In-walls for 6 & 7

If you must take a carpenters recommendation...

http://www.kef.com/us/custom

KEF also makes a T series flat on wall that may interest you.

If your processor/receiver does not matrix 5.1 into 7.1 then yes 7.1 is currently relegated to newer releases. I find the matrixing ability of even lower end receivers with room correction to be far more interesting and simply more fun than any 5.1.

My Triangle Comet surrounds and rears are mounted high on the side and rear walls pointing down at the listening position. The room takes on a sort of recording studio edge to it that could subjectively be offensive to some but we liked the look right from the get-go.

As always, the more similar and placement adjustable your audio components are the more well balanced the surround effect will become.

db, according to Cary's spec sheet of the 11a it does matrixing. It has "Listener Profile for speaker settings". I'm not sure if that's an automated room correction EQ or simply manual volume and distance settings. Overall it seems like a terrific processor and a great beginning of a satisfying Home Theater.

Montecito eh. I'm coastal (Capitola) and was fortunate to spend six months in Montecito in the early 70's and a few more months restoring and living on a very large schooner in the harbor. I took my wife there for the first time last August and was planning on staying at the Miramar. To my surprise it's been closed for some time and the Biltmore is stupid over the top. I did catch a nice chest high dawn at Rincon. I hadn't surfed there since 67 and the bottom hasn't changed much.

Take care