The question of direct radiating surrounds (M1s) or multi radiating surrounds (QS2s, QS4s, or QS8s) is a bit of a debate. We have found in our testing that the biggest advantage to the multi radiating surrounds is realized when the surround channels are located fairly close to the listening positions. This is almost always the case in a standard home theatre set up where the both the seating and the surrounds are on the back wall.

If I am not mistaken your receiver has built in amplification for 6 channels which gives you a third option for your system. For the added amplifier to go to 7.1 I would suggest getting an amplifier of similar power and decent dynamic head room like the Onkyo.


Ian Colquhoun
President & Chief Engineer

Ian Colquhoun
President & Chief Engineer