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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
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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somec59
244 posts
 
Chad: Good idea using 2 processors. One of my DVD players has 2 digital coax outputs, and all players do optical and coax out or is there another piece of equipment to purchase? Thanks
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t OP
1,486 posts
 
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I can see the merits of using two processors, however, that would mean two volume controls. It seems a little more trouble than it's worth. I think the simplest solution to add more speakers would be to go with y-connectors out of the processor's outputs. That way all the volume would be controlled by one unit.
chadnliz's avatar
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
The only problem with that is you wont have the proper distance and delay of all speakers in the space, I know 2 units has its issue but again just thinking outloud. The same remote would likely control both units so volume would not be perhaps as big an issue as you assume, once its properly calibrated both would receive same command.
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