Yamaha 6.1 vs Sony 7.1

[Scott in GB]

Here's the dilemma, do I buy a last years model Yamaha RX-V1300 6.1 receiver or a Sony STRDE995 7.1 receiver. They are the same price ($499.99), but from what I understand the Yamaha is the better receiver.

My theater room is still under construction, but I have it wired for 7.1. I can tie the two rear center speakers together for 6.1. The Yamaha has discreet channels while the Sony does not.

So, which set-up is going to sound better?

I really don't want to spend more than $500.00 on the receiver, but if there is another option I should be looking at please let me know.

Scott

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Toshiba 57HX83 (Arrives on Saturday)

[LeeS]

I was looking in the specs:

http://www.yamaha.com/cgi-win/webcgi.exe/DsplyModel/?gAVR00010RX-V1300

I was thinking maybe it had the preouts for 7.1. My Onkyo has only the 6 amps but has the preouts for another 2 channel amp to go 7.1. Do a search or browse the forum for 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1. Most people are not excited about 7.1. I stopped at 6.1.

I found that good bipolar surround speakers were expensive for what you got.

As far as preference I like the Yamaha, if my A/V store had them when I bought the Onkyo I may have had a Yamaha. I have no complaints about the Onkyo at all.

Get a few more opinions :)
Lee

Oh, on the search use DD5.1 etc, you need at least 4 characters