2. home-theater
  3. 1131267974

7.1 vs. 5.1 - Meaningful difference?

I have a Lexicon MC-8, with a 7.1 piega speaker system. I now have cause to consider removing the back surrounds to another room and changing the system to 5.1. I toggled the MC-8 from 7 to 5 channels without noticing any difference. Do people find 7.1 a meaningful upgrade from 5.1? My rear surrounds are lesser quality than the 5.1 system, so maybe that explains the lack of impact? I'd be grateful to hear other experiences.

Thanks
gchuva
mds's avatar
mds
119 posts
 
Considering all of the DVD's are 5.1 I am not sure what benefit doing 7.1 would be.
bruceomega
118 posts
 
Mds

Logic 7 and/or DPLIIx will extract and process the information in the 2 surround channels of 5.1 sources, and generate 4 channels for playback: 2 sides and 2 rears. These algorithms do not add anything that is not already in the surround mix, but distribute the information across 4 rather than 2 discrete playback channels for a better spatial presentation.

2 side speakers alone don't provide good front to back depth. 2 rear speakers alone don't provide good side to side breadth. With both side and rear surround speakers (7.1), you get better envelopment.

The proof of course is in the listening. If possible, recommend you listen to a properly set up 7.1 system (not necessarily that easy to find), and toggle between 5.1 and 7.1.

Thanks
Bruce
eandylee
124 posts
 
It depends on the size of the room... but I think it's usually not worth the extra $$$ and effort to make it 7.1

5.1 is just about right for me for now...
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
not all DVD is 5.1, EX is 6.1
bruceomega
118 posts
 
Eandylee,

How would the size of the room make a difference on going to 7.1?

Certain room layouts make a difference, but size itself should not be an issue. My room is not large, 13' x 17' x 9.5', and 7.1 works very well.

Thanks
Bruce
More to discover