I just ordered the Emotiva Ultra Theater LMC-1, LPA-1 today and I'm about to take the plunge on a 5.1 or 7.1 Axiom's.
I'm holding off on the order until the sample of the finish arrives and until I can sort out if I want to add the back two surround speakers.
My room is 14' wide and 20' deep and I've choose M60's, VP150, and QS8's for the surrounds. I currently have two Velodyne 10" subs and I do have the placement available for all the 7.1 system.
Now I know that the material to take advantage of the 7.1 really isn't out yet, but... Have those who have added the 7.1 back two speakers really found that they were worth it?
Also I do plan on adding a HD disc player in the future.