7.1 system suggestions for a two channel guy

Triad.

james loudspeakers., Anthem electronics, go with better equipment , so I would suggest a 5.1 system rather than 7.1. Quality before quantity, bear in mind when listening to a home theater program , most of what you hear willcome via the center ( dialogue ) channel. Assuming you will use this as a music system also, the flanking fronts will be important to derive a satisfactory experience. Take your time - good luck!

The speakers should not be chosen until a room analysis is done with consideration of what the seating and treatments will be. Time to read Floyd Toole's 'Sound Reproduction' book, before you spend a dime.

A few months back, I bought a Marantz 7005 and I am favorably impressed. Stereophile reviewed it of late and I agree with the comments.

What is your budget and what are your room dimensions?

Greg

Keep your two channel system until after you build this HT system.

When you play stereo media through this "affordable priced" system using in walls your not going to get the two channel imaging you may be getting now. Even with 7.1, aiming the tweeters has a great deal to do with the surround quality.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very satisfied with a receiver based HT but I have the luxury of retaining my two channel system. Subsequently, I'm not as critical of the 7.1 fidelity. Even so, the HT can be surprisingly good and music video is just too good.

I'll take the stance against 5.1 and for 7.1, its just two more speakers. All the up to date hardware will be 7.1. Small room size and the majority of 5.1 media are moot issues. I've had both and HDMI 7.1 with room correction kills.

Regretably, in wall speakers will never be optimal for two channel listening. Especially given your needs. Keep your towers, find a center channel speaker from the same company and put the surrounds in the walls. The front three speakers need to be matched as closely as possible, the surrounds aren't nearly as critical.

Do they have to be in-wall, or can they be on-wall? Anthony Gallo speakers are perfect for on-wall HT setups, and can still produce wonderful 2-channel sound. You can mix the Reference Strada and A'Diva in any combination to have a great system.

I bought an in-wall and in-ceiling setup from Mirage, but never ended up using them. I went in the other direction and got the OMD-28s. :-D I listed them, but I don't think many like in-wall, as you lose the 3-dimentional soundstage. If you are set on in-wall, email me and I will give you a great deal on these unused Mirage.

Good luck.