Hi, I'm a total newb at this audio stuff. I want to get a surround sound system with 5 speakers. I want to know if you can connect 5.1 speakers to all 7.1 recievers or do I need one of those recievers that specifically say that they are 7.1/5.1+2 channel recievers. Thanks.
If you have a 7.1 amplifier, you certainly will be able to set it up as a straight 5.1 - no need to connect all 7 outputs at all.