Is it Ok to setup 5.1 speaker setup using 7.1 receiver?

Question

Currently I have 5 speakers setup with HK AVR 146 (5.1) receiver, I am thinking of upgrading to HK AVR 247 (7.1) so that I can get true HDMI processing. so is it OK to do 5.1 setup using a 7.1 receiver?

Answer 1

the only thing a 7.1 does is take those two extra speakers and put the same signal through them as the other rear speakers.

It doesn't actually give you better sound, it just makes more noise.lol.

Answer 2

Not a problem.There isn't much 7.1 encoded signals anyway.