5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 - I'm confused

[uncle30]

I just bought a new mitsubishi ws-48313 hdtv, and now I am ready to upgrade my surround sound receiver. I currently have a Yamaha (don't know the model #, but its about 8 years old). What's the difference between 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1, and DTS, etc. Any advice you can give would be appreciated. I am not married to Yamaha, but would prefer to stick with it. Thanks!

[pradike]

The reference to 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 pertain to the distribution of recorded or broadcast surround sound through a collection of speakers and corresponding AV receiver/amplifier. These formats are dependent on how the media (DVD, broadcast, tape, etc.)are recorded.

5.1 generally is the most common, and means you have a front right, front left and center speaker, as well as rear left, and rear right speakers - 5 in all. In addition, you have 1 subwoofer for lower base sound (the .1 in 5.1).

6.1 is pretty much the same, adding 1 rear center speaker (total of 6 speakers plus .1 for the sub).

7.1 (commonly referred to as THX), contains the same speaker configuration as the 5.1 PLUS one additional right side surround and one additional left side surround speaker (7 in totoal, plus .1 for the). It is important to note that movies on DVD such as Star Wars I & II were mastered in THX (7.1) surround...so the only way you will hear it as intended by John Lucas (the director who also happended to be a major partner in developing THX) is to have a 7.1 speaker system with a certified 7.1 THX receiver. I happen to be lucky enough to have such a system - to me its darn well worth it...but costs more $$$ for obvious reasons.

Since most DVDs and surround sound broadcasts are in 5.1, that configuration of speakers (and receiver) will suffice most folks.

Those requiring a wider distribution of sound for media (DVDs, etc) that was recorded in either 6.1 or 7.1 get equipment certified for those formats.

If you want a sample of a 7.1 setup....here's my Home Theater page...


Radike 7.1 THX Home Theater (http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=145678&ck=)

Happy hunting.

[uncle30]

I appreciate your explination. The house I moved into has the front, center, and rear speakers built in, as well as a place for the sub-woofer. I can't imagine how I could run wiring for additional speakers, so it looks like 5.1 will be the way for me to go.

By the way, great set up at your place. Maybe I'll do that in my next house....someday

[pradike]

Originally posted by uncle30
I appreciate your explanation. The house I moved into has the front, center, and rear speakers built in, as well as a place for the sub-woofer. I can't imagine how I could run wiring for additional speakers, so it looks like 5.1 will be the way for me to go.

By the way, great set up at your place. Maybe I'll do that in my next house....someday

Your plans make sense.

Thanks for your kind comments...living proof that anything can be done given TIME and MONEY.

For a dedicated Theater room, 7.1 makes sense to "future proof it" somewhat... otherwise, most people will go the 5.1 route. There are real price-point differences (thousands of $$$) for each step up from 5.1, counting the cost of speakers, cables, receiver, etc. make sure whatever receiver you use supports the latest (DVI, Firewire, etc.) connectivity as best you can...it will allow you to add some years of life to it (non-obsolesense).

Good luck on your Theater project!

[EvanRude]

I have a 5.1 ( NHT and Velodyne sub ) setup but the front speakers are to far apart. My new plasma has two side "ok" speakers added on. what I'm doing is using the A+B on my amp to add more presents to the front. I needed to add a 2 Ohm 100 watt resistor the the plasma speakers to calm them down.

My question is: Is there an amp that can handle this configuration? I've seen a yamaha that I thought had 7.1 with option for "presents speakers" in the front.
Thanks

[57U]

If I recall correctly, the "top end" Yamaha receivers will do exactly what you request and are designed for exactly that application. If I recall the Yamaha diagrams, the one set of speakers is to be set slightly "behind" the others but I think that is not absolutely necessary... (PS it's presence, not "gifts")

[EvanRude]

Thanks 57U. Always like reading your post.
I thought I saw that configuration somewhere. But was unable to find it again. It looks like the Yanmaha RX-v1400 does it ( around $700 to my door ).

Maybe this will be one of my presence from Santa

Thanks Again

[57U]

Originally posted by EvanRude Maybe this will be one of my presence from Santa Love it...

Yamaha may not be the only one who does it, but there's no way I'm going to talk you out of buying a good Yamaha receiver.

[EvanRude]

Nope, I've been a Yamaha fan for some years now.
Not only have they been great but, once you learn the menu system for one of these pups its hard to go tweek your friends systems. No matter how bad they need it.
Also, I have two HT setups and can use my MX-700 remote on both of them.... that reminds me...need to buy another MX-700

I'm hoping that it has a delay and level on the second set of fronts.
One more thing I really liked about the RX-v1400 is that it has a microphone for sound adjustment... Another toy!