Let me also throw in my hat to recommend the 5.1.2 route over 7.1 if you can accommodate it. I faced this dilemma back in June and actually have my room set-up to play 5.1.2 or 7.1 based on the disc I'm playing (i.e. older DVD's). Truth be told, even on older DVD's, I enjoy DTS Neural:X simulating 5.1.2 over Dolby EX 7.1.