Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater 5.1 vs. 'poor' 7.1

I'm in the process of completely updating my HT system. I'm was planning a 7.1 system. However, due to several constaints I cannot place the [side] surrounds in the proper place relative to the viewer. Attached is a layout of the living room and speaker placement. The speakers will be in/on-wall speakers (Axiom w-series).

I guess the question I have is would a 7.1 system with badly placed surrounds be worse than a 5.1 system? In other words should I save some money and stick with a 5.1 system if I can't place the side surrounds in the correct place.


Thanks.
Brian