6.1 - Is It Worth It??

Dr. Spec
Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
edited September 2002 in Speakers
I was recently able to upgrade my HT receiver for free (long story), and the new one is 6.1 compatible, and decodes DD EX and DTS ES, and it has a rear surround center channel output.

Is 6.1 really a worthwhile upgrade?? For now I told the microprocessor in the receiver to terminate the rear center output and mix it between the rear surrounds and it sounds fine on DTS ES and DD EX DVDs.

I could probably discretely run a speaker wire through the floor duct work and to the back of the fireplace without too much trouble.

If I went to a rear center channel, I would probably stay with a CS245i, to match timbre and compliment my direct radiating surrounds.

Any comments or recommendations on going to a 6.1 set-up?

Thanks,

Doc
"What we do in life echoes in eternity"

Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
Director - Technology and Customer Service
SVS
Post edited by Dr. Spec on

Comments

  • liv4fam
    liv4fam Posts: 311
    edited September 2002
    Yeah man, Sounds like you got a sweet deal. You should definitely use a surround back now that you have the ability to. DD EX, DTS-ES, THX-EX, have come along way since it first came out and there was 3 movies. Depending on how your surrounds are set-up (either side-wall or back-wall) adding a center rear can dramatically improve your rears envolpment . So run that wire and hook it up and get a real good 6.1 movie and some popcorn and enjoy.
  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited September 2002
    Thanks for the advice!

    One fly in the ointment - I rechecked and the rear center is a pre-out since the K-stat discrete amp is only 5x100.

    No big deal, I have a Harman/Kardon hk870 powering my subs right now that I could use as a spare one channel amp for the rear surround. I will have a spare sub cable after the SVS comes, so I can be back in business in about 10 minutes by adjusting my audio rack and adding another shelf for the h/k amp.

    Maybe I'll give it a try! Thanks again........

    Doc
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
  • jmasterj
    jmasterj Posts: 327
    edited September 2002
    Dear DrSpec,

    I guess what you're asking is does the extra channel make that
    big of a difference? That's a question you have to answer for yourself. Go and listen to some systems set up in 6.1. I have a 6.1
    capable receiver, but I only listen to 5.1 for movies, and music. Some people like to get the max out of their systems. To them the
    DD EX, DTS-ES, THX-EX are important. You said it sounds fine if it's
    not broke don't fix it. Or all hell- Go buy another speaker !!!
    JmasterJ Polk to the Death
  • jmasterj
    jmasterj Posts: 327
    edited September 2002
    DrSpec,

    I wanted you to know I'm not trying to be a smart-a__ here! It's
    just a lot of times people ask questions that only they can determine for themselves. Don't get me wrong the forum is here
    to help, and answers are here. But I don't think we can tell you how important 6.1 sound is to you. Go listen and make a choice.
    Good Luck... PS Let us know what you decide.
    JmasterJ Polk to the Death
  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited September 2002
    Jmasterj:

    I didn't think you were bustin' on me. I understand what you are saying - in the end my opinion is all what counts.

    I just wanted to solicit the opinions of other people who already have 6.1, so I could avoid $150 for a rear center channel (and the time spent connecting it) if the general consensus was it really isn't worth it.

    Doc
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
  • scottvamp
    scottvamp Posts: 3,277
    edited September 2002
    I am running 6.1.
    And the 7 other times this subject has been brought up - yes it is well worth it. I will never go back to 5.1 again. I watch all movies in aleast a (matrixed) 6.1.
    And when u watch a movie that is well decoded in 6.1 - it is all worth it. I am using a CS245i for my rear center. Just check out my system showcase. ;) Most recently - BLADE 2 is freaking awesome in 6.1 :D
  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,516
    edited September 2002
    I am wiring my new HT for 7.1. By the time I am ready to replace the current pre/pro (Marantz receiver) and buy a dedicated one, I'll get the most current model available. Why not?


    Peace Out~:D
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited September 2002
    Ditto Ron

    Go big or go home........ 7.1 is great!
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D