if i'm going to be using only 5.1 on a 7.1, which rear/surround hookups do i use?

[BlahBlahYouToo]

surround left/right

or

rear surround left/right

 

[Nohr]

Surround L&R

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

cool thx.
i guess if it made a difference, i'll be using DD and DTS, dolby trueHD and/or DTS hd where available.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
cool thx.
i guess if it made a difference, i'll be using DD and DTS, dolby trueHD and/or DTS hd where available.

always surround LR

 

[spidey07]

Also, many people put their surrounds behind them for 5.1. Don't do that. They're supposed to be right next to you. What 7.1 did was add rear surrounds and it helps for a more 360 degree sound.

 

[krotchy]

5.1 Surround = Sub + 3 Front + 2 Sides
6.1 Surround = Sub + 3 Front + 2 Sides + Rear
7.1 Surround = Sub + 3 Front + 2 Sides + 2 Rears

So yeah, use the Surround L/R for 5.1, not the Surround Read L/R. I actually am only running 5.1 in my bedroom, despite having a 7.1 receiver and the other 2 speakers, simply because I have nowhere to put the speakers

 

[indamixx99]

Many 7.1 receivers allow you to use the unused Rear Surround channels for a multi-room setup when running it in 5.1 mode. That's what I'm running here on my HK receiver. 5.1 in the living room, 2 speakers in the kitchen.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Some 7.1 receivers like the Onkyos also allow you to use the rear surround channels to bi-amp your front speakers, if your front speakers are capable of that setup. I did it for s & g's and it did seem to provide a bit more punch and clarity.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Some 7.1 receivers like the Onkyos also allow you to use the rear surround channels to bi-amp your front speakers, if your front speakers are capable of that setup. I did it for s & g's and it did seem to provide a bit more punch and clarity.

That's how my Panasonic receiver is. They call it dual amp. It appears to be an improvement.

 

[biggestmuff]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Also, many people put their surrounds behind them for 5.1. Don't do that. They're supposed to be right next to you. What 7.1 did was add rear surrounds and it helps for a more 360 degree sound.

"right next to you" meaning to the left and right of the main viewing and listening seats.

Dolby 5.1 diagram

 

[Muadib]

Here's another diagram.