You might be interested in the comments on the Bryston newsletter (the issue just before the current one), where James Tanner interviewed the leading recording engineer in Hollywood (who has done the sound for more than 50 of the most successful movies of the past 10 years). The interview says to save your money on 6.1 and 7.1 surround systems, and instead build a really good 5.1 system, since Hollywood has only released a few movies in the expanded surround formats, and intends to stick with the 5.1 format for a number of years. The engineer who was interviewed said that it is hard enough to get a really good sound mix in 5.1 format, and editorialized that he has NEVER heard a good 6.1 or 7.1 surround recording because it is very hard to achieve.
My own experience is that the 6.1 and 7.1 formats (let's totally forget 10.2) are an utter waste of money for 95% of home theater buffs, since their rooms are too small to accommodate the extra speakers, and few people have the money to buy 2-4 more good speakers and additional amplification.
My own experience is that the 6.1 and 7.1 formats (let's totally forget 10.2) are an utter waste of money for 95% of home theater buffs, since their rooms are too small to accommodate the extra speakers, and few people have the money to buy 2-4 more good speakers and additional amplification.