Surround sound systems are used to make audio more realistic and add depth. It improves the sound quality of the subject.
The applications of surround systems are in music concerts, cinemas, theatres, movies, video games, and other playback performances.
The two classifications of listening experience under surround sound systems are 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound systems.
Key Takeaways
- “7.1 Surround Sound” has one subwoofer and seven speakers, while “7.2 Surround Sound” has two subwoofers and seven speakers, offering a better bass response.
- “7.1 Surround Sound” supports a maximum of eight audio channels, while “7.2 Surround Sound” supports up to 10 channels, improving the overall listening experience.
- “7.2 Surround Sound” is more expensive than “7.1 Surround Sound” due to the additional subwoofer and more channels.
7.1 Surround Sound vs 7.2 Surround Sound
7.1 surround sound is an audio system that uses eight channels of audio with seven full range channels and one LFE channel for enhanced bass. A 7.2 surround sound system is an audio setup that uses nine channels of audio with seven full range channels and two LFE for enhanced bass.
The 7.1 surround sound system has high sound quality but provides an uneven base. It is ideal for small to medium rooms.
The 7 stands for the number of speakers while the 1 stands for the number of subwoofers. 7.1 is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms and spaces.
On the other hand, 7.2 surround sound has high sound quality as well as even and clear bass sound quality. The peaks and dips of low frequency are sharp.
In 7.2, 7 stands for the number of and 2 stands for the number of subwoofers. It is ideal for large rooms, giving the waves enough space to bounce back.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | 7.1 Surround Sound | 7.2 Surround Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Number of channels | Eight | Seven |
| Number of speakers | 7 speakers and 1 subwoofer | 7 speakers and 2 subwoofers |
| Advantages | It has multiple channels for audio output and produces an overall clear sound | It has multiple channels with an extra subwoofer for audio output and is ideal for large spaces |
| Disadvantages | The woofer can be localized and may generate uneven low-frequency responses | The configuration is supported only on few sources and require large space for best user experience |
| Application | In-home entertainment and infotainment systems, and movies for audio tracks | Gaming, theatres, in live concerts, in-floor standing towers, and other playback setups |
What is 7.1 Surround Sound?
7.1 surround sound system refers to the eight-channel sound system. Such audio systems are used in home theatres.
The sound system has two additional speakers apart from the six-channel configuration.
7.1 surround sound can split the sound and the rear channel into four other channels.
The audio in the distinct channels is then directed towards the right and left channels as well as the other two rear surround channels.
The positioning of the 7.1 surrounds is to the side of the listener while the rear speakers are kept behind the listener.
The first application of 7.1 surround sound on a large scale was in Boston in a show is Chris Botti in the year 2009.
The application in home entertainment systems was first in Blue-ray Disc and HD DVD.
The eight channels provide audio at a range of about 96/48 kHz and a bit range of 24/16 bit. A few games support 7.1 channels.
There are various applications of 7.1 surround systems like in-home entertainment systems, in movies for audio tracks, live concerts, and other playback setups.
The entire evolution of electronic music revolves around the 7.1 formats. 7.1 surround systems are even used to comprehend the psychoacoustic effects and study the source and imaging.
What is 7.2 Surround Sound?
7.2 surround sound system refers to the seven-channel sound system. The seven channels are placed in the front left, front right, side left, side right, centre, rear left, and rear right.
There are even two subwoofer pre-amp outs in a 7.2 surround sound system, which impacts the room acoustics based on bass frequencies.
The positioning of the 7.2 surround system is two front speakers and two back speakers for the listener. Then, there is an additional set of back/side speakers and a centre speaker.
This makes up a total of seven speakers in the audio system. There is even a subwoofer along with the seven speakers.
7.2 surround sound system supports formats like Dolby True HD, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD, and Dolby Digital Plus.
The devices that are supported in 7.2 surround sound are Xbox One, PS3, PS4, HD DVDs, and other gaming platforms.
7.2 allows the user to be aware of the audio handling ability of the receiver. The two optimized outputs not only provide mid and high-frequency but also low-frequency effects.
The 7.2 is Ideal for large spaces so that the waves can bounce back effectively, and the audio appears realistic and overall caters to an excellent listening experience.
Main Differences Between 7.1 Surround Sound and 7.2 Surround Sound
- 7.1 surround sound brings character to the sound, while 7.2 surround sound brings clarity to the base.
- 7.1 has one additional subwoofer, while 7.2 has two additional subwoofers.
- 7.1 is less expensive than 7.2, while 7.2 has additional charges for two subwoofers.
- 7.1 offers moderate levels of peaks and dips in frequency, while 7.2 offers high peaks and dips even in low-frequency responses.
- The sound quality in the 7.1 surround system is high, but the base response is uneven, while the sound quality in 7.2 is even and fuller in terms of the bass sound.
Last Updated : 04 September, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
7.2 surround sound offers impressive capabilities for large spaces, but the added cost may not be justifiable for all users. This article presents the pros and cons effectively.
I found the comparison table provided in this article to be particularly helpful in understanding the differences between 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound systems.
The main differences between 7.1 and 7.2 systems were clearly presented in this article. It’s a valuable resource for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
The article makes a compelling case for the differences in sound character and clarity between 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound. It’s a fascinating exploration of audio technology.
The article provides valuable information about the differences between 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound systems. Well done!
Excellent explanation of the differences between 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound systems! Very informative and well-written article.
The article effectively distinguishes between the advantages and disadvantages of 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound systems. Well-researched and insightful.
I can’t help but feel that the differences between 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound systems are a bit exaggerated. Is the additional cost of 7.2 really worth it?
This article offers a comprehensive comparison of 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound systems. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to make an informed decision about their audio setup.
I’m not convinced that the differences in sound quality justify the higher cost of a 7.2 system. It seems like 7.1 provides sufficient audio quality for most applications.
The information about the evolution of 7.1 surround sound and its various applications adds depth to this article. It’s not just about technical specs, but historical context as well.
Interesting how the positioning of the speakers in 7.1 and 7.2 systems impacts the user experience. This article provides an insightful comparison between the two.
The discussion about the applications of 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound systems is enlightening. I appreciate the detail and clarity in this article.
The technical details about audio range and bit depth were explained well in this article. It’s clear and easy to follow.
The article does a great job of highlighting the ideal applications of 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound systems based on room size and audio requirements.