.1 to 7.1. I even listened to just the rear surrounds once with the other speakers turned off. The subtle and mostly mono audio was next to useless.

But, Lexicon's Logic7 does an amazing job. At the very least L7 fills in the gap behind. At it's best it steers directional SFX all across the sides and rear of my theater. E.g the shootouts in Tropic Thunder.

I was very underwhelmed by Dolby's DPLIIx for splitting 5.1 to 7.1. I even listened to just the rear surrounds once with the other speakers turned off. The subtle and mostly mono audio was next to useless.

But, Lexicon's Logic7 does an amazing job. At the very least L7 fills in the gap behind. At it's best it steers directional SFX all across the sides and rear of my theater. E.g the shootouts in Tropic Thunder.

I had a Lex processor for several years and agree, the Logic7 processing is first rate. I've since had both a Aracam 700 and currently a Integra 9.8.

I did an A/B comparison between the Lex and the Arcam that I had on loan from a dealer. The Arcam's use of the DLPIIx to my ears was a clear winner for the rear soundstage. My rear dipoles came alive vs the Lexicon MC1 (I'm sure the last couple of Lex. would put the Arcam to shame).

I switched to the Integra to take advantage of the new lossless soundtracks. I am very pleased with it's performance, especially in light of the price tag....it's a bargin in the performance to buck ratio.

Relative to a 7.1 vs 5.1 for my set up, in my room....it's a clear winner. At times when the DLPIIx is not engaged (for whatever reason), I notice it instantly. There is a clear advantage to the combination for me, in my room.

Ron

PS: I will love to hear what Arcam comes out with down the road.

Agree wholeheartedly with rboster. I recently upgraded to 7.1 and I am completely enthralled with the enveloping sound from the available matrixing from 5.1. The recent Hellboy II has DTS-Master in 7.1 on blu ray and is awesome. Perhaps more 7.1 original mixes will be coming our way.

have a 5.1 system with fullrange speakers in every corner, would it be nessasary/recomended/NOT recomended to buy a full range speaker for the surround back in a 7.1 system?
Are the 7.1 system using full range to all speakers?

Ole

I dont have an issue with using PLIIx to expand 5.1 to 7.1, (PS3,Yamaha RX-V3900)
...and I can appreciate the difference from a sound effect that comes from behind me vs coming from the side in my room.

Gaming is better on most of the PS3 titles I've tried too.

Not all movies are significantly better, but if you've got All 7 speakers
you still have the option of turning the rear surrounds off if you want 5.1.

Yes there's a lack of discreet 7.1 titles
...there cant be more than a handful right?
Well close to 60 is a pretty good start considering its only been around a short time...

http://members.shaw.ca/piomaniac/7.1-1.jpg

I ran speaker wires in wall for an 8.2 setup (just in case :)), but only have a 5.1 system right now. did not get the two rear b/c of funding, but may do that one day. I do like the sounds I'm hearing, so I'm in no rush to get the two rear, but it's nice to have the option of adding them when needed.

Perhaps doing that?

Old

To oleops, from what I believe, if possible, it is desirable to have the surround speakers match the LCR speakers from a manufacturer and driver(s) (woofers and tweeters) standpoint for excellent timbre matching. If you are using the .1, the subwoofer for frequencies below 100 or 80 hz, there is no reason to have full range speakers for the surround (as long as you set your speakers to SMALL in the AVR setup).

Wow, thank you, PioManiac.

There are more than I realized; I appreciatethis list.

Wow, thank you, PioManiac.

There are more than I realized; I appreciatethis list.

FYI, source: http://blu-raystats.com/Stats/Stats.php

I just changed the audio to 7.1 and hit the filter button.