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Post by maseline98 on Jun 12, 2015 22:55:15 GMT -5
My wife wants me to run new recessed lighting (which i started pulling cables tonight). In the middle of the run, i started thinking about moving to a 7.1 system by adding some uac for the rears. My theater section is only about 14x14. Would it be worth it to goto a 7.1 system. I would have to buy more speakers....more cables...and another amp to power them. My wife gave me the WAF, but i always employ the enjoyment vs cost analysis for whatever i buy (meaning...is there enough enjoy gained to quantify the cost). I don't know anybody that actually has a 7.1 setup so i have zero experience with what it adds to a home theater. I have considered moving my rf7s to an xpa2, but its really not necessary. they sing on the xpa5. i have also considered going with a smaller amp to power the rears(if i decide to add them).
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Post by Chuck Elliot on Jun 12, 2015 23:52:47 GMT -5
The vast amount of material is still in 5.1. The majority of what I watch is iTunes Movies, Netflix and cable TV. This is all 5.1. When I do buy a Blu-Ray movie, 7.1 is a nice addition, but it is a case of diminishing returns. IMO the starting point for any system is: - Get the best front speakers you can afford.
- Add a comparable center
- Add a pair of surrounds
- Add a sub
- Add rears
If you are in the walls I would add the wiring now to minimize future needs. |
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Post by vneal on Jun 13, 2015 7:18:39 GMT -5
For your size room IMHO it would not be worth it.
If you want bang for the $$$$ upgrade your speakers
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Post by Priapulus on Jun 13, 2015 8:22:03 GMT -5
I have a 7.1 system and I don't think I've ever heard my rear speakers active (except during Dirac testing). However, if I were renovating, I'd definitely pull in the cables (and perhaps for Athmos), because who knows what the future may bring. Wire is cheap; amplifiers and speakers are not...
Sincerely,
/blair
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Post by maseline98 on Jun 13, 2015 9:28:18 GMT -5
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Post by frenchyfranky on Jun 13, 2015 9:45:29 GMT -5
I am in 7.1 configuration and very rarely I think that is better than 5.1, most of the time a 5.1 configuration should do the exactly same job, so for my own specific case and room config, only few films can do the difference in 7.1
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Post by 405x5 on Jun 13, 2015 9:58:19 GMT -5
For your size room IMHO it would not be worth it. If you want bang for the $$$$ upgrade your speakers I agree with this. 7.1 in a room that size would be serious overkill. Speakers are the top priority.
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Post by maseline98 on Jun 13, 2015 10:40:45 GMT -5
my rf7s, rc7, rs7s are forever speakers. i upgraded the xovers in them but they are probably staying for a long-long-time. I've had them for about 7 years now and still love them everytime we hear them.
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Post by maseline98 on Jun 13, 2015 10:43:42 GMT -5
also...the room is 27x14. 14x14 is the theater with a 110" screen and benq ht1075. i assumed my signature showed up but i guess not in mobile websitr (which probably most people see)
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Post by Chuck Elliot on Jun 13, 2015 11:02:53 GMT -5
my rf7s, rc7, rs7s are forever speakers. i upgraded the xovers in them but they are probably staying for a long-long-time. I've had them for about 7 years now and still love them everytime we hear them. Ah, another Klipsch man! I have a pair of Cornwalls that are still playing at 40+ years old. The RF7s are a very good speaker and should last a long, long time. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2015 11:41:09 GMT -5
In my 16x11x8 sealed Ht going to 7.1 is a significant difference
Anytime you can fill in the gaps with speakers it should make a difference. However in your situation upgrading speakers first will yield the bigger improvement.
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Post by melm on Jun 13, 2015 13:10:42 GMT -5
I have a fairly large room and it makes a big difference. On movies, even 5.1, the Dolby and DTS enhancements really open the sound. On music, even from 2 channel CDs the effect is satisfying.
I do think it comes down to room size. There's aren't a lot of 7.1 discreet movies, but they sound even better. And I have a few classical Pure Audio Blu-rays that have an assortment of mixes, including 7.1, and some are adding Auro, but those are the exceptions.
Mel
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Post by justhavingfun on Sept 18, 2015 20:34:11 GMT -5
I wish more movies and concert dvd/bluray come with true 7.1 surround sound mix but alas only few handfuls are in that mode. However,if you have a chance to upgrade to full 7.1 setup, I would definitely consider it even if you don't install the speakers right away. Of those handful of titles with 7.1 mix, I really do enjoy their effects but even the pseudo (5.1 to 7.1) surround sound effects are pleasing to my ears but definitely not night and day difference.
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