How many channels should a home theater system have? i see some with 5.1 and some with 7.1, what's up?

Answer 1

5.1 is standard right now for a typical home theater set up. You can upgrade easily to 6.1 and 7.1, but there are only a handful of movies that even have the ability to do these higher formats. 6.1 means you have a rear center speaker (which I heard is pointless, since the human ear sometimes can't differentiate the front and rear center channels. I have a 7.1 and a receiver that has Pro Logic IIx and THX Select. It sounds really good and the intensity of my movies and videogames is night and day to just stereo sound. The Pro Logic IIx turns a 5.1 signal into a simulated 7.1 by the way, so it isn't true 7.1, but it still gets the job done. Go to a few audio places and ask for some demos, never hurts to ask! Good luck!

Answer 2

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I would recommend just going with the 5.1 system. When you start getting into the 6.1 and 7.1 and beyond systems, it starts getting more spendy and more complicated.
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A good 5.1 system will give you a superb surround sound experience without all of the positioning of 7 or 8 speakers. My preference is getting a good 5.1 system and adding an additional powered subwoofer for even more reinforcement and effortlessness in the dynamics and tactile force. Two subs also balance out the dead spots of flat bass in a room.
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Look to Onkyo for the receiver, Pioneer ELITE for the universal DVD player, and Definitive Technology or BIC Acoustech for the speakers.
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H a p p y
H o m e
T h e a t e r i n g !

Answer 3

Stick with 5.1 for the simple fact that most movies aren't even available in 7.1. If you have a good system, the 5.1 will be fine.

Answer 4

a home theater can be 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1 and 11.1 the first number is the number of speakers and the ".1." represents a subwoofer. The higher the number, the greater ther detail. So 11.1 is the best <11.1 is THX standard>

Answer 5

I've got a 5.1 system, and it's wonderful. It all depends upon two limiting factors.

1-Room size

2-Amount of cash you can spend on it.

If your room is small-to-medium-sized, you'll probably want a 5.1 system because of the space limitations...

Cash-wise, mine cost around $800, so you'll want to shop around in any event...

Also, what kind of TV do you have? An older one might not have the correct amount of connections...

Vandevere

Answer 6

i have a 7.1 but only use it as a 6.1. and i must say that in movies it makes little differnce. but when i play playstation, its awesome. especially madden. sounds like your on the feild.