Well from what I have seen, 5.1 only goes to 500 Watts, and 7.1 can go up to 700 Watts.
However, thats not much of a difference. I have 5.1 and it's messy enough with all of the wires all over the place.
5.1 comes from 5 sides, (5 speakers) so it's obviously surround sound.
7.1 comes from 7 side, (7 speakers) so it is also surround sound.
But 7.1 is usually $100 more than 5.1, and both are surround sound. So...what is the logic paying $100-$200 more for 7.1 if 5.1 is just as good.
For a PC go for 5.1, for a home theater go for 7.1.
