The best replacement for 7.1 is 5.1.

The best alternatives to 7.1 are rated as following:
★★★★★  5.1
★★★  7.2
★★★  5.1 surround sound
★★  9.1
★★  6.1
★★  7.2 surround sound
★  7.2 surround
★  5.1 headset
★  9.2
★  5.1 surround
★  jailbreak
★  5.1 sound
★  bi amp
★  5.1 sound card
★  7.0.4
★  stereo headset
★  8 channel audio
★  9.1 surround
  2.1
  5.1 gaming headset
  7.2 receiver
  5.1 receiver
  7.0
  5.1 home theater
  7.0.6
  5.1 home theater system
  7.2 home theater
  7.2 channel
  specialized sirrus
  5.1 headphones
  7.2 receivers
  5.1 surround sound headset
  5.1 audio
  7.2 channel surround sound
  5.1 better
  5.1 speakers
  6.1 surround sound

Your alternative for 7.1 is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about 7.1, one probably shouldn't forget about 5 speakers.

Other search terms related to 7.1 and their ratings are:
★★★★★ 5 speakers
★★ only 5 speakers
bi amp
You have in mind a companion for 7.1 and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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7.1
5.1
7.2