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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
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.
iplaynaked
193 posts
 
I personally don't like the idea of trying to "sync" two processors, simply to achieve more speakers in the system. I especially am always going to be a fan of QUALITY over quantity, first. I would either rather see you properly place speaekers, and maybe split a pair of rear sides if you must. That shouldn't cause you any problems - with around an equa-distant setup, having one pair just infront of you and one pair slightly behind your main seating area. Not going to be such a big deal with the dealys really (I mean any seat closer to one side of the room or the other is not ideally in a perfect time dealy spot in relation to one left or right side/rear speaker anyway. There's always some level of compromise, ideally.)
A possible other consideration would be some 11.2 processor like what Yamaha does, with "matrixed" front and rear effects speakers.
I just think trying to do multiple pre's, simply so you can slightly adjust another pair of side/rear speakers doesn't make so much sense for the effort. You will eventually get em out of sync anyway. And all that for, what, one extra pair of speakers???
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
WIth all this talk about Y-adapters, let's remember that Mitch4t's Sunfire Pre/Pro has NINE channels of pre/outs (plus sub outs), not 5 or 7. That makes them all controllable and calibratable from his single pre/pro. The 8th and 9th outputs are a synthesis of any other two channels you assign it (such as to fill in the front sides between front L-R and surround L-R, or between surround L-R and rear surround L-R.

If you look at Mitch's system, you'll see he has a humongous amount of space to fill. Most of the rest of us try to achieve that seamless soundfield with an accessory called "walls." :)
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