I've got a 7.1 set up in a fairly traditional configuration, except I've got bipoles for surrounds and rears. While it may not be perfect, for DVDs in DD of any kind, the sound is great from about anywhere. For stereo, sure I'd rather be sitting front and center, but, if you've got good material, the sound comes from where it comes from in the soundstage. It still sounds great, at least to me. I'm, though, you'll get lots of different opinions from people. I'm running the 950/770 combo w/a Denon 2200 and Def Tech 7001s for mains, 3000 for center and BPVXs for surrounds and rears.