7.1 HT under about 3k

Wow, lots of information in there. Unfortunately, I don't have a ton of choice as to speaker placement. I did try to follow the basic guidelines at one of the sites as best possible (can't remember which at the moment, may have been Dolby or THX or Crutchfield).

I just replaced a 5.1 system with a 7.1 system and I'd agree with the folks that say the 7.1 is a more involving experience; there just seems to be more sound enveloping you and better spacial positioning (maybe this is just my imagination, but it would seem to make some sense).

I don't really understand what flrnlamb is saying about using a HT proc with other audio equipment, can someone take a stab at how that gets setup for someone who's never done something like that (my only experience is with entry-level audiophile audio and HT, so very basic stuff). Is there some way to use the 7.1 proc for HT and regular 2 channel componentry when just listening to audio, somehow bypassing the HT stuff in order to feed the signal through higher quality audio components?

Thanks!

Flrnlamb,

Based on your experience, if one wants to expand beyond a 5.1 speaker array, do you recommend 6.1 or 7.1? I never tried 6.1. My comment on image reversal was based on postings at avs forum. I went directly from 5.1 to 7.1.

I did not try putting my rear speakers in a center rear position, but spread them out like the DPLIIx suggestion.

When I had a 5.1 speaker array, I placed my two surround speakers on the sides of the room like the Dolby Digital suggestion. In my room, I found the surround envelopment to be seriously lacking.

I then added two rear speakers, two additional channels of amplification, and used Logic 7 for the 7.1 speaker array and the surround envelopment was significantly improved.

Thanks
Bruce

Joncourage, I presume you're refering to the part about "looping" your 7.1 processor into an auxilary input, or bypass input, or whatever, on your 2 channel preamp?
Basically, you do just that, to keep your separate 2 channel system, well, separate, for 2 channel dubties.
It's simple...when you use your 2 channel setup, you keep things all connected as normal. The CD player, tuner, record player, whatever, all get plugged into the back of your existing 2 channel preamp. The pre-out's of your 2 channel pre connect to your amp, like normal...nothing different. However, for your 7.1 preamp/processor, you would connect the main L/R out's from that, into the above mentioned "auxilary" or "bypass" inputs(you could probably use a "tape-in" as well, I suppose) on your 2 channel preamp, just like that input was from another source.
You'd then connect all outher sources, like digital connections, to your 7.1 pre/processor, and connect all the "pre-out's" for the other channels(center, sides, rears, subs), to that 7.1 pre also, out to the other amp channels. Then, when you want to watch movies, you simply switch to the "auxilary"/"bypass" or whatever input on your 2 channel preamp, which plays through that preamp for L/R channel, and of course plays the other channels as normal from your 7.1. It's just that the main L/R channels is playing out of the 7.1 pre, into the 2 channel pre, and out to it's amps. You'd then set the 2 channel pre at like 12oclock(somewhere in the middle likely), and let those 2 channels play through. Then, when you listen to music from your 2 channel sources, you can simply switch off the 7.1, and use the 2 channel set up as normal.
Basically, you're using the 7.1 system as another input going to the 2 channel system!...only you're having to connect all the other channels to the 7.1 pre, as if the 2 channel pre isn't there. Do you get that? If not, someone can send you a diagram, I'm sure. Hope this helps

Hi !

Look I had a 7.1 and thought everything was wonderful, but a friend of mine let me see his 5.1, and I was impressed, I would say go for the 5.1 now, spend more money on the speakers and the budget that you have for the amp-pre is very good second hand, I bought here a couple of times and the people who likes this takes very good care of his equipment.
I have Adcom GFA 5500 (3 of 3X200 W) and Theta Casanova (and costed me all together 2.500), and for the money is very good, in the home theater I have Parasound C1 and A1. There is difference, but not that much.
I insist go for the 5.1 and upgrade later, no movies with 7.1, try taking the surround speaker a little bit farther away and if you like the sound that envolves you and have room buy bipolar, but do not spend that much money on them, Axiom and Polk Audio have it on about 400US$ heard them both and are great.

Javierschmidt,

I would agree that starting with 5.1, and then expanding to 7.1 as budget allows can be a good approach. But the fact that there are no movies in 7.1 should not be a factor in making a decision on whether to go 7.1 for the objective system. Logic 7 and listening in 7.1 has been around for awhile. The advent of DPLIIx makes a similar capabilty more widely available.

When running in 7.1 with 5.1 sources, for example, Logic 7 doesn't add anything to the information in the 2 surround channels. It redistributes the surround information across 4 surround speakers rather than 2. The redistribution is a dynamic process based on signal content, not a fixed parameter. With 4 surround speakers, the system can have sounds come from behind the listener, or beside the listener, or any combination. That's more difficult to do with only 2 surround speakers.

Joncourage,
If you are undecided on 7.1 and committing to a PrePro/Receiver with DPLIIx/Logic 7, I suggest trying to find a properly set up 7.1 system and listening for yourself. You should be able to toggle between 5.1 and 7.1, and then you can decide which you prefer.

Thanks
Bruce