Surround sound 5.1, 7.1?

srobison62

Distinguished
Sep 2, 2010
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18,510
So we got a new house that has speakers already wired for an entertainment system. there are 2 speakers in the bedroom, 2 outside, and 4 in the living room. I dont know a ton about surround sound, but I know if I put a sub woofer and center speaker I can do 5.1 digital in the living room. I have no idea whatsoever about 7.1 so what I am guessing is that if i hook up the outside right and bedroom right and outside left and bedroom left together on a seperate zone that would be optimal, does this sound about right and if so can any recommend a decent $200 ish dollar receiver?