Adding two extra channels to a 5.1 receiver

[alisrael]

Hi,

Is there a way to add two extra channels to my current 5.1 channel receiver? I have a RV-1105 with Zone A and B, and I was wondering if I can add two extra channel using Zone B? How would that compare to a 7.1 channel receiver? Are there any drawbacks of doing this?

Albert

 

[markw]

Depends on what you mean by "channels"

Each of the 5 (or 7) are separate, distinct channels that are created when your processor decodes the incoming digital signal. For a 7.1 unit, the processor inside must be designed to decode 7.1 channels to begin with. Yours isn't.

You can certainly put a pair of speakers on the "B" speaker terminals, or even run a separate amp and speakers off of your zone two line outs, and they will play what comes from the front right/left speakers, but they won't be a separate, distinct "channel" like the other five are.

 

[alisrael]

Thanks for the response. That is what I thought. The two extra channel just act as a 2 channel stereo speakers. The reason I am even considering this is, I tried couple of 7.1 receivers (Onkyo NR-708, and Yamaha RX-V667), and my RV-1105 sounds so much better and louder than the new receivers. I returned the receivers, and since I mounted the two additional speakers on the ceiling, I am trying to see if I can hook them to my RV-1105. My configuration.

RV-1105
Infinity RS-5 front L/R
Infinity CC3 center
Infinity RS-2 Surround L/R
Infinity ERS 310 ceiling mount (rear L/R)
Klipsch Synergy Sub-12
Epson 8700 UB projector
Samsung Blu Ray
Brighthouse HD Cable