Just need an opinion on 7.1

AlienKill

Hello I have a 5.1 system now. Polk CS2 center speaker, 2 monitor 70's in the front, 2 monitor 40's in the back, and a PSW 505 subwoofer. I want to turn my system into 7.1 since my a/v receiver supports it and was wondering what to get for my right and left speakers. I was just going to get another set of monitor 40's but I'd figure I would ask some intelligent people on the forums for a second opinion! Thanks in ADVANCE.

mdaudioguy

I think another set of 40s would make the most sense, however, I can't be sure upgrading at all makes sense. So, you're AVR supports it, but does your room support it? What I'm asking here, is how big is your room? Do you have a workable layout in mind for speaker placement. And, finally, yes, your AVR might have connections for 7 speakers, but have you considered the extra load the additional speakers will represent? The Monitor series is relatively easy to drive, but more speakers means a greater tax on your AVR. Sometimes 5.1 is a better choice than 7.1. Think it through and do what makes sense to you. But, don't do it just because your AVR supports it.

AlienKill

I really don't know anything about surround sound systems to be honest. So when you say "extra load" and "greater tax" on my AVR i'm not 100% on what you mean. I buy off reviews not off knowledge. I pre ordered the pioneer vsx-1120 (http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-VSX-1120-K-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/B0039XQQXA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277333478&sr=8-1) so thats what I will be using to power all the speakers. As far as my room it's not that big. But I can see myself having 2 more speakers. Not to sure how far the speakers should be away from my couch but I think I can only manage maybe 12-15 ft on each side of the couch for each speaker. But like you said 40s would make the most sense.

AlienKill

test

grimmace19

I have pretty much the same system and notice that the sides do FAR more than the rears. With that in mind, if you are on a budget dont feel bad going with something less than the 40's such as the OWM3's or something of that nature. But also, if your budget allows don't be afraid to go with something MORE than the 40's. Depending on the application of the room and whether or not you want to mount the speakers, a pair of 50's or 60's might serve you pretty damn well. Just my thoughts.

tonyb

Your avr has one power supply for the 7 channels available. If you want to go from 5 channels to 7, the avr spreads out the power thinner to all channels to make up for the extra 2. Thats what was trying to be explained to you. By keeping it at 5 channels,your avr will put out more power to those 5, than to 7.

AlienKill

Oh ok thanks guys for the help. Grimmace19 I never thought of using the 50's, 60's or 70s for my other 2 speakers. I actually thought they were only for the front but I like the idea of having them on the sides. Do you think a 70 would be to much for sides?

flyfisher

I'm with mdaudioguy and what some other members say on here...A good 5.1 set-up will outperform a crowded 7.1 anyday.

AlienKill

I hope the setup I have is a good 5.1 set up. Polk seems good but like I said I don't know much about this stuff so I'm really comparing Polk to nothing. Newegg had great deals on Polk merchandise though

grimmace19

Alien, many people around here have 70's for surrounds whether they use them in the sides or back, heck someone just posted saying they are turning a 70 into a center speaker and have 4 others to round out their 5.1. My thoughts are to do as much as you can afford.