7.1 channels necessary?

Pines

I have RTi8's, Csi5, and Fxi5's. I was just wondering any opinions on whether or not having 2 rear channels to make the 7.1 is really worth the sound it gives or just peace of mind that I'm using all of my available channels. It just seems wrong that I have unused power in my amp.

PolkThug

For me, its worth it. BUT, there is not a lot of stuff that uses the 6/7.

wingnut4772

I love the 7.1- especially with Prologic IIx. It has made a world of difference in my HT.

BIZILL

I've Watched Gladiator In 5.1 And 6.1/7.1. The Part When Maximus Throws The Sword At The Pratorian On Horseback Is Better On 7.1. 5.1 The Sword Comes From Behind You At The Sides. 7.1 The Sword Comes From Directly Behind You And Then Continues To The Center Channel While Leaving The Side Speakers Alone. It's How The On-screen Representation Would Suggest For The Speakers To Sound!!! Of Course Dvd Played In Dts.

faster100

7.1 is great, not a must have for everyone.. but more enveloping for sure. i run a pair of fxi30's in back and rti28's on the sides and its full on action on the right movie back there..

ohskigod

I roll with the 5.1 for the time being. but if you have a reciever with unused power, and the room to put some speakers, then yeah, even I would say you have to get it.

by the way, I am forboden to think of 7.1 until I run some of my wire in the cieling and floor. the wifey can only take so much

Pines

Well on the same note, any recommendation between using the Rti4's or Rti6's for the rear.

BIZILL

Go With Rti6's. All Have 6 1/2" Drivers.

aaharvel

is 7.1 necessary? No.
Does it sound better? It doesn't necessarily sound better- but it does sound more cohesive, better representing a 360degree soundfield than 5.1. If you have a subwoofer playing 80hz down, I see no reason to get huge speakers for any of the 4 surround positions.

aaharvel

Pines wrote:

Well on the same note, any recommendation between using the Rti4's or Rti6's for the rear.

i recommend f/x's all the way around-

faster100

I think a mix of direct radiating and omni directional is best the back wall unless real far from the seating area doesnt need direct radiating but more a dispersion of sound effects like its behind you... the side speakers should be fireing at you so you get the idea of a side impact, fly by or what not.. you don't want that sound bounceing off the front wall, and thats what a fx style speaker will do, and i tried the big speakers in back and its overkill, tried the rti38's and full size center speaker for 6.1, my setup now IMO sounds best... 4 small speaks, and 2 large front and center and monster size sub