If I don't have a sub-woofer as part of my setup, do I still need 6 interconnects (a 5.0 speaker setup rather than 5.1) from source to AV Amp? Or are all 6 interconnects required to allow my amp to "downmix" the data to be distributed across the 5 speakers?
Your receiver should have a mode where low freq. effects (LFE) are sent to the speakers and not the sub. You need to select that. In my opinion, the subwoofer is what adds fun and excitement to the home theatre experience. You should get one.
Thanks Hank. Sounds like you are suggesting using 6 cables allowing the amp to remix and redistribute the six channels into 5... Regarding a sub-woofer, if I didn't live in a condo from the 1930's I'd probably own one :-)
I was suggesting using 5 connections and let the receiver does the remix and distribute the .1 channel to the others (or at least the two fronts). Bummer about the condo situation. I live in a house but can't use the sub too much when my wife is around. She hates having the house shaking
