There’s an alternative to 7.1 surround sound that’s actually better

Surround sound is nice in whatever way you can get it. Both 5.1 and 7.1 are very good, and I have no doubt you’d be happy with either of them. If you can do a full 7.1 system with Dolby Atmos on top of it, it’s the best of all worlds. However, many people aren’t given that kind of luxury, and I find myself in a similar boat. I have a 7.1 receiver in my living room, but I don’t have nearly enough space to get seven speakers packed into my living room in a way where I’d see any benefits from a 7.1 system.