My HT listening area is about 13' x 17', and I noticed a subtle but worthwhile improvement when I added two rear speakers to expand from a 5.1 to a 7.1 channel system. The sound is more enveloping both with music and movie soundtracks.
I use a Lexicon DC-1 prepro, and independent of the source material the Lex can generate 7.1 channel sound. If I had not had Lexicon's Logic 7 to generate 7.1 channels, I would not have added the two extra speakers and power amp as I agree that 7.1 channel source material is questionable.
Some of the newer prepros have THX Ultra2 and ASA which I believe can generate 7.1 channels from 5.1 channels, but do not know how that compares to Logic 7.
My speakers are an all M&K sub/satellite system. Originally I had two tri-poles on the sides of the room about 2/3 of the way back from the front wall when I ran in 5.1. For 7.1, I added two direct radiating satellites at the rear of the room and configured the DC-1 accordingly. Yes, its more money, but for me it was worth it.
I use a Lexicon DC-1 prepro, and independent of the source material the Lex can generate 7.1 channel sound. If I had not had Lexicon's Logic 7 to generate 7.1 channels, I would not have added the two extra speakers and power amp as I agree that 7.1 channel source material is questionable.
Some of the newer prepros have THX Ultra2 and ASA which I believe can generate 7.1 channels from 5.1 channels, but do not know how that compares to Logic 7.
My speakers are an all M&K sub/satellite system. Originally I had two tri-poles on the sides of the room about 2/3 of the way back from the front wall when I ran in 5.1. For 7.1, I added two direct radiating satellites at the rear of the room and configured the DC-1 accordingly. Yes, its more money, but for me it was worth it.