AVS Forum banner
Cancel
  • Get an exclusive sneak peek into our new project. >>> Click Here
  • Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.

5.1 or 7.1/

666 Views 9 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  BruceOmega, 
S
hi,


my room is 13' x 21' x 7' h.


wondering whether it is ok to go with a 7.1 setup or will it be too much and should just settle with 5.1?


thanks in advance

sri
Save
Like
Status
Not open for further replies.
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
K
sri777,


I have a 6.1 setup in my 13' x 15' x7' foot bedroom


It is everything you see in my sig.


First suggestion is budget, come up with one. To give you a good template here is what I can highly recommend for you now all of this can be bought for less as delaer pricing varies.

Yamaha RX-V1600 $999
Yamaha DVD-C950 $549


Westinghouse 37in to 47in 1080p LCD HDTV


As for speakers there are three options I can highly recommend for that room..

Definitive Speakers;


Option One (best choice IMO):

BP7006sc (fronts, set to large on receiver)

CLR2300 (center, set to large on receiver)

BP2X (x4 for surrounds set to small and 80Hz xover)

or

UIW BP/A (x4 inwalls same config as BP2X's)

SuperCube II (extened LFE, can be purchased later if you wished)


Option Two:

PM500 (front channel , bookself sized set to large on receiver)

CLR2300 (center, set to large on receiver)

BP2X (x4 for surrounds set to small and 80Hz xover)

or

UIW BP/A (x4 inwalls same config as BP2X's)

Super Cube II (extended LFE)


Option Three:

Mythos Four (floorstanding set to small 80Hz xover)

Mythos Three (center channel set to small 80Hz xover)

UIW BP/A (x4 inwalls 80Hz xover)

SuperCube I (LFE)


More advice on definitive speakers check out the Deftech Owner thread found HERE
See less See more
Save
Like
T
7.1
Save
Like
A
I think you can go with 7.1 in that space but I'd rather spend the $ on a solid 5.1 versus the same amount on a 7.1 system. I have had some interesting discussions with audio engineers regarding original intended mix (5.1) versus other extended formats (7.1) and what companies do a better or worse job with the implementation of extended formats. All that being said, I have simple needs and after trying 7.1 went back to 5.1 as my solution in a smaller room. :rolleyes:


If you have the opportunity to give both systems a listen in your room, give it a go.
Save
Like
craig john
How much space do you have behind the LP? If you have 6 ft. or more, go with 7.1. If you have less than that, you will be too close to the rear speakers. They will become "point sources" instead of ambiance enhancing, diffuse sources.


Take a look at the Dolby recommended speaker placement. They show the rear speakers well behind the LP separated by a few feet. Note the angles they recommend. Also, THX recommends behind the LP, but using co-located rears. If you use this arrangement, get a THX pre/pro and use the THX ASA processing. Either arrangement will work.


Craig
Save
Like
T
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrojanHorse
7.1
I agree.
Save
Like
G
What craig said. If you have the space behind the listening position to put some distance between you and the rear speakers, i'd consider 7.1.


But AVDawg made a good point as well about budget: don't do 7.1 just to be able to do 7.1. it'd be a shame if you end up with so-so speakers if you do a 7.1 if for the same money you could have had good speakers if you did "just" 5.1. 5.1 is nothing bad, and remember that you can always upgrade quite easily later on by adding the rear speakers (and moving the old surrounds forward to become true sides.)
Save
Like
N
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gertjan
What craig said. If you have the space behind the listening position to put some distance between you and the rear speakers, i'd consider 7.1.
Agreed, though I would put more money into a 5.1 setup like has been suggested. A good and properly set up 5.1 setup can sound as good or better than 7.1 in my opinion (7.1 is overkill in for me. There is too much going on and it just doesn't sound like it really would if I were actually there in that "car chase" scene or that "sword fighting" scene).
Save
Like
S
Thanks everyone.


I already have 5.1 speakers setup in the family room which i will be moving to the soon to be constructed basement dedicated HT room.


Based on the above advice, I will probably start with 5.1 and see how it goes and upgrade later..


Craig,


to use the THX ASA processing as you suggested, is it also necessary that the source material is encoded in that format?


thanks

sri
See less See more
Save
Like
B
sri777,


I would plan on 7.1, even if you have to build to that incrementally. I started with a 5.1 set up and was never satisfied with the surround envelopment. When I expanded to 7.1, the problem was fixed.


Since there are no 7.1 sources at the present time, the surround processing is an important factor for listening in 7.1. I recommend using Logic 7, based on lots of use, and / or DPLIIx based on limited use so far. My 7.1 speaker array is laid out consistent with the Dolby recommendations for 7.1, and I have been quite satisfied.


Thanks

Bruce
Save
Like
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
AVS Forum
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Receivers, Amps, and Processors LCD Flat Panel Displays Speakers HDTV Programming Home Theater Computers
Top