[ohthehorror]

Hey you guys. My old Sherwood 5.1 surround receiver just crapped out. So I just picked up an Onkyo TX-SR504 to replace it



From what I understand the difference between 5.1 & 7.1 is that 7.1 uses an additional pair of surround speakers on the sides in addition to the fron & rear speakers.

Im just wondering how crucial these side speakers are. Will it sound like crap or like something is obviously missing if I dont use side speakers? Or will the system know they arent there and just not work at all?

Thanks for any help.

[eworden78]

I'm no expert but I'm sure it has various settings so that it can be used in almost any speaker configuration.

[Braderlei]

you wont know the difference. honestly, you probably wouldnt even know if they were there

[Provocateur]

why not just buy the 2 side speakers?

[Cousin of Death]

Originally Posted by ohthehorror

Hey you guys. My old Sherwood 5.1 surround receiver just crapped out. So I just picked up an Onkyo TX-SR504 to replace it



From what I understand the difference between 5.1 & 7.1 is that 7.1 uses an additional pair of surround speakers on the sides in addition to the fron & rear speakers.

Im just wondering how crucial these side speakers are. Will it sound like crap or like something is obviously missing if I dont use side speakers? Or will the system know they arent there and just not work at all?

Thanks for any help.

I was at Commerce Casino playing poker with a guys that was in charge of the digital audio department for Disney.

I'm know a little about surround sound. I asked him about 5.1 and 7.1. First off he said he has 5.1 at home. I said I thought that he would have the cutting edge technology since that was his field. He then said 7.1's sound quality is basically the same as 7.1.

While I can't remember the exact conversation I remember him saying that is would be better to get better speakers than to go with 7.1.

[X The Dude X]

Not sure on the 7.1 system. I have a Denon 6.1 receiver, and the setup is just like 5.1 except there's an additional speaker dirrectly behind you. And it makes a definate difference in sound. Just buy 2 small satelite speakers and hook them up... it can only sound better.

[Toujourpret]

Not an expert but i think a lot of the advantage has to do with roomsize and separation. If you have the system in a small or medium sized room you might not get enough separation between the front, side and back speakers meaning everything will just blend together. Also ditto to the guy who said better speakers make a difference. I have an Onkyo reciever and infinity fronts and rears. My dad gave me his old floor inifinitys but they were better quality than my fronts, and i movedmy fronts to the rear and dumped the cheap Polks i was using in the rear. The difference was HUGE. Also speaker pleacement is also very important in relation to where you are sitting. As far as not having the speakers I would bet your reciever has a 5.1 config setting.

[heavy_hands]

I have an Onkyo 7.1 system and I find myself seeking out dvd's with 6.1 or 7.1 surround...they're pretty rare still. My gladiator dvd is in 6.1 es discreet, and who the hell knows if there really is much of a difference but it sounds pretty damn good to me.

[SpacePotato]

You guys are weak. I just got a 9.1 system. AND the volume goes up to 11. Bow down to me now.