7.1

[Mirage52]

Ok, so in the next month, I will be setting up my viewing room for 7.1.

My room is 10.5 feet by 18 feet with the TV and main seating area on the 10.5 walls opposite one another. I currently have each of my surround speakers in the corner behind the main viewing seat. I am wondering if 2 more surround speakers will be too much. They will be directly behind the couch where I sit to watch TV/movies.

What do you guys think? Does my room need 7.1? I definitely want to hook it up but I am wondering if the sound will be too rear heavy.

[Kedrix]

If your theater is properly tuned, 7.1 shouldn't make a difference at all (except for the fact it should sound even better).  I believe (and anybody feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) that most receivers you can play with the volume on each individual speaker.  That way if something does generate too much volume, you can adjust it as necessary.  I say go for it.  Now, I do have a 6.1 receiver and I never bought the 6th speaker, but chances are when I go 7, I will go ahead and take the two steps then. 

[Gino]

The truth is NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED has nothing to do with it.
You gotta WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANT it.
Actually you will not notice a ton of change.
It will sound more filled out, is all.
It does mean a ton more than a second sub. I don't intend to add a second sub to my theater.
I have the carpeted walls, ceiling, and tiered back seats. Plus my sub is on a platform which allows it to spread out.
I'd put 'em up. It will at least look cooler :-)

[Beckmen]

Even my POS receiver has level adjustments for the channels, so you shouldn't have a problem adjusting the sound to your liking.

Is seven channels too much for a small area? I am inclined to say 'maybe'. It'll all hinge on channel separation. Being able to tell Right Surround from Right Rear, and so on.

[Mirage52]

I am definitely doing it. I just want to do it the right way without feeling like I am going deaf from the surrounds and not hearing the fronts and CC.

I'll get it all figured out.