Help Maximize My poor 7.1ch

[twitchyzero]

I have an Onkyo TX-NR801, an older receiver that hasn't been used in a few years. http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=s

Recently my family got a new TV and we wanted to set up a 7.1ch HT.

We have a set of 7.1ch speakers set up (entry level Sony and Bose speakers if that makes any major difference)

the receiver supports Dolby Digital EX / Dolby Pro Logic II / DTS / DTS ES /DTS Neo 6 / DTS 96/24 / THX EX

Now I have the PS3 connected to it via Optical with the follow output settings and checks:
BD audio: Linear PCM
-Dolby Digital 5.1
-DTS 5.1
-Linear PCM 2ch 44.1kHz
-Linear PCM 2ch 48kHZ

Now when i go play games and watch vids/blu-rays, usually it's set on PL II or Dolby Digital. The two surround speakers and the two back speakers are very faint. I want more of a dynamic feel to them. I can barely hear them standing out..and it really sucks when im playing a racing game or watching an action movie.

The back speakers are matrixed/non-discrete..and thus only mono sound comes out. and since it only supports optical/coax for digital audio, i should choose Bitstream instead of LPCM??

So now I'm trying to maximize my surround sound with what I have (not looking to upgrade to a 7.1HD capable receiver).
1. Which of the supported sound mode would be best for what i want?

2.Are there any settings that I can check off to make it better? ( I dunno if my receiver supports ACC, and the other LPCM birates)

I'm a nub when it comes to HT, TIA!

[Guy_LikeWhoa]

If i recall correctly, if the rear speakers are matrixed, then you don't have true surround.

[Presto]

The audio also needs to be encoded for 7.1 sound. Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES support 7.1. I'd just go back to 5.1. More speakers doesn't always equal better. Take out the Bose, at least.

[twitchyzero]

i see
actually the bose speakers are 15 years old and they're still working well for an entry-level speakers.

i know many av guys doesn't think much of bose, but i tested the pitch range between the Sony and my Bose and the latter actually had a way better pitch range.

Wasn't my decision to go with 7.1...but my dad hired some guy to help us drill holes in the wall since we couldnt get the wire up due to the wood support blocking some access so I really wanna make the most out of what i have with the 7.1