6.1 Vs. 7.1

thayes34
thayes34 Posts: 10
edited January 2004 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I've noticed that many people on this forum have 7.1 channel receivers yet they only use a center channlel rear surround. I am new to this and I have the 3803 which is 7.1 and I have purchased 2 Fronts, Center, 2 Surrounds and Sub, and I need to complete the set. Anybody have a recommendation on whether to go with a rear center or 2 rear surrounds? Is there a big difference for the extra cost?
Post edited by thayes34 on
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Comments

  • mrpergo
    mrpergo Posts: 35
    edited January 2004
    I have the 3802 and went with 2 rti 35's for rear surround.
    Never tried just a rear center.I think I would always wonder what it would sound like with 2 rear surrounds so I just skipped the agony:D
    Mains:RT800i
    Center:CS400i
    Sides:fx/300i
    Rears:RT35i
    Subwoofer:SVS 20-39 pci
    Receiver: Denon 3802
    DVD: Denon 3800
    HDTV:Hitachi 57swx20b
    Remote:MX-500
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  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited January 2004
    One reason I had heard for going to 7 speakers is that with one surround back speaker, if you are sitting off-center, then you will only hear the sound from the ear closest to the speaker, therefore losing the center aspect of the sound. With two speakers, both ears pick it up. With formats like Logic 7 and ProLogic IIx out there that have left and right surround back info, you might as well get two speakers now.
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  • scottvamp
    scottvamp Posts: 3,277
    edited January 2004
    It really comes down to the width of the room. If you have 7 channel reciever and have already invested in a nice setup, go all the way. But 6 channel is fine for a narrow room and a center channel will give you more bang for the buck in this application.
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited January 2004
    The Widescreen mode in the 3803 (like Logic 7 and DPLIIx) does a true 7.1 matrix. I posted more on the Widescreen DSP mode recently, if you want details go there.

    I recommend 2 rear surrounds for a larger soundstage and to take advantage of this DSP mode. And because your 3803 has 7 amps channels - why not use them?! :cool:
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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