7.1 or 5.1 bi-amped?

[Blu_Ray_Fan]

Not really a step back. Just wish with Blu you didn't have to decisions like this. Besides, then my Onkyo doesn't display True-HD or DTS-MA... lol.

As long as it doesn't change anything else, I suppose it's ok then.

I just HATE simulating anything.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by Blu_Ray_Fan

I just HATE simulating anything.

I totally understand, it reminds me of something I read before.

Some people like True Surround sound and some people just like to hear all the speakers around them

Well it's not a perfect quote, but it was something like that. I understand what you mean.

It may not seem like it, but I am the True Surround person.
It's just something about the Ultra2 I really enjoy.

[aramis109]

For those questioning bi-amping, it only takes a little bit of extra speaker wire to try it for yourself! Personally, I recommend at least trying it.

[Audiophile_At_Birth]

So I still can't decide... What will do the justice on a movie soundtrack...Bi-Amped fronts or 7.1???

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Audiophile_At_Birth

So I still can't decide... What will do the justice on a movie soundtrack...Bi-Amped fronts or 7.1???

If you have the room for 7.1, it is definitely superior to bi-amping. Unfortunately, most movies are 5.1. You can always use Dolby Pro Logic IIx and matrix the side surrounds into rear surrounds and make all movies 7.1. I do this with very satisfactory results.

Bi-amping and 7.1 are not mutually exclusive. Most people assume that the use of the receiver's rear channels is the only option for bi-amping. That is in fact the least desirable setup for bi-amping. I have bi-amped and tri-amped my speakers for over 10 years and never used a receiver to do it. The proper way of bi-amping is with the help of external amplifiers.

My suggestion to you is to go for the 7.1 setup. After that, save your money and purchase a two-channel amplifier. Use the receiver to feed the mid-range/tweeters and use the amplifier to feed the woofers. You can buy new or used two-channel amplifiers very cheaply. Audio Source sells a couple of new amps for around $100 to $150. There are plenty of powerful used Carver amplifiers that you can purchase on Ebay. Check Parts-Express.com or Amazon for low cost two-channel amplifiers.

[varmintx]

Thanks for the tip Big Daddy, but I have a question...will the different power outputs of the receiver and the amp cause any problems?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by varmintx

Thanks for the tip Big Daddy, but I have a question...will the different power outputs of the receiver and the amp cause any problems?

The total amount of power that goes to the speaker is controlled by the receiver. However, there may be minor difference between the efficinecy of the two sources. Some amplifiers have knobs that allow you to adjust for that. Ideally, it is best to have two identical amplifiers doing the job.

If this does create a problem, you can use the amplifier to power the rear channels in a 7.1 setup and have the receiver power the front speakers in a bi-amp configuration. I personally prefer to use two identical external amplifiers to drive the front speakers and have the receiver take care of the surround speakers.