TX-NR717 and 6.1

I just want to make sure I am correct here. This receiver cannot do 6.1 surround, correct? Im upgrading from a 6.1 Onkyo to this, but keeping my current speakers for now. Does this mean I have to drop the rear center and go to 5.1 until I am ready to invest in 7.1?

Just connect the surround back single speaker you have to the surround back LEFT, run audessey and you should be just fine.

PG 12 of the UM

Doug k

Thanks, I had missed that note in the manual. Am running 6.1 now. Just need to get a better understanding of what the different modes affect. Not sure if I should run a lossless 5.1 PCM signal as "multich" or "Dolby Ex". Would like to matrix the rear center when possible, but without affecting the sound quality too much.