Surround sound question. 2.1 or not?

'2.1' is left and right front plus LFE (subwoofer) channel. Are you asking if you can use all '5.1' speakers in front with the surrounds aimed differently, that is, not at the listeners? If so, yes. I suppose I'd start with the surrounds aimed at the ceiling.
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I would not recommend using 5.1 speakers all at the front of the room. I don't think you are going to get the effect you seek. Personally, I would greatly prefer a 2.1 (L, R, subwoofer) setup using a quality integrated amp and DVD player as the electronics. The money saved on speakers could be used to upgrade the integrated amp to a quality unit. Also, some DVD players may have a "virtual surround" feature that will be more effective than the 5 speaker setup you mentioned.

If you really want to try something different, you might consider using something like the Yamaha YSP1 or YSP800. It is a multi speaker array in a single cabinet. It sits above or below your TV and creates virtual surround sound by using phase shifting, delays, etc. It seems pretty cool and would be much more compact than the 5.1 setup you described. It is also purpose built for the application you described.

Polk Audio makes a similar unit, but I've not heard as much about it.

Enjoy,

TIC

Have you thought of wireless speakers for the rear?

Madhf has a point. Some of the current new HT receivers have wireless surround speaker support built in.

TIC

or atleast do 3.1.....Left Center and Right speakers with a subwoofer....that way you get the benefit of good dialogue and Left Right seperation.

you can always run speaker wire around the baseboards of your room as well, and then up to the speakers. Mine run under the carpet, then up the back wall. They are also painted to blend into the wall. Conceal the wiring and go for 5.1. Its alot more fun that way.

Sea2,

Just in the nick of time! Here's a link to a new review of 5 "all in one" single box surround speakers. They review the Polk and Yamaha I mentioned, plue 3 more. This could be the ticket.......

TIC

Sea2,

Just in the nick of time! Here's a link to a new review of 5 "all in one" single box surround speakers. They review the Polk and Yamaha I mentioned, plue 3 more. This could be the ticket.......

http://www.avguide.com/the-perfect-vision-download/?EMC-Issue74email&attr=get-btn-top

TIC