Hear Difference? 5.1 vs 7.1 (1 Viewer)

[Wes K]

Is there a noticeable difference between 5.1 and 7.1? Are movies exceedingly immersive with 7.1 versus 5.1? I have a 5.1 Onkyo that decodes lossless and I'm already blown away so is it worth the jump in price for 2 more surrounds?

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

I’ll let others comment on any potential improvement you get with 7.1 compared to 5.1, but 7.1 requires a room that will adequately accommodate it. You really need the back wall to be at least 6-8 ft. behind the primary seating, if not more. If your seating is up against the wall or very close to it, 7.1 won’t benefit you much.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[ArmSC]

Wayne is right IMO a poorly setup 7.1 will actually sound worse than a well put together 5.1 setup. For 7.1 you'll really want a dedicated theater room where you can properly place the speakers. Since most folks don't have this I feel it's best a lot of times to stick with a 5.1 that's a bit more forgiving of placement.

 

[Wes K]

Wayne is right IMO a poorly setup 7.1 will actually sound worse than a well put together 5.1 setup. For 7.1 you'll really want a dedicated theater room where you can properly place the speakers. Since most folks don't have this I feel it's best a lot of times to stick with a 5.1 that's a bit more forgiving of placement.

Thank you! I don't have room for 7.1 at the moment, but Im sure my 5.1 is set up optimally right now and it's great!

 

[Fortmiller]

Going to lossless for me was huge. The separation is so much better in the center channel actually works as a center channel. It seems I hear more out of the other four speakers that I used to