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Anyone running 9 or 10 speakers in their HT setup?

I am currently running 5.1 and I'm cosidering going with an additional four more full-range surround speakers for a 9.1 setup. Of course it won't be 9 separate channels. My processor(Sunfire Theater Grand 5), only outputs 5.1 discrete channels My processor has outputs for two "side axis" speakers that are matrixed from the front speakers, and it has outputs for regular surrounds and back surrounds. I do know that there is no 9.1 content, but the processor will route the 5.1 signal to the additional speakers. Ever since I saw The Dark Knight at an IMAX theater, I've stayed awake nights trying to figure out a way to replicate the incredible sound that I heard in that theater. My system at home has always sounded as good, if not, better that the sound I hear at comercial theaters...and I've heard some good ones. After hearing the IMAX system, I left with my tail tucked between my legs. I counted six or eight speakers on each side of the room overhead and four speakers in the rear overhead....not counting the fronts and the center channel and the obvious subwoofers. I kind of get the feeling that more is better. I've looked at the layout of my room and I could easily add the additional four surround speakers without ruining my room aesthetics. The additional four surrounds will be mounted 10 feet off the floor as seen in comercial theaters.

The IMAX has changed forever the way I view movies. It is the new Holy Grail of theater sound systems.
mitch4t
steuspeed's avatar
steuspeed
501 posts
 
Johnnyb,

"...And while the image quality in letterbox was good, I noticed quite a drop in resolution compared to fullscreen IMAX shots. And I could be wrong, but I think the letterbox portions were shot in 70mm."

The letterbox portions are shot with 35mm and blown up using IMAX DMR re-mastering proprietary process. Basically they are trying to eliminate film grain. The aspect ratio remains the same, thus the letterbox effect on a squarish IMAX screen.
chadnliz's avatar
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I always wondered if you had a super large room what all the speakers would sound like, but my idea would be to add a second Processor so all channels could be time set properly minus the fronts on second unit but also thought about what would happen with the ability to give the second Pro's a tweaked sound a bit different from main for the rear speakers but it would be cool to try.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t OP
1,486 posts
 
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Somec...the XLR + RCA outs is a great idea! I'll call Sunfire tomorrow and get the skinny. The volume levels shouldn't be much of a problem, I should be able to correct any volume differences with an SPL meter.
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iplaynaked
193 posts
 
Mitch4t? I'm sorry, you said your room is how large? You sit 25.5 feet from the center channel?
Ok, yeah, especially if you have a much larger than normal space, you might want to consider higher efficiency, high sensitivity speakers in an all out HT system! Passive traditional speakers have enough trouble delivering realistic dynamic contrast and impact to a system - as is most always the major factor holding back perceived accurate sound reproduction, with even the most expensive consumer hi-fi speaker systems.
For you, I'd be looking at more efficient horns, active speaker systems - or at least ones with powered woofers, and multiple mid/bass/tweeter drive units for efficiency.
Hope this helps
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t OP
1,486 posts
 
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Naked.......the room is 70' long x 22' wide with a 22' high ceiling. It's a very serious sized room. The projector has a throw of 28 feet...it has to be that far back to fill the screen with a 16 foot wide image. Very nice picture I might add. Any closer than 22 feet and I start to get pixelization and screen-door effect.

I'm outa HT money right now and I've got to use what I've already got. The only thing my finances will allow is to consider upgrading my Blu Ray player. I have four pairs of Infinity Kappa 9 speakers that I can use as surrounds. Of course, they are among the most inefficient, power sucking speakers known to man. But, I have enough Sunfire Signature amps at 1200 wpc (4 ohms) and Carver Silver 9t amps at 900 wpc (4 ohms) to drive them with.

When I get some money, I'll do a makeover and get more efficent speakers next time around. I have tons of equipment that I need to sell off.
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