The above is true. Balanced connections are used for AV for that reason.

Also, as scott would say, you could use mono blocks and have the amps as close to speakers as possible.

Or, the amps are quieter.

Either way its better, but for a host of reasons.

There is some trickery used in some balanced applications to save money, but not here.

There are more detailed explainations available that I am sure will follow.

I checked with few sources and was convinced that that I was going with 5.1 than 7.1, and since I was buying less speakers, why not increase the quality of the amp from the 7125 to the 7500.

A very credible source told me its better depending on your room design to have a better 5.1 than a 7.1.

I was set to hand speakers everywhere but was talked out of it.

In fact, In my playroom, I bought down my 7.1 to 5.1 and it sounds much better! To much conflicting sounds.

Speak to a good sound engineer and they will tell you the truth!

But again, it depends on the size of the room, sitting position, and width of room design.

Its all good any way you go.