5.1 or 6.1 enough?

[migliore]

I didn't want to start a discussion based on spatial obsolecnce of 7.1,8.1,10.2, but talk about actually using 5.1 or 6.1 channels to their potential.

I was trying to think of a clear film example where the sound engineer imaged the effect between my front and rear speaker. Between my FR and RR for example, to create the sense that that effect is actually coming from beside me.

I can't think of one, or a good one. Suggestions?

The more I think about it, you really max your necessity of speakers at the 6.1 level. 4.1 would be enough if you didn't have more than one listener. You could corner load (within reason, or make a hexagonal setup) the speakers, and image almost any point along the perimeter of the room. Inward and outward too. Add front and rear center speakers so that other listeners have a more even soundfield, and you really shouldn't gain anything from additional speakers, other than sound pressure level.

If you actually were to add more speakers, I would guess 2 more would be required, and they'd go along the side walls between front and rear speakers. This would bring you to 8.1, and you now have speakers everywhere. But, I'd think you need to have a good 15-20 feet between your front and rear speakers for this to be of use.

Just my thoughts - sorry if this sounds like I'm beating a dead horse. I just don't want our audio society to embrace these new 'technologies' if we really didn't know how to use the previous ones.

Rob




Reviews and System

[Lexman]

Rob, it's been so long since I listened to true 5.1 on material that really rocks, that it's hard for me to give you good 5.1 examples. Sometimes, I use THX 5.1 for overly bright movies. But that's usually more center activity that drives me to do that. I enjoy the 7 channel plus sub configuration in a room that is about 18 X 19. Actually a little larger area than that would be ideal. Like say 20 X 25. I think that would be a great size for a theater designed for 1 row of seating, maybe two.

Recently I moved my couch back a little bit, which effectively moved my sides ahead of me just slightly. So far, I am pretty happy with the arrangement. I really wish I could push my rears back 3 feet. But that's not possible as they are in the corners of the room, aimed towards the center of the sofa.

Lex





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[MRWILLL]

I feel the same as Lex. My room is 11 1/2 by 27 (wish it were about 6 feet wider), and when I demo 5.1 as opposed to 7.1, there's a big gap in my system. There's nothing better than a contineous great soundtrack with the rears/sides kicking a**.




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[Markj]

I have a 16 x 22 family room that is also the theater. I find that 5.1 is enough. I have not hand the pleasure of having a 7.1 in my house and have only demo-ed 7.1 systems. I don’t feel that I am missing anything but may be ignorance is bliss. I also suspect that because I have planner speakers this helps a lot to file in any voids.