Is going to 7.1 worth it from 5.1?

[mwaarna]

I have had a full set of Polk LSI for a little while now.

With the clearance at fry's i purchased an LSI15 for cheap, and also acquired another one else where.

Now i will have the speakers for a total 7.1 setup, but only an amp to run 5.

Later this year, I am looking to upgrade my amp any way, but i have only been looking at 5 channel amps...

Is 7.1 worth it from 5.1? How many real sources of 7.1 are there?

and if its not worth it, whats the average selling price for LSI9's, in mint condition, with original boxes, manuals etc..

Thanks for your advice.

-Matti

[ben62670]

You would really need a long room for 7.1 to really shine. I prefer a solid 5.1 unless your room is like 24 feet or more long. Some of this depends on how far your viewing area is from your seating position.

[kuntasensei]

If you're sitting at least 3+ feet from the back wall, I think you benefit from it. It does require some careful tweaking to really shine, but even in my small room it was worth it. I was playing the Burnout Paradise demo earlier, and when there's a car coming up behind me, I hear it pan around the rear soundstage so I can tell where it is without hitting my rear view. And that's just the game performance... Movies sound amazing!

[mwaarna]

My Current Living Room layout would definately support 7.1 speaker setup.

It is 15x25 approximately.

The tv is at the long end, and the main sitting position is about half way.

but how many real 7.1 sources are there. I dont think i've seen any bluray or hd-dvd support 7.1, and i dont recall seeing any video game to support it either...

[Early B.]

My Current Living Room layout would definately support 7.1 speaker setup.

It is 15x25 approximately.

With a room that size, go with 7.1, especially since you already own the speakers. The cost difference between a 5 and 7 channel amp is nominal. Even if you decide to stick with 5.1, a 7-channel amp could be beneficial in the long run for bi-amping or powering passive subs.

[BIZILL]

first two that come to mind are pan's labyrinth on hd dvd an resistance: fall of man video game for ps3... search the net's forums. there are threads that list true 7.1 content. getting the right hardware to benefit is the key.

[Sami]

Now i will have the speakers for a total 7.1 setup, but only an amp to run 5.

Later this year, I am looking to upgrade my amp any way, but i have only been looking at 5 channel amps...

Well, a cheap 2ch amp for the back surrounds would definately be ok, you don't need a massive powerhouse for them. Pick the amp based on what you like, not how many channels it has as you can easily add a 2ch amp for $200 or less that will do the work without a sweat.

For that size room, 7.1 might be useful but there is nothing wrong with 5.1 either. Sources, I don't there are many so it will be most of the time a matrix created by the processor.

[Early B.]

Oh, one more thing -- buy a 7-channel amp and try both the 5.1 and 7.1 configuration. See which one you like. The 7.1 config won't necessarily sound better. It could be more "noisy." Just depends on your personal taste, room acoustics, placement limitations, gear, WAF, etc.

Here's another idea -- take that extra pair of speakers and set up a nice 2-channel system.

[mwaarna]

The living area I am in now, is not my permanent living area..

I am only 25 and I am saving up to buy my own place next year.

SO i am not sure if my next place could accommodate a 7.1 setup.

As for setting up a 2ch system, I do not have the room for it...

As far as getting a 5 vs a 7ch amp.. there is a decent price gap(if going new)

I have been looking at the Earthquake Cinenova series....

And hte price difference from 5ch to 7ch is almost 1k...

[MusikSource]

My room is 13 x 22, I ran 5.1 up until a year ago and set up 7.1 for myself. The 7.1 was a nice difference however, as stated it requires a great deal of tweeking to get it right. I recently hired a local audio specialist to come in and tweek my system and wow. If it is set up right what a difference. The noticable difference between 5.1 and 7.1 is unreal. Good luck and happy listening.

[Early B.]

As far as getting a 5 vs a 7ch amp.. there is a decent price gap(if going new)

I have been looking at the Earthquake Cinenova series....

And hte price difference from 5ch to 7ch is almost 1k...

Keep looking. There are a zillion great 7-channel amps in the price range of an Earthquake.

[mwaarna]

I have been thinking about this for a few days...

Currently I would not like to spend the money to go to 7.1..

Cause i need an 2CH amp at hte minimum, plus cables to the rear channel, and cables between the AVR/AMp. they all add up.

Plus i think Having LSI9's in the rear would be a bit overkill...

So how much is a fair rate for LSI9's in perfect condition?

[Dennis Gardner]

Your HK will handle the last two channels of surround to test 7.1 if that is the only two amp channels used. Try it and see.........

[mwaarna]

Forgot to update my sig..

I sold my HK and got a Onkyo Pro PR-SC885P. And since its a pre-amp no onboard amplification for the rears.. so I would have to get an extra amp..

[Dennis Gardner]

Got it..... 7.1 really fills a long room nicely, but i went back to 5.1 when I moved and my room went from 24 to 17 feet deep. Here is a list of titles containing EX/ES tracks. Less than 400 titles so far 7 years into the format.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/...s-listing.html