channels question

Can I use a 6.1 channel receiver with 5 speakers.

Most manufacturer's probably realize that not everyone is going to want (or be able to fit) a 6th speaker behind them. My Denon 2802 allows you to "choose" what speakers are active in the setup. I simply set that speaker to "no" and I'm getting along fine with plain old 5.1.

Now, as to how to find that all important setting? All I can say is to RTFM very carefully. These buggers have so many ways to go it's easy to losetrack of the one you need.