6.1 or 7.1 Do I or Don't I?

[JimShaw]

In my ceiling are 6 SpeakerCraft AIM8’s and 2 SpeakerCraft 8.2 passive subs making 8 holes in the ceiling filled with speakers.

I am running a 6.1 sound system. My receiver will do a 7.1 and that is my my problem. We all know bigger is better. So, I’m thinking more is also better.

I called SpeakerCraft today and said, no it would not be worth it.

Now I am asking this forum.

Should I add one more speaker to make it a 7.1 system? Would adding one more give me a better sound?

I would have to cut 2 more holes in the ceiling and re-arrange the other speakers to make it possibly work. I would end up with 10 holes in the ceiling because of the re-arrangement and one of the holes would have to have a dummy speaker to fill an empty hole.

What is your thought on this? Worth it or too much trouble?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

In my ceiling are 6 SpeakerCraft AIM8’s and 2 SpeakerCraft 8.2 passive subs making 8 holes in the ceiling filled with speakers.

I am running a 6.1 sound system. My receiver will do a 7.1 and that is my my problem. We all know bigger is better. So, I’m thinking more is also better.

I called SpeakerCraft today and said, no it would not be worth it.

Now I am asking this forum.

Should I add one more speaker to make it a 7.1 system? Would adding one more give me a better sound?

I would have to cut 2 more holes in the ceiling and re-arrange the other speakers to make it possibly work. I would end up with 10 holes in the ceiling because of the re-arrangement and one of the holes would have to have a dummy speaker to fill an empty hole.

What is your thought on this? Worth it or too much trouble?

If your room is very large and you are a bit masochistic, go ahead and spend the time, money, and all the trouble for marginal improvement in sound. Most movies are 5.1. It is not worth the trouble. Buy some Blu-ray movies instead or add additional external amplifiers to your system to take the load off of the receiver.

[zweet77]

Go for it don't let that extra channel go to waste.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

If your room is very large and you are a bit masochistic, go ahead and spend the time, money, and all the trouble for marginal improvement in sound. Most movies are 5.1. It is not worth the trouble. Buy some Blu-ray movies instead or add additional external amplifiers to your system to take the load off of the receiver.

Big Daddy, I know you are correct. But I have been hoping that an expert would tell me: DO IT. IT WILL THE BEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE TO BETTER YOUR SOUND.

But once again, you are correct.

I'll save the $$$ and spend it on more Blus.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by zweet77

Go for it don't let that extra channel go to waste.

Hey wait a minute. That is what I have been thinking. Maybe Big Daddy is wrong!!!

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

Hey wait a minute. That is what I have been thinking. Maybe Big Daddy is wrong!!!

I was right. You must be masochistic.

[JasonR]

My wife would pass out if I brought two more speakers into the house...

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I was right. You must be masochistic.

That was funny.

When I look at the ceiling and the work, I think I must be crazy to re-do.

Your comment is still making me chucklel.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by JasonR

My wife would pass out if I brought two more speakers into the house...

Mine too. But in January she is going on a 4 day cruise with the women in the neighborhood. That is when I do all the dirty stuff around the house, like close the windows and turn up the volume, cut holes in the ceiling, etc.

[Heart&Soul]

Do it. You'll be glad you did. Otherwise, you'll always wonder what you're missing.

[philwell]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

In my ceiling are 6 SpeakerCraft AIM8’s and 2 SpeakerCraft 8.2 passive subs making 8 holes in the ceiling filled with speakers.

I am running a 6.1 sound system. My receiver will do a 7.1 and that is my my problem. We all know bigger is better. So, I’m thinking more is also better.

I called SpeakerCraft today and said, no it would not be worth it.

Now I am asking this forum.

Should I add one more speaker to make it a 7.1 system? Would adding one more give me a better sound?

I would have to cut 2 more holes in the ceiling and re-arrange the other speakers to make it possibly work. I would end up with 10 holes in the ceiling because of the re-arrangement and one of the holes would have to have a dummy speaker to fill an empty hole.

What is your thought on this? Worth it or too much trouble?

I say go for it you'll feel better and sleep sounder.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

I would have to cut 2 more holes in the ceiling and re-arrange the other speakers to make it possibly work. I would end up with 10 holes in the ceiling because of the re-arrangement and one of the holes would have to have a dummy speaker to fill an empty hole.

Not really, could you make that a sub also?

[cravnsn]

Can you combine the two “back” speakers to come out of the #6 speaker? Even if not, I highly doubt it would be worth the extra effort & cost.

[hagar852]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

Big Daddy, I know you are correct. But I have been hoping that an expert would tell me: DO IT. IT WILL THE BEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE TO BETTER YOUR SOUND.

But once again, you are correct.

I'll save the $$$ and spend it on more Blus.

What happens if you take the money you saved and then buy a blu ray with 7.1 sound?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Hey Jim! Would I be correct in assuming that your mind was already made up before you posted? I think it really bothers you that you're not utilizing that 7th. channel. If so, go ahead and do it as you'll always wonder.

As far as a vast improvement in sound is concerned, it ain't going to happen in my opinion. If you were to up from 5.1 to 7.1 then the improvement would be significent and I'll eventually be looking into that option myself. Right now my room is not conducive to such a setup.

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hey Jim! Would I be correct in assuming that your mind was already made up before you posted? I think it really bothers you that you're not utilizing that 7th. channel. If so, go ahead and do it as you'll always wonder.

As far as a vast improvement in sound is concerned, it ain't going to happen in my opinion. If you were to up from 5.1 to 7.1 then the improvement would be significent and I'll eventually be looking into that option myself. Right now my room is not conducive to such a setup.

I don't think my mind was already made up. Relating to what you and Heart & Soul mentioned "you'll always wonder what you're missing." That is where I am, knowing it probably won't do a thing except cost me money and time. But doing it might relieve that wondering??? Who knows?

[JimShaw]

Originally Posted by hagar852

What happens if you take the money you saved and then buy a blu ray with 7.1 sound?

I would then wonder: would it sound better if I had one more speaker, the 7th?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

I would then wonder: would it sound better if I had one more speaker, the 7th?

That's funny!

Do it Jim! JUST DO IT!

[JimShaw]

John72953 has said, "JUST DO IT"

I probably will, MAYBE!

Has HAMP said:

Originally Posted by HAMP

Not really, could you make that a sub also?

Yes I could. I could add one more passive sub and fill the empty hole with a working speaker.

Let see: 7 speakers, 3 passive subs and one powered sub.

My wife right now makes slight remarks about having to move all the items she has sitting on tables back to the correct spot after a loud movie. If I stuck one more sub in, she might kill me.

If I do this thing and you never hear from me again, call CSI.

[Beta Man]

I'd stick with what you have...... I don't see much improvement in 7.1 vs 5.1 but I'm not denying that it's there.

If the room is larger, on the other hand, your noticeable increase in soundfield may differ from mine