5.1 vs. 6.1

[elvisisded]

I'm getting ready to get a new A/V receiver. I really don't have a good place to put a middle surround speaker because of the way my living room is set up. Should I just get a 5.1 reciever and forget about the 6.1. Is there really that much difference? Will i be missing out on anything I can't live without? Thanks for any and all input.

[cam]

If your couch is right up against the back wall stay with 5.1. You can still buy a 6.1 or 7.1 receiver but you would be configuring it to 5.1. You won't really be wasting the wattage from the 1 or 2 channels not being used because all the power comes from the power supply anyways. It means you will have more reserve power for 5.1. I have tried 6.1 and 7.1 and I have about 11 feet behind my couch but I found it distracting so I am staying with 5.1. I really tried to convince myself 6.1-7.1 was better but whenever I turned of the center rear surround I liked it better. Alot of people absolutely love it in 6.1-7.1 but there are also some like me who prefer 5.1.

[Geoffcin]

I'm getting ready to get a new A/V receiver. I really don't have a good place to put a middle surround speaker because of the way my living room is set up. Should I just get a 5.1 reciever and forget about the 6.1. Is there really that much difference? Will i be missing out on anything I can't live without? Thanks for any and all input.

Mostly all decent receivers are now 6.1 or 7.1. There's no reason to not get one just because it's difficult to get the speakers in your setup. I had a difficult decision to make myself. I just bought a couple of inwall speakers for the rear surrounds. Not exactly what I wanted, but I'm sure it will work out fine.

[elvisisded]

The major setup problem I have is the couch is against the wall and just above that is a very large window. My only option would be to mount the middle surround speaker near the ceiling. Do the current 6.1 and 7.1 recievers have features that I can't get with the 5.1 that I can still use?

[cam]

Mounting a center rear channel directly above you when your couch is already against the back wall I would highly recommend against it and so would just about everyone else. Just about every manufacturer out there has probably an entry level receiver that is only 5.1, and it is usually a very stripped down model. When you step up to the 6.1-7.1 receivers you always get more power, more features, and better sound even though you may use these 6.1-7.1 receivers for just 5.1. When you get your 6.1-7.1 receiver you can always set it up for 5.1 and see if you can borrow a buddies speaker and try out 6.1 for yourself and see if you like it. Try putting the speaker above some how or maybe behind the couch facing up from the floor.

[uncooked]

hey elvis, why dont you skip 6.1 and right to 7.1. if you cant fit one right behind you. put 2 extra ones on either side. you might as well if your going for a new receiver anyways. all depends on if you have room on either side of you in the room.

[elvisisded]

Any thoughts on an entry level 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1? I've read some good things about Pioneer. I'd like to stay in the $300 range.