5.1 vs 7.2 surround sound: which is better?

[What Hi-Fi?]

Will a 5.1 system suffice? Or would you be better off with a 7.2 surround sound setup?

5.1 vs 7.2 surround sound: which is better? : Read more

 

[Scottm_dj]

Here's the main problem with 5.1 vs 7.1: If like me you have the majority of your SACDs and DVD-Audios backed up (5.1)....and you add 7.1 back speakers, your original 5.1 speakers now become side speakers and it messes up the design of the 5.1 encoding. In fact, the newest Pink Floyd DSOTM Atmos disc basically pokes fun at this very issue.

Another problem is that some of the best equipment ever released like Conrad- Johnson and Audio Research amps & preamps are 5.1 only. It's going to take a really impressive digital component to match the beautifully analog sound quality of those classic meticulously-built pieces.