7.1 Surround Sound Worth It?

[dmw16]

I bought a 7.1 capable reciever (Onkyo TX-SR503) but only have 5 speakers and a sub. Is it worth buying 2 more satellites to get 7.1?

 

[Tiamat]

only if you can set it up perfectly as per dolby standards.

 

[dmw16]

Which I probably cant. I guess I'll save the 80ft of wire and speakers.

 

[Tiamat]

yeah, i would just put the money into higher quality sub.

unless you have a dedicated room, its tough to get the speakers at the right height and angle without getting in the way of room aesthetics.

 

[brxndxn]

I'm not even sure my 6.1 Dolby-whatever is playing correctly..

I can't tell if it's playing 'logical surround' or actual using the optical output from the DVD player. And, when I change the settings, it seems like certain fronts and rears are used more often..

But, I'd say that until I get the perfect room for surround sound (my college condo isn't very good for it), 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 all wouldn't sound much different.

So.. depends on your room.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: brxndxn
I'm not even sure my 6.1 Dolby-whatever is playing correctly..

I can't tell if it's playing 'logical surround' or actual using the optical output from the DVD player. And, when I change the settings, it seems like certain fronts and rears are used more often..

But, I'd say that until I get the perfect room for surround sound (my college condo isn't very good for it), 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 all wouldn't sound much different.

So.. depends on your room.

If not set up correctly, the speakers interfere with each other before the sound gets to you. Lots of destructive/constructive interference. Thats why angle/distance/height is so very important.

 

[waggy]

big question is really is it even supported yet?

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: waggy
big question is really is it even supported yet?

not sure what you mean?

Dolby kind of sets the "rules" and the movie makers follow them when fabricating dvds.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Tiamat

Originally posted by: waggy
big question is really is it even supported yet?

not sure what you mean?

Dolby kind of sets the "rules" and the movie makers follow them when fabricating dvds.

He means that he's unsure if 7.1 is an official standard yet, or if it's a virtual 7.1 fabricated by the receiver out of a 5.1 track. I know both Dolby and DTS have extended formats for 6.1, but I've not heard of any official 7.1 formats. Maybe that's something to look forward to with the upcoming BluRay and HD-DVD, but even then, you'd still have to upgrade your receiver to take advantage.

The 6.1 formats essentially add a surround back center, which if done correctly, can add a lot to your movie watching experience.

Some people use their 7.1 receivers to set up different zones. For example, the regular 5.1 setup for their home theater, and the extra two surround back speakers can be ran to another room for seperate listening (music, for example), all from the same receiver. I believe only certain receivers support this, though.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong on any of this.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: blurredvision.

He means that he's unsure if 7.1 is an official standard yet, or if it's a virtual 7.1 fabricated by the receiver out of a 5.1 track. I know both Dolby and DTS have extended formats for 6.1, but I've not heard of any official 7.1 formats. Maybe that's something to look forward to with the upcoming BluRay and HD-DVD, but even then, you'd still have to upgrade your receiver to take advantage.

The 6.1 formats essentially add a surround back center, which if done correctly, can add a lot to your movie watching experience.

Some people use their 7.1 receivers to set up different zones. For example, the regular 5.1 setup for their home theater, and the extra two surround back speakers can be ran to another room for seperate listening (music, for example), all from the same receiver. I believe only certain receivers support this, though.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong on any of this.[/quote]



yeap that is what i was trying to get at.

hmm so if you have a 7.1 some will let you have the other 2 for a diffrent room? that would be usefull. I had a old technics reciver that had 2 sets for front speakers. so i had some for the TV and another set in the computer room.

 

[Kremlar]

Dolby Digital EX is considered a "7.1" format if you use 2 rear center speakers, though the center rear is mono.

http://www.dolby.com/consumer/technology/dolby_ex.html

I have a 7.1 setup and love it, but you have to have the right room for it or it's a waste.