>I was wondering if there is a huge difference between using a 5.1 or a 7.1 speaker system?
If you're not using dipole side surrounds and have processing (like Lexicon Logic 7) which intelligently routes the surround channels from 5.1 and Dolby Surround mixes, it's a quantum improvement in immersion. Not quite as significant as going from a good stereo pair with a Dolby Surround track (or down-mix) which extends out nearly 180 degrees to 5.1 but still substantial.
Simple Dolby Digital THX-EX or DTS-ES isn't that interesting. A few sound tracks put a few effects right behind you.
Dipole side surrouns get most of the way there except for the THX-EX/DTS-ES tricks.
If you're not using dipole side surrounds and have processing (like Lexicon Logic 7) which intelligently routes the surround channels from 5.1 and Dolby Surround mixes, it's a quantum improvement in immersion. Not quite as significant as going from a good stereo pair with a Dolby Surround track (or down-mix) which extends out nearly 180 degrees to 5.1 but still substantial.
Simple Dolby Digital THX-EX or DTS-ES isn't that interesting. A few sound tracks put a few effects right behind you.
Dipole side surrouns get most of the way there except for the THX-EX/DTS-ES tricks.