In other words, will I be able to hear the distinct sound effects of the rear surrounds even though I am backed up against the wall on which the surround speakers for 7.1 will be mounted? btw, I am a noob and this is my first post, but I love this forum.

Welcome to the forum. This question has been asked and answered on numerous occasions, try using the search key and you will probably end up with more info than you can process. :)

ok, thanks. I will search and see what I find.

I went with 7.1, with the speakers against the same rear wall as the chairs and I am very glad i did. Sounds great.

thanks rsprance for your comment. I am leaning towards doing the same thing you did. what direction are your rear surrounds pointing? down toward your seating? or straight ahead, parallel to the floor? or some other direction?

I ended up with 7.1 too - I think it was worth it.

Welcome.

I have a 7.1 system and my last row of chairs are about 12 inches from the back wall. If you are worried about the direct sound you might consider a dipole or a bipole to help spread the sound

I had a similar issue with my previous theater. I ended up going 6.1 at the time, although many people instructed me to stick with 5.1. I ceiling mounted my side surrounds and had an inwall for the rear. It sounded very nice to me.