I've not heard width or height speakers, but I can state that the expansion of 5.1 to 7.1 via Dolby Prologic IIx is completely convincing. I don't know which discs have 7 discrete channels and which don't, I just leave it on PLIIx all the time, and enjoy seamless surround effects.


Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011
Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8
Sony PS4, surround backs
-Chris