7.2 here but one sub is usually idle for my current setup so 7.1 really. One sub for movies and other sub for music listening.

7.1 here - all Mirage Omnisat Micros for surrounds. This is a great little speaker, unobtrusive, easy to mount anywhere, huge sound for the size and $58 a pop on ebay. For that price and 50ft of cable why wouldn't you go 7.1.

Having said that, wouldn't it be sweet if you could steer the amps into specific channels just like you can steer the inputs! 130 watts on the main speakers in a 5.1 system would be saweeeet.

7.1 here too
990/7125
Panasonic DMP-BD10
ML-Fresco-----center
ML-clarity----L+R
Magnepan MMG--SR+SL
Magnepan MMGW-SBR+SBL
Velodyne-DLS-4000R

7.1 System
Outlaw 950/750 -- frnt/centr/surrnds
Carver 505 Amp -- back surrounds
Paradigm Monitor 11 ver 2
Paradigm ADP Surrnds
Paradigm In Ceiling -- Back surrnds
Cambridge Sndwrks MC500 -- centr
Outlaw LFM-1
Samsung DLP 61"
Denon 2910
AH! Njoe Tjoeb CD Player

6.1 here. Gonk helped guide me to 6 instead of 7 for my setup.

Outlaw 1070
B&W CDM CNT - center
B&W CDM SNT - fronts
B&W CMD SNT - surrounds
RBH CT-5 - rear
B&W ASW 650 (12") Sub

I still have an RBH CT-5 that could be the 7th channel but I have to ease the wife into that one. She already hates the speaker stand behind the sectional with just the one

One battle at a time. I might be replacing the front speakers w/ a pair of B&W floor speakers this year. If I do that, then I can get rid of the RBH and move the CDM SNT's to the wall about 5 feet behind the couch and bam, 7 channel, happy wife, (and empty wallet!) :p

7.1 here and couldn't be happier.

Hybrid 5.1/7.1

The DD output is 5.1 and that's the way we listen/watch movies. I use the other two channels (SBR & SBL) for either 7 ch stereo or another format (4 ch-inline) which was a CROWN (Indiana) format from decades ago. This format is accessed using the 7.1 direct analog inputs with re-assignment.

So I get all the usual surround formats from the 990 plus 4 ch inline. SACD is accessed also thru 7.1 direct. Since there is only one set of 7.1's I use a patchbay, normalled to the 4 ch inline, but I can patch for SACD. I would like several 7.1s on next pre/pro revision....though I could use a switcher.

The 4 ch inline was never commercially available. It was hobby recording.

Thanks for all the replies, folks!

It looks like 7.1 is out for me based on workable space around my listening position, but I may try a 6.1 set up.

I recall someone, somewhere mentioning that the pyschoacoustic effect of a single rear surround speaker (i.e. 6.1) is that the center rear effects appear to be happening in front of you, not behind you.

Anyone recall reading or hearing anything about that?

I've tried both 6.1 and 7.2 setups and stuck with the 7.2.
I didn't notice any such phenomon with 6.1.

Videodrome,

I'm not the most discerning listener but i did spend a few hours with some good movie soundtracks after I went 6.1, and I didn't notice any anomalies with the rear channel (6th).