Multiple Side Surrounds

[Chad.Wagner]

I got Rives to look at my room design and they are suggesting two sets of side surrond speakers. I am not sure how to do this properly. Any suggestions?

[MyPal]

Chad...Are we still on the Denon v McIntosh purchase consideration here per your other thread posts?

The Denon can definitely do this. All 12 channels are assignable to use in whatever combination you desire. Even the 3 channels typically used for SW can be used as they are the same pre-out electronics as the rest of the outputs. Denon will only do a maximum of 9.3 though. (I don't think there is anything out there that can do height+width yet).

I was bi-amping my centre channel until I decided to go with another MC2301. It was simple to re-assign a spare channel to operate as another centre to accomplish this. Much better than signal splitting.

[LordoftheRingsEE]

---The Denon AVR-4311CI (A/V receiver) can do Width & Height Channels simultaneously; even with the Back surrounds.

Total together = 11 main channels plus three subs. You just have to add a stereo amp (has 14 preamp outs all together).

And the AVP-A1HDCI pre/pro, I'm not sure (with the newer upgrade).

And the newer Onkyo/Integras (10 Series from the top tier receivers, and pre/pros), can also do all the eleven channels simulltaneously, plus two separate calibrations & EQ for the two subwoofers out.

_______________________

** But in your case, for two identical sets of Side surrounds, you simply need a 'Y' connector for each L & R Side surround preouts.
Then a stereo amp per each side. Very very simple. ...You're following me?

And you can still have your Back surrounds for a total of six surround speakers (good for long rooms with more than two rows of seats).

[MyPal]

I have the upgraded Denon flagship pre. It cannot do height & width simultaneously. 9.3 only. The Upgraded AVC cannot do it either.

If .3 is not utilized all LFE goes to front mains if set to LARGE per usual.

[Chad.Wagner]

Originally Posted by MyPal

Chad...Are we still on the Denon v McIntosh purchase consideration here per your other thread posts?

The Denon can definitely do this. All 12 channels are assignable to use in whatever combination you desire. Even the 3 channels typically used for SW can be used as they are the same pre-out electronics as the rest of the outputs. Denon will only do a maximum of 9.3 though. (I don't think there is anything out there that can do height+width yet).

I was bi-amping my centre channel until I decided to go with another MC2301. It was simple to re-assign a spare channel to operate as another centre to accomplish this. Much better than signal splitting.

Cool.

I like McIntosh, but the Denon is looking very good.

I do not think the McIntosh channels can be redirected, but I hope I am wrong.

[MyPal]

Originally Posted by Chad.Wagner

Cool.

I like McIntosh, but the Denon is looking very good.

I do not think the McIntosh channels can be redirected, but I hope I am wrong.

Chad...I believe the MX151 has assignable channels, but you would need to confirm this.

If the McIntosh MX could do 9.3 or 11.1 or even 11.3 & had the analog passthru without any further A/D D/A, then I would have it in a heartbeat. Even better would be the newer ESS sabre32 DAC implementation as is in the MVP891.

If room correction is a requirement & your thing, then nothing else comes close to the MX's superior RoomPerfect implementation.

I guess there is always the MX160 wishlist... http://www.audioaficionado.org/mcint...wish-list.html

Not all processors have a second set of surround L/R outs i.e. Surround "B". What is Surround "B" is typically used for height/width or zone B. You need to check if all channels are reassignable otherwise the signal needs to be split.

[LordoftheRingsEE]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRingsEE

_______________________

** But in your case, for two identical sets of Side surrounds, you simply need a 'Y' connector for each L & R Side surround preouts.
Then a stereo amp per each side. Very very simple. ...You're following me?

And you can still have your Back surrounds for a total of six surround speakers (good for long rooms with more than two rows of seats).

-----With your Mac pre/pro, or any other pre/pro for that matter, you can easily do that.

* That's what the Rives guy was referring to. ...At the end you simply balance your two sets of Side surround channels (four speakers).

[Chad.Wagner]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRingsEE

-----With your Mac pre/pro, or any other pre/pro for that matter, you can easily do that.

* That's what the Rives guy was referring to. ...At the end you simply balance your two sets of Side surround channels (four speakers).

I have been considering this option. When I saw the Denon had time delays for the second set of surrounds I started wondering about what other options were.

I do not need more speakers up front like the new Dolby standard.

[LordoftheRingsEE]

-----...That is exactly why I posted my last post above.
{I knew that you weren't into Audyssey DSX Front Width & Height channels, or Dolby Pro Logic IIz with Front Height channels.}

* Main thing with four Side surrounds is to balance them equally for all the spectators in the room (Forward Side surrounds with the people sitting in the first row or two, and Backward Side surrounds with the people sitting in the last row of seats or two).
Balance as in Level (volume).

Let's say your Frontward Side surrounds are the ones calibrated and EQed by your pre/pro (actually the four Side surrounds will be calibrated equally), and your Backward Side surrounds will be level matched with the Forwards ones by its own stereo amplifier with the addition of a Rane EQ or any other one of good quality (perhaps a Behringer for precise adjustments; volume level and delay wise).
...Manually that is.

...Many possibilities; that is just one of them.

[LordoftheRingsEE]

-----Main thing here is this:

1. The Front Side surrounds are adjusted for the front spectators.
2. And the Rear Side surrounds for the rear spectators.

* What about the Back Rear surrounds? ...Like in a Cinema Theater ...
That's right; for the very back spectators.