I have read a few posts in here and people tend to think the 7.1 is not worth it for movies.

I wonder if someone can explain the way a DTS-ES (discrete 6.1) signal would work through a 7.1 set-up. Would the back centre info go to both of the rear channel speakers? Same with Dolby Digital EX. I know that DTS discrete and DD EX are not very common, but are there people who have had a positive experience with 7.1?

Also, another reason I am considering it is for 7.1 stereo for music. I have found that since I received my Axiom set-up a little over a month ago, I listen to a lot more music than I use to.

My current set up consists of M60's, VP150, QS8's, and an SVS 20-39PCi. I was considering getting M22's for rear surrounds. I am using an HK630.

Thanks for the input!

cheers,

that is a decievingly complex question. i have your identical speaker config, just with a vega sub.. i have never even heard a good 7.1 system, so i dont feel experienced enough to answer.

but, i am curious as to what others think.

bigjohn

Hey BigJohn,

How do you like your Vega Sub, My little brother had a 15" Vega sub and ended up selling it, only because it was too much sub for his listening area. He loved it, but it was too much.

Greetings,
I found that my former 6.1 system created an almost un-natural rear sound in that it almost felt like a phantom effect that was hard to tell if it was coming from the front or the rear. I think someone else posted a similar observation somewhere several months ago but I can't recall. It is kind of hard to describe, but definately was noticeable. I heard an immediate improvement when I went to 7.1 with a Yamaha 5790, m60, vp 150, qs8 and Hsu STF-3 using Pro Logic IIx.
b.

Considering that these new speakers will be used in a 7.1 music set up, movies as well but I am more worried about good sounding music. Do you think the M22's would be a good choice?

I was also considering maybe the M40's or M50's for the back?

What do you guys think?

Greetings,
My system is mostly used for HT, and due to positioning in the room I have the QS8's all around. I'm afraid I can't really comment on your application.
b.

Each situation has its unique aspects. I had a hard time even figureing out how to add a sixth channel. Our listening position is on the couch backed up against the kitchen wall. I ended up putting the rear channel speaker on the floor facing straight up behind the couch against the wall. There is a bout a 2" slot between the couch back and wall where the sound comes to us reflecting off the wall behind our heads. Works suprisingly well. I don't know what a seventh channel could add.

Din-

i think the 40's or 50's would be overkill.. the 22's are supposed to have awesome mids and highs, and with that SVS pumping some bass, you should have no problems.

as far as my vega sub, i have the LW12 inch sub with 150watt powered amp. the sub definitely has plenty of BASS to go around, but it can sometimes sound 'boomy'. i hope that term makes sense? a better way to describe it might be that it tends to stand out, when its not supposed to.. the sub should make a seamless transition, and intergrate smoothly with the rest of the system.. well, the vega tends to try and stand out and make itself be heard. it does not blend as well as i would like it to. i have been playing with placement, and have found a happy medium, but i have plans on replacing it.

but with that said, the LW12 is a very strong, powerful sub. i still consider it a great 'bang for buck' kinda deal(i paid $209). i just feel the need to replace with a new sub that can match the quality and precise sound that the rest of my speakers have. make sense?? and i aint saying "make sense" to be condensending, i mean it like, "am i explaining it correctly"?

if i was recommending.. if you only had $200 bucks to spend on a sub, then get it.. if you have $400 bucks, get the SVS or HSU.

bigjohn

I thought that the 40's or 50's may be a bit of overkill, but I love loud music. Very loud music.

I wonder, do the M22 move as much air as the M40's? You are right, the SVS has plenty of bass, so I really don't need any more.

if you have so much money it won't matter, go for it.

if you don't have that much money, 5.1 will be plenty sufficient

or you could just donate the extra money to charity or save it for something else more useful.

in my general experiences, 7.1 has not overwhelmed me enough to consider the purchase, despite the fact that i could afford it since i don't have a car, kids, or a mortgage and i'm not a student

Hi Din,

My *guess is that your assumption is correct on the DTS-ES question with 7 speakers, as that is how it works with my setup.

I too have been struggling with the 7.1 question: "is it worth it"? and, lately have been watching some movies (mostly LOTR) that send signals to some temporary speakers I have setup back there for the rears. I've had some interesting results, namely -- if I increase the levels in signal sent to the rears it seems to fill the room up more and accent some of the action scenes. Of course, at too much level increase it got to wierd, and distorted the intended sound track.

I'm really beginning to enjoy 7 channel stereo for music. And, for this reason, I'm going with the QS8's for the rears. (that would make my configuration: M60s, VP150, 4 - QS8, and the 350 Axiom sub) the QS8s are probably over-kill for rears, but I REALLY like the sound I get from my current QS8s, and think that more and more DVDs will be coming out to further extend the 7.1 expereince. (or, to get us all to upgrade DVDs and equipment.)

I recognize that there is some validity in putting direct speakers in the rears, but it probably depends on the room configuration. If you are hanging them on a rear wall -- then directs is probably the way to go. Mine are going on a side wall, about 10 more feet back.

I think we are missing the whole point of a 7.1 system.

In this day and age of Viagra, Cialis and the like.. we forget the power of having to use the short urinal to keep ourselves from dragging in water.

So don't worry about justification for your new 7.1 system. Most people would just buy another car... a speaker system is much more creative!


Buy 7.1 because you CAN!