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For a normal but opera-loving human being with 2 ears who does not generally watch WW III, jet flybys, and who likes the orchestra in front where it belongs, do I really need 7.1?
For that matter, what's wrong with 2 (.1?)?
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During construction on our new house the dedicated theater room was pre-wired for 7.1. I eventually found the two back channels to be useless for movies and music. The back-channel loudspeakers were removed and the holes in the wall were covered by more "useful" framed movie posters.
I have efficient speakers and want to set up a 5.1 system. The room is large but the tv and seating will be "nearfield. Suggestions for "bang-for buck systems?
May wait for sales in jan.
They have several 2, 5 and 7 channel amps for very reasonable prices. Free shipping and 5 years warrantys make them the best bang for the buck out there...
-RW-
-RW-
Thrift stores? I couldn't resist an Onkyo receiver for $20; it doesn't do HDMI audio, and there was no remote, but I discovered the Logitech Harmony 200 for $15 (on sale) could be programmed to control it. If you have a Blu-ray player with 5.1 analog outputs, an older receiver could be worthwhile. They aren't a common sight at thrift stores, but I've seen others from $25 to $45. Pawn shops will also have receivers. But, you have to do some homework in case that model has designed-in flaws, and check it out thoroughly because AV receivers are very complicated things with plenty that can go wrong. I'm using the Onkyo right now because my Pioneer went intermittent, which according to the internet is not unusual.
If you need support for HDMI audio, then you should look at new receivers. A gross generalization is that more money buys more power, more inputs, and more channels. Usually if you step up to 7.1 you also get an internal upscaler so you only need one video connection to the display (HDMI). That means there's no need to change inputs on the TV to watch a standard definition set-top box, VCR, laserdisc, or old school game console. Around $200 could get you an entry level 5.1 receiver that may be perfectly adequate. Just check the reviews at Amazon and elsewhere to see if there are any issues. Receivers can suffer from both hardware and firmware problems.
I haven't heard some personally, but some well known by experience or reputation:
-Rotel
-NAD
-Emotiva
-Outlaw
Amony MANY others.
Really depends. What buck do you want to spend for the bang?
In my opinion...
Movies at home should mimic the theater experience minus the spilled drinks and popcorn, people talking, cell phones ringing, $4k candy, $2k drinks, etc. For the best presentation, surround sound, be it 5.1 or 7.1, is the way to go.
Music is best presented by two channels of audio in front of me. That's what I experience at a live presentation and that's what I want at home. I also prefer the viscereal impact of stereo subwoofers because even most floorstanders can't deliver the lowest notes and added realism/space that subwoofers achieve.
At a live presentation, you hear as much sound from the space that you share with the performers as you do directly from them. Good, discrete multichannel conveys all of that while stereo simply cannot.
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Adding 5.1 is more than fine for movies unless you are in the largest of rooms IMO. I have 7.1 and I honestly feel it adds little if anything.
Music = 2 channel with stereo subs also.
Recently I figured that the people that like music in surround probably have very exensive systems, in which case, I could imagine it being good. I have a 4.1 system (once briefly tried 6.1 to hear whether I was missing something in movies and determined that I was not). My rear system is better than most peoples stereos, but I prefer music in stereo also.
You certainly don't need 7.1, but 5.1 can add a sense of ambience when recorded well. I really enjoy opera on Blu-ray with the lossless codecs, DTS HD MA and Dolby True HD. I find the subtitles a much better solution than a libretto. Two of my favorite Blu-rays are the Opus Arte Magic Flute and the Decca Aida. Both have excellent sound with fine sense of ambience and stage.
db
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