7.1 or 5.1 system?

Grimster74

Okay, here is my situation. I know most question about this seem to be "should I go to 7.1 from 5.1 but mine is reversed. I currently have a full 7.1 system which consist of RTi70's (fronts), CSi40 (center), FXi30's (sides) and RTi28's (rears). Well, I also have the Outlaw 990/7700 combo which the amp is 200x7. My thought was with having a HD-DVD player as well as Blu-Ray that only allows 5.1 analog out, should I get rid of a set of speakers in the back and only have a 5.1 system and take the 2 channels that were being used for those 2 rear speakers and possibly Bi-amp my 70's up front.

If I decide to get rid of 2 speakers in the rear, which speakers do you guys/gals suggest I get rid of, the FXi30's or the RTi28's. My thought was to move the 28's into the game room with the PSW10 subwoofer I have to make a small 2-channel rig or move them upstairs and replace the fronts on the RM6005 satellite package I have which uses a PB12/Plus subwoofer. If in return I do which ever option, do I keep the FXi30's mounted on the side walls of my H/T room or should I move them to the rear wall?

I know the only way to really do this is to try it but before I start moving things around and re-wiring my a/v cabinet, I figured I'd ask you guys/gals for your opinions especially the ones that have a 5.1 setups, do you guys/gals wish you had 7.1 or are you completely happy with your 5.1 systems. Thanks in advance.

Rob

Emlyn

Move the RTi28's to another room and keep the FXi30's where they are, side wall mounted. For movies and games, the ambient sound from side mounted surrounds is better. For multi-channel music, it may be better to have speakers to the rear. When I had a 7.1 system, I had four LSiFX's with two on the sides and two at the rear. The side mounted speakers were far better for creating an enveloping sound than rear mounted. Just two channel for me now though. I'm waiting on the next generation of HDMI preamps to come out later this year or next year.

Sherardp

upgrade to the new Denon 4308 you want and keep the 7.1 setup in the theater.

cfrizz

I have a 5.1 system because I have no room for any other speakers. I think it sounds great. I'm not sure if I had the room for 2 more speakers that I would give them up just because of the players limitations. I enjoy listening to music with all my speakers.

However, if you do decide to switch things around I would take out the 28's & leave the FXi's.

McLoki

Before you disconnect or rewire anything - set your rear speakers to "none" in your AVR or preamp and play a few movies you are familiar with. If you think you are happy with the 5.1 sound vs 7.1 - go ahead and start comparing with different speakers as your side surrounds.

My recommendation if you go with 5.1 is keep the Fx's in your home theater. while nice speakers, they will be crap for 2 channel use in another room.

Let us know what you go with and if you like the change. It may be helpful for those of us with 5.1 who are wondering if it is worth trying 7.1.

Michael