7.1 in my humble opinion is a marketing gimmick for most people. If you have a large room where you need those 2 extra speakers to provide seamless 360 degree soundstage, then maybe it makes sense. But for rooms in the 20x15' range I don't see the need. If I had a long room 15 x 30' for example, maybe I'd think about it. Then it only makes sense if you want to fill the entire room, like you have several rows of seating that you want to cover, with the surround speakers. If everyone is sitting within 15' of the front speakers what's the point?
