a couple of questions...

[paradigmxp]

I am getting ready to purchase some of the Synergy III series

speakers. I have two main questions. First, as I look

around at receivers, many of them are at or going towards a 7.1 speaker

configuration. Is this really used by anything? Is there an

advantage in getting the extra set of surround speakers?

Secondly, I've browsed the forums and I have seen multiple people

bashing Monster cables. However, they seem to be bashing the

commercialization and price of the cables, not the quality. I

have the opportunity for a pretty good discount on them, but before I

make such a decision, can anyone speak to their quality?

Oh, and I guess I have a third question too... Are there any

links to "typical" or optimal physical location setup for the Synergy

speakers in either 5.1 or 7.1 configurations? I know it depends a

lot on the room and physical layout, but, for example, I've seen some

people suggest on the forums that in the 5.1 configuration to put the

surround speakers on the side walls towards the back third of the room

or so instead of on a back wall. Again, I realize that a lot of

people are going to say "it depends" but is there anywhere to find good

guidelines?

Thanks!

[TheEAR]

First welcome to the forum

A) 7.1 is not needed to enjoy high quality HT ssourround sound.A great 5.1 setup will best a lesser quality 5.1 configuration.

Now quality receivers now all feature 7.1 support and all upscale pre/pro units support 7.1 as well.So if you want a high quality receiver you will buy a 7.1 unit. But even if you have a 7.1 receiver or pre/pro this in no way obliges you to purchase 7 sepakers and a sub.You better start with highter qyality mains and center.Then add a quality set of two sourrounds.

Monster Cable wires,cables and interconnects are not bad,they are simply..overpriced.Some here and other forums equate them with B0$e.They are sadly mistaken and WRONG.Monster Cable manufacture some very high end speaker cables and interconnects.

Simply shop around and NEVER pay retail for any cables of any brand,they are all sold at sky high markups.

C) A typical configuration that will work for the vast majority of people is placing the subwoofer alongside the front wall,a foot or two out of the corner.The mains at least a foot or so away from the back wall,the center placed under the TV on a stand angled towards YOU.And the sourrounds if they are dipoles on the side walls above ear level facong the inside of the room.Or if you get direct radiating,sats...behind the seating position facing straight in the room.

Remember to set your mains to small,as well as all the remaining speakers.And set the level on the sun to 50% on the sub,phase start at 0.Play some material with deep bass and make sure the sub works with the speakers and not against them(phase at 0 or 180).Where bass is more pleny that is teh correct phase adjustment.

[Bill H.]

Para,

Here is a link to the Crutchfield web site. Good info on setting up a HT . Good Luck, and Post Pics when you do get set up!

http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-RtdeQdWA37w/reviews/20030923/5_1_sound.html

[rasavage4]

I've seen a couple of movies that support 6.1, but have yet to find anything that supports 7.1.