Well, my amp is a bit older, and while it will decode 7.1, it it doesn't amplify 7.1. In other words, I could buy an amp and send the pre-out left and right rear to it, and then drive some speakers, but the AVR-2802 itself will only amp a mono rear channel. I figured I'd hang the center rear above the center of the sofa and turn it down if messes with the sound stage too much.