5.1 vs 7.1 system

[bluray_maniac]

Hy everyone.This year I'm beginning my own HT basement project and I'm gathering some info.My option for the audio gear is the Jamo C 80 system(5.1).Lately I have notice that more films with the 7.1 sondtrack are released and I'm thinking of going 7.1 with my audio line.My question is what happens when you play a 7.1 soundtrack on a 5.1 system?Do you loose something?What kind of speakers should I get for rear surround(cheap or expensive)?Is there a real difference between 5.1 and 7.1 soundtrack(sonically speaking)?Thanks

[HAMP]

A few of these thread have been created already.

Here is the latest one for you to read:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=193955

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by bluray_maniac

Hy everyone.This year I'm beginning my own HT basement project and I'm gathering some info.My option for the audio gear is the Jamo C 80 system(5.1).Lately I have notice that more films with the 7.1 sondtrack are released and I'm thinking of going 7.1 with my audio line.My question is what happens when you play a 7.1 soundtrack on a 5.1 system?Do you loose something?What kind of speakers should I get for rear surround(cheap or expensive)?Is there a real difference between 5.1 and 7.1 soundtrack(sonically speaking)?Thanks

In addition to the link Hamp provided, you should remember that the choice between 5.1 and 7.1 really depends on the size of the room. If you have a relatively large room, a 7.1 speaker system can benefit you. If you have a small room with no space in the back, a 5.1 system can be excellent. Don't feel that you are missing anything. The receiver combines the information from the rear surround channels of a 7.1 movie to the side surround channels in a 5.1 system.

Also, you can use Dolby PLIIx and expand all 5.1 movies to 7.1. Dolby IIx can also do a pretty job of expanding stereo music to 5.1 or 7.1. On most (not all) receivers, PLIIx has three modes: Movies, Music, and Games.