6.1 or 5.1?Again.....

[Synchronicity]

Ok,sorry to bring this up again,but Ive done searches and had a read through numerous posts but Im still undecided.Atm Im using a 5.1 set up with B&Ws(with normal B&W bookshelfs as rears and no sub) and am considering getting an aditional B&w centre to use as a centre rear.

I have a Marantz amp which will not support 7.1 so I have no interest in that;I just want to know if its worth moving from 5.1 to 6.1 .

Once again,appologies for bringing this up again but I would just like to know how many of you rate 6.1 above 5.1 and is the difference that significant?

Cheers
J.B

 

[Martian Phil]

A speaker round the back absolutely does it for me. Been operating with one since before there was DD EX or DTS-ES media about and it just makes the rear surround sound more complete. An upgrade that’s definitely worth it. YMMV.

 

[buns]

i think it depends, some of course cant manage to fit 6.1. It also can tend to be more than a couple of quid..... as your system gets higher end, that extra channel can be very expensive

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[jmack]

well worth it

 

[deckard]

I've just gone 6/7.1 from many years of 5.1. Previously I wondered whether it was really worth all the fuss, but I must admit that I'm impressed by it. Add to the fact that these days 6.1 is virtually standard on all but the lowest amps and doesn't cost a packet to implement any longer and I think there's no reason not to go for it (oh, maybe one - if you're sat right up against the back wall).

 

[Malky1903]

I think you'd better get your poll title changed!
Anyway, I think it is well worth it if you have the room for an extra speaker.

 

[Synchronicity]

Originally posted by Malabbey
I think you'd better get your poll title changed!
Anyway, I think it is well worth it if you have the room for an extra speaker.

Well done you spotted the deliberate mistake

It does seem like 6.1 is favoured atm!
Positioning shouldnt be a problem,I would be able to put it about a foot behind me at ear level(when sitting)so hopefully that should be ok

I think Im gonna have to keep an eye on the classifieds

 

[RaceTripper]

Originally posted by Mr Jason B
...Positioning shouldnt be a problem,I would be able to put it about a foot behind me at ear level(when sitting)so hopefully that should be ok

You'll be better off if you can mount the speaker behind you at 2-3' above ear level. That's what Dolby recommends for surrounds.

 

[Synchronicity]

hmmm,that may be a little awkward actually Ive been thinking me rears are to low as well,Ive got them on stands and I think a lot of the sound is firing into the back of the sofa

Maybe time to get a few paving slabs in
*smiles,realising that sometimes being single does have benefits*

 

[RaceTripper]

Originally posted by Mr Jason B
hmmm,that may be a little awkward actually Ive been thinking me rears are to low as well,Ive got them on stands and I think a lot of the sound is firing into the back of the sofa

Maybe time to get a few paving slabs in
*smiles,realising that sometimes being single does have benefits*

You might try angling the speakers a bit to bounce off a surface rather than getting absorbed by the sofa.

The Dolby Guide to HT Sound might help with some ideas.

 

[tony kop77]

I want 6.1 but was told I would not notice much difference as my bedroom is only 12ft by 10ft.

 

[shodan]

my room is the same size as Kopite's and I didn't notice any difference with 6.1 Setup with Avia etc. etc.

 

[Ed Selley]

I tried 6.1 and found that I simply do not have enough void space behind me for it to work properly (that is give me a rear soundstage instead of an extra point throwing noise from behind my head). I instead raided the company parts bin for some THX dipoles and stuck with 5.2. If you are on your rear wall, the results can be a bit erratic.

 

[Stellavision]

I have 7.1 and it can sound great or it can sound average.
I have heard some EX/ES soundtracks and found no particular sparkle from the source that you come to hope for.
However, listen to Attack of the Clones and I realise why I spent the extra cash. DTS ES Discrete should be the best extended surround format currently available, but listen to the wrong film and it can be dissappointing. I just aquired The Haunting R1 with DTS ES Discrete and that is another one of those films that makes 100% use of your system and make you think wow!

Because of the inconsistency I have found with the current available extended surround formats, I considered going back to 5.1 and using the extra channels to bi-amp my fronts. However, I think those extra special sounding films make it worth the extra speakers.

By the way, whats 5.2?

 

[Ed Selley]

Originally posted by Stellavision
By the way, whats 5.2?

An inability to "get by" on just one sub