7.1, imho is the way to go. Get a receiver that can provide 7.1 channels, and you will be good to go. The offer for an audition is still open, so feel free to PM me, and we can set up a time. If not for anything else, you can hear how the QS8's sound...as compared to the M2's. I have both sets of speakers, though, I only have 2 M2's vs. 4 QS8's.