Is a 7.1 surround sound system the right option for you? Find out the pros and cons of this surround sound here.
Kudos! You are a few steps away from buying your new home theater system. No doubt, you have several questions in mind right now, and the chances are one of these questions is whether a 7.1 surround sound is a good investment or not.
“Is a 5.1 speaker the right choice? Or a 7.1 is better since it has more speakers?” These are the common questions that home theater system neophytes often ask. Most are confused about which surround sound system to purchase. A huge percentage of first-time buyers tend to pick a surround sound with more speakers due to the mindset that more is better. It is somehow true, but not always.
The 7.1 Surround Sound System
If you’ve been browsing for a potential new home theater system to buy, for sure you’ve encountered a 7.1 surround sound system.
A 7.1 surround sound consists of five basic speakers, including a center channel speaker, two front speakers, and two surround speakers, together with one subwoofer. Aside from these speakers, a 7.1 surround sound has additional two rear speakers to complete the seven.
The 7.1 provides a great listening experience; however, it is not always the right choice for every buyer. To learn more about this surround system, below is a list of its pros and cons.
The Pros of 7.1 Surround Sound System
#1 Full and Rich Sounds
This surround system reproduces a fuller and richer sound compared to a 5.1. All thanks to the additional two rear speakers that add depth to the audio quality of the equipment. The rear speakers fill the void of the main speakers by catching both high and low frequencies. However, these speakers could not pick up very low frequencies, unlike subwoofers.
#2 For Larger Rooms
A 7.1 sound system can fill a large space with sound. The additional speakers reproduce the sound effects that are difficult to hear in a large room.
#3 Theater-Like Experience
Do you want to start a home cinema? You can never go wrong with a 7.1 surround sound. The rear speakers allow you to have a cinema-like listening and viewing experience. You can feel and hear the sounds around you.
The Cons of 7.1 Surround Sound System
#1 Not for Small Rooms
If you’re living in a small apartment or a studio, a 7.1 sound system is not the right choice. The surround speakers will dominate the front channels resulting in distorted and scattered audio. Likewise, it will be challenging to hear the dialogues and sound effects.
For small rooms, the best option is a 5.1 surround sound.
#2 More Expensive
This sound system is more expensive than a 5.1. If you’re willing to spend more, you can get a top-notch 7.1 surround sound system from a well-known brand.
#3 Difficult to Setup and Troubleshoot
Beginners, beware that 7.1 surround sound is not easy to setup. Also, you’ll need professional help to troubleshoot the equipment. If you are new to sound systems, start with the basics, like a 5.1 sound system.