Now that is a convincing sales pitch for 5.1. "Get 5.1 or go deaf, your choice." I like it. Or, he could use the analog output from his recevier to power a Bryston or Krell 250/c external amp to drive the rear speakers to match the dB of the fronts at the seat - just don't get caught standing near the rear speakers when a helicopter flies over at 120db at the back wall/center of kitchen!
Seriously, if you really want 7.1 have you considered in-ceiling speakers at a distance much closer than 16'. There are some decent models with aiming tweeters to get the axis off of horizontal. The other benefit is the 7.1 music is still spread to your kitchen area without the WAF problems of putting big speakers in the back. Just a thought.

Last edited by Zimm; 02/17/09 07:38 PM.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire