Re: Dolby 6.1 newbie setup question

I''''m currently using Polk speakers in a 5.1 setup, and enjoying them very much. I just purchased an Onkyo 797 which has 6.1 capabilities. What types of speakers are generally used for the back (mono) channel? <p>Should I get another center channel like my front center? CC sells the rest of their speakers in pairs, and if I understand my receiver correctly, I would have to buy an external amp to connect 2 back channels (7.1 configuration). <p>Is there a noticeable difference between 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1? My local CC store doesn''''t have 6.1 or 7.1 on display.

I dont think there is a huge diff, but I can tel a difference with mine. If you have the room, another center would work well. I have heard this set up with DefTech speakers and it sounded great.<br />I use an older dipole that I had laying around until I decide what to do for mine. I really dont have room for another center myself.

[Masherbrum]

You could use a center channel or the best best would be to go with that additional amp. It may seem like overkill now, but in the future you would already have that amp handy. Just my opinion.<p>Masher

[lfpdlieu302]

couldnt you actually take the signal sent for the rear center and make a jimmy-rigged 7.1? i mean split the signal between a "pair" of speakers that you could eventually use when you buy the ext. amp. maybe not, if you cant do that i would recommend buying the same center as you already have to keep everything smooth.

Thanks guys for the suggestions. (Just got back into town...) I''m heading to the store tonight, I *think* what I will end up doing is getting a little nicer center for the front (CS400i) and move my current center to the rear. I''ll let you know how it works. Thanks again!

Hey Jeff! I run an Integra DTR-9.1 receiver, RT 1000 fronts, RT 1000 surrounds, just upgraded my center from the CS 245 to the CS 400 ( what a difference! ) The Integra is a 7 channel receiver and I am currently using the CS 245 as a back surround and it works great! I was using two B&W DM610 for back surrounds but replaced them with the one Polk Audio ( for better timber matching )when I upgraded the center. I plan on using the B&W speakers for a two channel system down the road. Because the back surround is a mono signal, it doesn''t really matter if you use one or two speakers other than two will help to fill space. If you want to run two speakers off a 6 channel amp you can actuall split the signal and run two speakers off the one back surround terminal. That receiver you have has plenty of power to do that. For best results, you should run speakers with the same tonal characteristics (same size drivers, etc.) as your left and right surrounds preferably identical speakers. They should also be at the same height. ( The tweeters at your seated ear level or no more than a foot above ) Hope this helps...Dave

be careful of the speakers that you choose in a 7.1 setup, particularly the "side surrounds". the reason i mention these speakers is that they are the ones that will be used as "rear surrounds" when it comes to playing 5.1 dvd''s. Example: one of the setups i run is a marantz 9200 with def tech bp2000tl''s for the mains, clr 2500 for the center, bp8''s for the side surrounds, and bp2006tl''s for the rear surrounds. when i play, say the eagle''s hell freezes over dvd in dts 5.1, the bp8''s become my rears and nothing is sent to the bp2006tl''s. and, yes, powered towers for the rears DO make a considerable difference when watching movies with explosions in the background.

Hi All,<br />HomeTheater Mag. performed a test of Dipoles vs Direct Radiating for 6.1 & 7.1 setups. They performed the test utilizing M&K tripolars and switched in and out from direct radiating to dipolar. <p>There test results, which can be found on their website reached the conclusion that the better setup would include Dipolar for the back surrounds and either direct radiating or dipolar for the side surrounds. <p>I use dipoles for my side surrounds and recently purchased a 6.1 receiver. I would like to use one dipole for my back surround but they only sell them in pairs. I''m in a quandry because I have no intention of using two back surrounds because I have a small listening room which doubles as a living room. I may just bite the bullet and go with a Definitive bipolar surround and hope that it complements my Definitive mains.