Dumb question: 7.1 or 5.1 on new HT

[evnash]

remodeling garage to be ht/family room. should i just go with 7.1 or stick with 5.1? not many 7.1 blus out right? if i have 7.1 setup will receiver just play the rears or will the same sound come from sides and rears?

[MrFattBill]

I would do 7.1 if you have the space. I am sitting here at this very moment considering going down to 3.1 in the living room in order to regain 7.1 in the garage. I had previously removed a set of Gems from the garage and brought them inside as I had finally sold the old Sony rears I had been using.

With regard to how the receiver will treat the rear surrounds that will vary from brand to brand. I know some have an option to take the side surrounds and blend them in the back when there is no dedicated information for them.

Bill

[Steve]

I would go 7.1 if possible.

When playing a 5.1 movie on a 7.1 system you can have your receiver matrix surround into the back speakers or just use the 5.1 audio track as is in which case the rear speakers won't be used.

*5.1 uses side speakers, not rears. 7.1 adds rear speakers.*

[brap88]

I'd have to agree with Steve and go with 7.1 if you can. Or you can even go 7.2. I used to run a Onkyo HTiB 7.1 in my living room and loved it, I just recently upgraded to separates and am now running a Polk 7.2 setup that blows my mind.

[BluBrown]

Definitely go 7.1

At least run the wires if you're running all your wires and cables through the walls. That way you're ready even if you don't get rear surround speakers right away.

[Prox]

Originally Posted by BluBrown

Definitely go 7.1

At least run the wires if you're running all your wires and cables through the walls. That way you're ready even if you don't get rear surround speakers right away.

I agree. If you're starting from scratch, why not go ahead and put all the elements in place? This will never be easier to do than it is right now.